By Chris Brotherton, November 2023.

Amber Family Residential Family Centre, a place shrouded in mystery for many parents before their arrival, often conjures up feelings of apprehension, uncertainty, and nervousness. In a candid conversation, one parent, referred to as Parent A, takes us through their personal experience at Amber Family and shares how this unique environment has changed their perspective on parenting and family life.

An Uncertain Beginning

When asked about their initial expectations before arriving at Amber Family, Parent A admits to having little to no understanding of what a Residential Family Centre was. They believed it was a place for families to undergo assessments of their parenting skills. The absence of clear expectations and last-minute arrangements from their Social Worker added to their nervousness prior to their arrival.

The journey began with anxiety, uncertainty, and the daunting prospect of stepping into the unknown. However, despite the initial apprehension, Parent A expressed their openness to embracing this experience, driven by the understanding that they were here for a reason, even if that reason had not been made entirely clear.

A Life-Changing Experience

As our conversation unfolds, Parent A reflects on their time at Amber Family with surprising enthusiasm. They describe it as one of the best experiences of their life. What makes it extraordinary, according to Parent A, is the opportunity to be together as a family and the unparalleled support and guidance offered by the staff to facilitate growth as a new parent.

The staff’s understanding and non-judgmental approach create a homely atmosphere, relieving families of any pressure to conform but explaining to newcomers the setting is intended as a real-world setting, where they are the authors of their own assessments from day one. Parent A mentions that the support received, for example, staff pointing out alternative ways of doing things, has significantly improved their parenting skills, especially as a first-time parent.

Embracing Opportunities

When questioned about their favourite aspects of the placement, Parent A highlights the various opportunities provided at Amber Family. From mums’ and dads’ groups to activities like messy play and the sensory room, the family finds themselves engaged in enriching experiences. They particularly appreciate the memory books and reading materials that allow them to capture moments they might have otherwise missed or overlooked.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the overwhelmingly positive experience, Parent A acknowledges that homesickness has been a challenge, mainly due to being placed so far from home. However, they’ve managed to cope by focusing on caring for their child and supporting their partner who is also in placement with them.

The Value of Parenting Courses

Amber Family offers a range of parenting courses that Parent A states they have found invaluable. While this parent felt some content aligns with common sense, they explained the courses provided much valuable information and signposting to additional material and information. Specific courses, like Shaken Baby, had a profound impact on their understanding of infant care and safety.

When asked if these courses would have been considered or accessible to them outside of the Residential Family Centre setting, Parent A is uncertain. However, they stress the importance of such courses for all parents and the significant benefits they have derived from them.

A Bond That Grows

Parent A’s perspective on parenting has evolved during their time at Amber Family. The “Five to Thrive” approach, emphasising interactive and narrated engagement with the child, has become a cornerstone of their parenting style. They now understand the significance of everyday interactions in fostering a strong parent-child bond.

A Legacy of Love and Learning

As Parent A prepares to leave Amber Family, their most cherished memory revolves around the staff, whom they now consider extended family. The experience has strengthened their relationship as a couple and deepened their bond with their child. The parent-child attachment they’ve developed, marked by effective communication, and shared experiences, will undoubtedly shape their family’s future.

Parent A’s journey at Amber Family is a testament to the transformative power of supportive environments, valuable resources, and the determination to learn and grow as a parent. This story serves as a reminder that, regardless of circumstances, seeking help and embracing learning opportunities can lead to a lifetime of positive outcomes for both parents and children.

Summary

In a candid account, a parent known as Parent A shares their transformative journey during their time at Amber Family, a Sefton-based Residential Family Centre. Initially arriving with uncertainty and apprehension about the purpose of the Residential Family Centre, Parent A soon found it to be one of the most enriching experiences of their life. They praised the centre’s supportive and non-judgmental staff, highlighting the warm and homely atmosphere that allowed families to be themselves and actively shape their own assessments. Parent A’s parenting skills significantly improved, particularly as a first-time parent, thanks to the guidance and alternative approaches provided by the staff. The centre offered a rich array of opportunities for parents and children, including group activities, memory books, and reading materials that helped capture precious moments.

Despite homesickness, Parent A focused on their child’s well-being and supported their partner, who was also part of the placement. The parenting courses offered at Amber Family were deemed invaluable, offering vital information and safety insights, leaving Parent A with an enhanced understanding of infant care. As they prepared to leave, Parent A cherished the close bond they had formed with the staff, whom they now considered an extended family.

This experience had not only strengthened their relationship as a couple but also deepened their connection with their child, setting a positive trajectory for their family’s future. Parent A’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that seeking help and embracing learning opportunities can lead to a lifetime of positive outcomes for both parents and children, regardless of circumstances.