MLM-tool For professionals working with children during the first 1,000 days

The first 1,000 days are crucial for both parents and children. Yet many (expectant) parents feel like they’re on their own. As a professional, you can make an immediate difference. With the [tool], you can help parents identify, strengthen, and make the most of their support network—for greater peace of mind, support, and resilience. 

 You don't have to do it alone—help parents discover their network 

As a professional, you know that the first 1,000 days—from pregnancy through a child’s second year of life—are crucial. During this period, not only are the foundations laid for the child’s development, but the parents’ lives also undergo profound changes. Their daily routines, their relationship, their work, their health, and their social lives all shift. 

These changes are demanding. Alongside joy and pride, there is often fatigue, uncertainty, pressure, or even mental health issues. Yet we know that a strong social network actually protects parents from stress and burnout. Still, many parents don’t talk about it—and often don’t even know who is truly there for them anymore. 

Parenting: Everything Changes 

Pregnancy and parenthood bring about major changes. Priorities shift. Friendships and family ties take on a different form. Sometimes parents no longer live near family, or their ties have grown looser. It is precisely during this phase that a support network is invaluable: for practical help, emotional support, and the reassurance that you’re not on your own. 

What We Learned from (Expectant) Parents 

As part of the European PATH project (2019–2023), in which we participated using the MLM methodology, we spoke with hundreds of (expectant) parents. Under the name MattieClick , we helped parents map out their networks. 

The result? Many parents discovered that there were more people around them than they realized. Sometimes these were old acquaintances who could be reached out to again; other times, they were neighbors, friends, or family members who were eager to help—but had never been asked. 

MLM stands for My Life With...? and is an accessible, digital method for literally visualizing one’s social network. Parents place themselves at the center and map out their network in five steps.  The result is a visual map that provides an overview and insight into the people in their lives and who their supporters are—supporters who are often there but not always visible. 

From Self-Reliance to Mutual Support 

Our society places a lot of emphasis on “being able to do everything on your own.” But during the first 1,000 days, collaborative care works better: building on and strengthening connections. The “ MLM-tool ” initiative makes this concept concrete and open to discussion. 

How You Can Use the " MLM-tool " 

The " MLM-tool " is suitable for a variety of settings: 

• Individual support: as a midwife, pediatric nurse, postpartum nurse, coach, or family worker. 

• Group Approach: in parenting classes, drop-in centers, community centers, or parenting workshops. 

• Together with your partner and family: to start conversations about who can take on which role. 

The tool is easy to use, both online and on paper, and immediately provides guidance on next steps. 

Mental health starts with connection 

Many mental health issues among young parents stem from feeling like they’re on their own. By making their support network visible, you strengthen their resilience, their well-being, and their child’s opportunities for development. The “ MLM-tool ” isn’t a magic bullet, but it is a first, powerful step toward greater peace of mind, support, and connection during a time of profound change. 

Would you like to help parents (re)discover their network? 
Make the “ MLM-tool ” a regular part of your counseling. This way, you’ll make the invisible visible—and help parents build a foundation that will benefit both them and their child for the rest of their lives. 

In just one day, you'll learn how to apply the " MLM-tool " in your work. Sign up for a training session now .