A Different Story - the power of connection
When your child needs extra care, parenthood often feels like top-level sport: intense, emotional, and sometimes lonely. Sarah Rose LaPham knows this better than anyone. She is the mother of a son with a rare condition and the director of A Different Story, a parent platform in Amsterdam. What began as a small initiative in her living room has grown into a vibrant meeting place for parents and children alike.
“It’s not the quantity that matters, but the quality of the conversations and the connection.”
A place to truly land
The idea grew out of a personal need: Sarah missed a safe space where parents could share their stories without having to explain everything over and over. “As a parent, sometimes you just want to drink a cup of tea and cry or laugh with other parents, without having to care for your child at the same time.” That’s why she arranged childcare during meetings. It turned out to be the key to success: only when parents know their children are being cared for, real conversations can happen.
The group meets monthly, in English. This makes the platform accessible to parents with international backgrounds. The core group now consists of about 10–12 parents, with roots in Chile, Israel, America, and the Netherlands, among others. For many, the meeting is “the best moment of the month.”
More than just a support group
A Different Story is not a casual coffee gathering, but a safe and vulnerable space. Parents learn to find their voice, exchange experiences, and support one another. Out of this foundation, new initiatives have emerged:
Workshops, such as non-violent communication, specifically tailored to life with a care-intensive child.
Group activities for children (ages 8–16) with intensive care needs. While the children dance, sing, or do art under supervision, parents get some breathing space.
Support with healthcare and education, thanks to a client support worker who helps families navigate the social care setting and arrange care and support for their children.
Visibility and awareness, through social media and building an online community.
Recognizing vulnerability
One important theme in the group is living loss: mourning the dreams that may never come true. Sarah explains: “You think you’ve gotten past it, but with every milestone – a birthday, a missed step – the feeling comes back.” By sharing these emotions, parents not only find recognition but also strength.
Not numbers, but impact
For Sarah, success isn’t measured by large numbers of participants. “It’s not the quantity that matters, but the quality of the conversations and the connection.” Still, the group continues to grow. New parents join regularly, often through word-of-mouth or by discovering the group online. The international character makes A Different Story unique: families from many cultures find a safe place there.
What makes A Different Story special
Childcare as a prerequisite for real parent support.
Professional guidance by an experienced therapist, ensuring the conversations remain safe and meaningful.
Space for emotions: from tears to laughter, everything is welcome.
Practical support: not just talking, but also concrete help with arranging care and navigating the Dutch system.
Making a difference together
A Different Story shows that a small group of parents can make a big difference. In a city of millions, sometimes ten parents are enough to start a movement that changes lives. Or as Sarah puts it: “You don’t have to do it alone. Together we can go further.”
Want to know more? Visit A Different Story and discover how this parent platform supports and inspires families.
Lees dit interview in het Nederlands