Intervention program “STEEP™”

For good parenting from the very beginning

The birth of a baby changes many things in life. Sometimes it's difficult to cope with these fundamental changes. That's why we support mothers and their children as they embark on their shared future, helping them build a secure mother-child bond: STEEP™ stands for Steps Towards Effective and Enjoyable Parenting and is an intervention program designed to strengthen the parent-child bond.

The child's well-being is our top priority. Ideally, the program begins in the last trimester of pregnancy and continues until the child's second birthday. If life with a baby proves challenging, we work with mothers to find solutions. They are encouraged to let go of burdensome experiences from their past and explore new approaches to parenting.

This way, they can improve their relationship with their child. Our approach is always appreciative, respectful, and resource-oriented. We meet parents as equals and empower them as experts on their children.

STEEP™'S GOALS ARE:

• Promoting joy in children and parenthood
• Develop a healthy, realistic attitude towards pregnancy, childbirth and raising children
• A better understanding of child development and realistic expectations of child behavior
• Promoting sensitive, predictable responses to the child's signs and signals
• To empower parents to see the world through the eyes of their child
• Create a safe home environment
• Identify and strengthen the family's social support networks
• To support mothers in recognizing and using their own resources
• The examination of biographical aspects of the mothers

Methods:

Home visits:
The STEEP™ consultant takes the time to address all individual questions and concerns.

Video recordings:
"We believe what we see" – The STEEP™ consultant films short sequences of mother-child interaction. The focus is not on criticism, but rather on working together to identify where the contact between mother and child is particularly successful.

target group is
pregnant women and mothers with babies. The program is primarily intended for young mothers who are having (or have had) their first child. It also includes fathers.

We offer STEEP™ as part of outpatient support services – SPFH (§31, §27,2), BJW (§34).