Sander and Susan are support parents

When Fiori suddenly found herself alone with two young children as well as an education, combining care, study and time for herself became a big challenge. She wanted to be there for her children, but also have space to catch her breath and complete her education. Through Welzijn Lelystad , she found a solution that gave her air: support parents.

Time for oneself

Every other week, her children visit support parents Sander and Susan. This not only gives Fiori practical space to do homework or take a break, but also the opportunity to consciously spend time with each child individually. 'I have some time to myself and I do some things for myself. I also use this time to do homework for the course I am doing,' she says.

Helping someone

Sander and Susan experience it as something natural: 'It is so easy to help someone in this way. Just by temporarily adding a child to your family.' The children rotate into family life, go along to birthdays and feel welcome.

Good click

Coordinator Liesbeth Krouwel stresses the importance of a good click:

Only when you know your child is in good hands can you as a parent really let go. Time and space for yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity.

- Liesbeth Krouwel, Steunouder coordinator