A Fresh Start for Amanda
Amanda, a single mum of four, found herself at a crossroads when she left a mentally abusive relationship. Determined to build a better life for herself and her whànau, she moved to North Otago, far away from the familiar faces and support she once relied on. The isolation was challenging, and with no natural supports, Amanda struggled to adjust to her new reality.
It wasn’t the first time Amanda had received support from Family Start, as a first-time young mum with her eldest child, (now an adult), she was supported with resources and guidance to boost her confidence in those critical first 1000 days. Her eldest son is now in his 20’s, thriving and living independently. Nearly two decades later, it came as a relief when Amanda was reintroduced to the Family Start Programme.
Struggling with her new-born baby, who was hard to settle, often crying for hours due to colic, Amanda felt exhausted and overwhelmed, questioning whether she could manage it all.
“Amanda was referred to Anglican Family Care’s Family Start Programme [North Otago], by her Plunket Nurse. Sam was four months old when we first met. Amanda’s mental health was deteriorating due to lack of whānau support and community support and was feeling very isolated.” Whānau Worker, Jen explains.
From that first engagement, Jen became a constant in Amanda’s life—someone who listened without judgment, offered practical advice, and encouraged her through every challenge.
Together, they tackled Sam's colic with new settling techniques, helping both mum and baby find some peace. And as he developed, and his behaviour became difficult, Jen suggested introducing an emotions chart, a simple but powerful tool that transformed their days. Through guided conversations and playful learning, Sam began to identify his feelings—happy, grumpy, or sad—and learned new ways to express himself.
The Family Start Programme also helped Amanda enrol Sam in a local pre-school. This not only gave Amanda some much-needed breathing space but also offered her tamariki a structured environment to learn and grow. Sam’s behaviour has improved significantly with the positive reinforcement strategies his mum and the preschool adopted.
Jen told us that Amanda has made significant strides. “She has become a confident parent. She has met new friends through her church and playgroups which has supported her mental health and the feelings of isolation. Amanda is consistent in her parenting and provides a safe, predictable environment for her tamariki in which to thrive.”
Amanda reflects on her journey with deep gratitude. "Parenting on my own has been tough, but Jen never made me feel like I was failing. She reminded me of my strengths and celebrated every little win with us. That positive reinforcement meant everything."
Today, Amanda and her children are thriving. She feels more confident in her parenting and is proud of the progress they’ve made together. “Thanks to the Family Start Programme, we’re in a much better place. I’ll always be grateful for the support that got us here.”
