Living abroad often forces families to walk a fine line between independence and interdependence — between “I’ve got this” and “we’ve got this.”
In this episode, host Eva sits down again with Angela from the Expat Parenting Collective to unpack how couples can find balance while raising families in a new country. Together, they explore:
What independence and interdependence really mean for expat parents
How to share responsibilities without resentment or burnout
Why intentional communication matters more than ever
Ways to blend home and host cultures for a grounded family rhythm
Practical tools like weekly check-ins, shared calendars, and outsourcing
Whether you’re parenting without a village, navigating new cultural norms, or trying to lighten the mental load — this conversation reminds you that you don’t have to do it all alone.
Listen in for real strategies, honest reflections, and encouragement for every international parent building a home away from home.
Leaving is never easy — not for those who go, and not for those who stay.
In this special episode of Dam Parenting, we speak with Erin, a fellow international parent who made the heartfelt decision to leave the Netherlands and return home. After starting her family abroad, Erin chose to move closer to her extended family — recognising what her child and her own wellbeing needed most.
Her story is one of courage, reflection, and love: the strength it takes to say goodbye, the gratitude for the friendships and community built here, and the reminder that every goodbye carries a piece of the Netherlands back with it.
For expat families, migrants, and internationals navigating life abroad, this episode offers an honest look at what it means to choose home — and why leaving is also part of the journey.
Listen to honour the shared stories of our community — and to say thank you to Erin, for reminding us how connection, even across distance, continues to shape our families and our lives.
In this episode, child psychologist Faye Poole joins Eva to unpack how social media shapes the modern idea of “perfect parenting.” From picture-perfect feeds to parenting influencers, we explore why so many parents feel they’re not doing enough — and how comparison culture can quietly impact both parental wellbeing and children’s sense of security.
Faye shares practical ways to step back from the pressure, build self-compassion, and model healthy digital habits at home. Whether you’re a new parent scrolling for advice or just trying to keep it real online, this conversation will help you see past the filters and reconnect with what really matters.
Listen for insights on:
The link between social media and parenting perfectionism
Why comparison undermines confidence
How to talk to kids about online “perfection”
Simple mindset shifts for calmer, more authentic parenting
What happens when two parents share one child… but not the same “why”?
This week on Dam Parenting, we explore what really happens behind the scenes of raising a multilingual child when parents aren’t aligned on their motivations, values, or goals.
Host Eva speak with Mimi from Growing up Multilingual who dives into what she’s learned after years of speaking with multilingual families — and why parental alignment isn’t a “nice-to-have”, but the foundation of any successful family language plan.
Because no strategy will ever stick if the people shaping the child’s world are pulling in different directions.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
* Why many couples overlook the importance of discussing their language goals early on
* How silent misalignment can quietly erode even the best intentions
* The 5 key questions every couple should ask before starting their bilingual or multilingual journey
* How your own language beliefs, identity, and childhood shape the way you raise your child
* What happens when “heritage language” becomes emotional territory
If you’ve ever wondered why your partner isn’t as invested in your child’s language learning—or why your family’s plan feels harder than it should—this episode will help you start the right conversations.
Because raising a multilingual child isn’t just about the child.
It starts with you, the parents — your “whys”, your alignment, and your shared understanding.
Listen now and discover how to make your family language plan a truly shared journey. And be sure to check out the Instagram carousel providing you with more questions to consider in your journey.
Our thanks as always to Mimi from Growing up Multilingual
Halloween is just around the corner — and the Netherlands is getting spook-tacular!
This week, Samira from Amsterdam Kids joins us to share her top picks for family-friendly Halloween fun — from pumpkin patches to science parties and everything in between. Whether your kids are tiny pumpkins or full-on thrill seekers, we’ve got something for everyone:
Robbeburg — little-kid-approved Halloween crafts and costume fun
Pumpkin picking — the perfect autumn photo op (and pie excuse)
Speeltuin Amstelpark — cozy autumn playtime with a spooky twist
NoordOogst — family farm vibes, treats, and community Halloween spirit
Groteschijn — magical light festival nights
Walibi & Heksendoorn — for the brave (and slightly older!) ghouls
Science Camp Halloween Party — experiments that glow, fizz, and go boo!
