During the illness process, parents go through different periods in which they experience more or less space to reflect on their own needs and reflect on what their child's illness means to them.

By paying attention to meaning making in an accessible way from the start, the subject is normalized and parents get the feeling that attention is also being paid to their own concerns and needs.

Not all parents have room for an extensive conversation, and parents may have preferences in who they want to talk to about this. Respect parental boundaries, and try to provide support at a level that suits them.

Below you will find the CONNECT 4-phase model, which ranges from low-threshold attention to structural guidance.

Reasons to call in professional support can be:

• When the issues parents struggle with are too complex to discuss on their own;
• If there is conflict or abrasive relationships between parents or between parents and caregivers;
• If the parent seems lonely, or is having trouble supporting themselves;
• When parents go through long periods of overwhelming emotions;
• If parents themselves wish this, or indicate that they want more/longer support than you can offer.

For parents who benefit from long-term support, a subsidy is available to provide parents with spiritual support or grief and loss counseling at home. You can read more about it in the folder Information impulse Mental Care and grief .

The network coordinator of the Network Integral Child Care (NIK) in your region knows the various professionals who work in your area and can help you find a support person. Here you will find the most recent information and contact details of the network coordinator in your region.