As part of the Health4EUKids project, the National Institute of Public Health Slovenia (NIJZ) is working on integrating the Finnish “Smart Family” lifestyle counseling method into the healthcare system. We have decided to implement this method into the work of community nurses, who continuously visit families during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—a critical period for preventing childhood obesity. By supporting families with healthy lifestyle choices early on, we can significantly reduce the risk of childhood obesity and foster better long-term well-being.

Ten dedicated community nurses from various regions and 4 regional coordinators of community healthcare volunteered to participate in the pilot implementation of Smart Family method. In the spring of 2024, we were excited to host a series of online meetings aimed at introducing the method and tools. The goal of these sessions was to equip nurses with the knowledge and resources necessary to better support families in their communities through a family-centered and resource-focused approach to lifestyle counseling.

The introductory meeting was held on 16^th of April and it served as a welcoming session for all participants. The focus was on familiarizing the nurses with each other and introducing the Smart Family method. We emphasized how strength-based approach, which follows the process of positive development, shifts the focus from addressing problems to recognizing and building on the inherent strengths of families.

During our second session on May 16th, we delved deeper into the theoretical foundations of the Smart Family method. The session began with a discussion on the key determinants of health during the first 1,000 days of life, which play a critical role in shaping lifelong health. This was followed by an exploration of behavioral theories, providing insights into the factors that motivate individuals to change. The nurses gained a better understanding of the stages of the change process, and we discussed how to support individuals effectively through these stages to encourage sustained lifestyle changes.

The final meeting of the series took place on June 13th and was dedicated to hands-on exploration of the Smart Family tools. We reviewed the tools in detail and through collaborative discussion, selected the ones that would best support the community nurses in their work with families. These tools are designed to assist counselors in getting to know the individuals and families they are working with, focusing on identifying and building the strengths and skills necessary for behavioral change. Additionally, the tools provide valuable information on lifestyle-related topics, supporting families as they work towards healthier habits and long-term well-being.

We are proud of the community nurses who participated in these introductory sessions, where they gained a solid understanding of the basics of the Smart Family method. Looking ahead to the autumn, the nurses will receive two in-person training sessions, which will further develop the skills needed to effectively apply the method in their practice and support families more comprehensively.