"If all parents in Bremen know what early support services are... and where to find them – then Bremen will be in a really good position! And then a truly important building block for supporting families will be well implemented.".
This is according to Claudia Tiedemann, network coordinator for early intervention services at the Office for Social Services (AfSD) in Bremen. She explains why she considers "early intervention services" so important and what she wishes for parents in Bremen in the following blog post.
How wonderful would that be…
…if all expectant and new parents knew that they are not only entitled to child benefit, but also to support in everyday life with a baby! This support is called "Early Help" and is aimed at all parents who are expecting or have had a child, to help them master this exciting but also demanding phase of life.
Early help services are offers and support services aimed at expectant parents and parents of young children up to the age of three, for example parent-child groups, breastfeeding support groups or advice on "baby topics".
“All parents want the best for their child…” …these are the opening words of the film “What are Early Intervention Services?” by the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA)
My immediate thought is: Of course! Who wouldn't agree? We all want the best possible development for our children, we want to protect them, make them strong, and give them a wonderful upbringing! Especially babies and young children, who are still so vulnerable, are something everyone instinctively wants to protect and treat with love and care.
This intention is wonderful, but in reality, parents often experience their own worries and burdens alongside overwhelming love.
New life, new worries
Because in everyday life there are also these days:
- They look at their growing baby bump and ask themselves: How am I supposed to bear this enormous responsibility?
- Your mind is racing – you're worried about time, money, relationships, work, and the future.
- Your baby is crying and crying and there seems to be no way to calm it down.
- As a mother or father, you are at the end of your strength and wisdom.
There are moments when uncertainty is overwhelming and you long for support. It's wonderful when friends and family are available and ready to offer help and advice. But what if that's not the case?
Families deserve support!
Have you watched the short film ? What about you, dear reader? Are you familiar with the fantastic programs offered in Bremen – most of which are even free? Where would you go if you had a question or wanted to meet other parents? Do you know who you could ask for help? The film asks: "Isn't there someone somewhere who can help me in a situation like this?"
My wish as network coordinator for early intervention services is that all pregnant women and new parents in Bremen can answer this question with "Yes!".
We have so many great colleagues in Bremen who are committed to the needs of the youngest children and their parents – be it in pregnancy counseling, at Pro Kind, the family midwives or in the early intervention centers.
Get to know us and find out what early support services Bremen offers its families!
Browse our guide | Support and advice during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first years of life , and give us a call. Even if the pandemic makes it difficult to get in touch easily, don't stay alone – especially if you have worries.
It would be good if THAT existed…
Families are diverse and varied, with their own ideas and values, and their own unique stories. Generalizations about "families" are difficult, as each possesses its own individuality.
Is there anything your family feels is missing in Bremen? Do you wish for early intervention services in a form you haven't yet found? Please let me know! As network coordinator, my role is to gather such wishes and needs and work with colleagues in the network to ensure that Bremen's services are well-suited to people's everyday lives.
Therefore, I invite you to write to me: What are your concerns regarding early intervention services in Bremen? What are your wishes for us – the Early Intervention Network? I look forward to hearing from you!
Claudia Tiedemann can be reached by email at claudia.tiedemann(at)afsd.bremen.de.
Claudia Tiedemann works as a social worker in the Office for Social Services of the Free and Hanseatic City of Bremen. Since April 2020, she has been the network coordinator for early intervention services.