Cultural Trick-or-Treat events — creative costumes, candy, and community fun
So whether you’re planning your first pumpkin adventure or mapping out a family fright night, tune in for ideas that make this Halloween magical for both young and old.
Stay till the end — there’s a special giveaway for the Science Camp Halloween Party!
It’s Herfstvakantie — the week every Dutch parent remembers that “autumn break” actually means a full week of keeping the kids entertained while it rains horizontally.
This week, Samira from Amsterdam Kids joins us to shine a light (and possibly a flashlight through the storm) on the best things to do with little ones — especially ages 0 to 7 — across Amsterdam and beyond.
From pumpkin patches to play cafés, here’s what made our “yes, that’s actually worth putting on real pants for” list:
Rainy-day heroes:
Nature & Outdoor Escapes:
Easy day trips:
For the crafty stay-at-homers:
Whether you’re chasing puddles, dodging tantrums, or just praying for one peaceful cup of coffee, this episode’s got your Herfstvakantie survival plan sorted — with tips, laughs, and plenty of parent-tested ideas to make the break actually feel like... well, a break.
Listen now, follow the show, and share with a friend who deserves a medal for making it through midterm break.
Thanks to Samira from @Amsterdamkids_nl
Or check out their website Amsterdamkids.com
#Herfstvakantie #AmsterdamKids #FamilyFunNetherlands #ThingsToDoWithKids #ParentingPodcast #DutchLife
Join us as we spotlight Healthy Here’s upcoming event on November 1st in Amstelveen — a free community gathering designed to help internationals connect directly with the Dutch health system. No huisarts (GP) referral needed for this one!
This event is all about breaking barriers — meeting trusted Dutch health professionals face to face, asking questions in plain English, and finding the support you need to navigate healthcare in the Netherlands with confidence. Whether you’re new here or have been around for years, Healthy Here is creating a space for connection, clarity, and community wellbeing.
Tune in to learn more about what to expect, who’s involved, and how this event is shining a light on another incredible member of our growing international community.
Free to attend. Open to everyone. Because better health starts with being seen, heard, and understood.
In this episode, host Eva and Angela from the Expat Parenting Collective dive into what it really takes to build strong relationships as international couples and expat families.
They talk openly about the challenges of love, communication, and parenting abroad, and why no relationship is ever easy — especially when you’re juggling cultural differences, distance from family, and life in a new country.
This episode is a reality check for expat partners and global parents, reminding us that relationships are partnerships — not just with our spouses, but with our children too. With honesty and warmth, Eva and Angela share how to stay connected, communicate better, and create a sense of home wherever you are.
Listen to learn:
How to strengthen relationships while living abroad
This topic came about from Angela's post earlier in August you can find here
You can access The Expat Parenting Collective free ebook on how to support yourself as part of an expat/immigrant couple living far from your core suport network here
This episode marks our very first collaboration — and it’s all about family science fun in Amsterdam!
Dam Parenting is teaming up with The Science Camp, who have just launched their brand-new science learning space in Amsterdam West, (Kinkerstraat 70). Together, we dive into how hands-on science activities inspire kids, spark creativity, and bring families together.
To celebrate the opening of The Science Camp’s new location, we’re giving away special family passes and prizes — perfect for parents looking for exciting things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
PRIZES UP FOR GRABS
The Toddler Lab - Wednesdays 0930 - 1030
The Science Weekend (October 4th) 2 sessions
10:00 - 11:15 (ages 4-6) Crazy Chemistry:
Learn about chemical reactions with colorful and explosive experiments.
13:00 - 14:15 (ages 7-10)Astronomy Adventures
14:15 - 15:30 (ages 7-10)
Journey through space and learn about stars, planets, and the universe.
1 day ticket to the Science Camp in the Herfst Vakantie
Location: Henrick de Keijserplein 45
From 9:00 - 15:00
Age: 5 - 10 years
Price: €70 per day ( available Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday)
Follow them on Instagram
Happy International Podcast Day!
In this special episode, Eva takes a moment to reflect on the podcast’s journey—150+ episodes, 20k+ downloads—and the international family community it has helped build in the Netherlands. From sharing stories and expert insights to destigmatising topics like mental health, matrescence, and birth choices, this podcast is a growing village.
Listeners are invited to celebrate, connect, and help shape what comes next.
It takes a village to raise a child — but what about the village that supports you before, during, and after birth? In this episode, host Eva sits down with Maria from @MamaMariacoach , the organiser of the BBABBY Fair — a first-of-its-kind support fair for parents and parents-to-be.
Unlike traditional baby fairs filled with products and prams, the BBABBY Fair brings together over 60 professionals, each offering the kind of wisdom, guidance, and support they once wished they had. From pregnancy to postpartum, birth partners to nutrition, this is where you’ll meet your community face-to-face.
You’ll also hear familiar voices from the podcast, including Dr. Naomi Gibson, Toni from The Little Birth Company sharing her NICU story, Claudia from Ludica Support Network, and Amélie on nutrition before and during pregnancy — all part of this incredible village.
Whether you’re planning to start a family, are already pregnant, or navigating life with little ones, the BBABBY Fair is your chance to learn, connect, and find the support you deserve.
Join us as we explore the story behind BBABBY, why this event matters so deeply, and how it’s reshaping the way we think about community in parenting.
This week, host Eva takes us inside Robbeburg—a family-founded community center in Amsterdam Zuid that has welcomed parents and little ones for 50 years. Volunteer Kelli joins to share how this special space continues to thrive, why it matters for families in a growing city, and how you can support Robbeburg’s future.
See what you can win from the raffle!
Amsterdam Parent Project: One Burnout Support Program sponsorship (worth €40)
Beauty by Iresh: One Full Brow Treatment (worth € 38,95) and one Lashlift (worth €75)
Bij Allerlei: Two €20 gift cards
Bruna: One €25 gift card
De Beestenboel: One cat gift box
Dr Naomi Gibson: One set of Stick Together Conversation Cards
Eat Love Thrive Wellness: One free 45-min 1:1 certified nutritional coaching session (worth €349)
Expat Parenting Collective: One 1-hour coaching or breath work session
Foundree: One 60-min Clarity Coaching session (worth €150)
Grammes: One voucher (worth €20)
Hotel Okura: Breakfast for 2 at Serre Restaurant
House of Craftivities: One private pot painting workshop for a group of 4 (worth €180)
Joanne Lozman Sleep Consulting: One 30-min sleep advice/coaching call
Kaas van Tim: Two €20 gift cards
Lemon Conceptstore: One €25 gift card
Mamapreneur Collective: One free Connect tier membership for one quarter (worth €117)
MamaSocial: One MamaSocial brunch ticket
Master Dutch: One 45-min Dutch lesson with language influencer Kees Wolfs
Minku: Ethnically sourced bracelets (made from coconut and silver beads) and a shirt
Mokum Mobile Vet: Free veterinary house call consultation for a cat
Nail Fizz: One €70 gift card
Robbeburg: One Robbeburg party (worth €200)
Sāaru: One gift certificate (worth €200) and a discount code
Slagerij ten Wolde: Two €20 gift cards
The Science Camp: Two vouchers for all day science camp
st - ART: Two free trial sessions (worth €45 each)
Tout: 12 macarons
Wira Wellness: Two massages (worth €85)
Vermaz Delicatessen and Wine: One bottle of wine
Zipster: One €50 gift card
Robbeburg is the only community centre created by and for our international community located in Amsterdam Zuid.
In this episode of Dam Parenting, host Eva sits down with Ellen and her doula, Ilena Standring, to share a powerful and personal birth story about giving birth in the Netherlands.
From pregnancy preparations to the first signs of labour, through to the moment of birth and postpartum reflections, Ellen’s journey highlights both the challenges and the joys of welcoming a baby in a new country.
For many international parents, the Dutch approach to birth—whether in a hospital, a birthing centre, or even a home birth—can feel unfamiliar. Ellen’s story offers a real, honest look at navigating the Dutch maternity system, supported by her doula, Ilena. Together, they reflect on the courage it takes to share a birth story and the healing power of storytelling in building community.
In this episode:
Ellen’s experience preparing for birth in the Netherlands as an international parent
What labour and delivery looked like with doula support
Insights into the Dutch maternity care system and expectations around home birth
How sharing birth stories can reduce isolation, build confidence, and create connection
Dam Parenting is the English-speaking parenting podcast in the Netherlands, exploring real parenting stories and experiences that bring our community closer together. Whether you’re pregnant, planning your birth, or curious about what giving birth in the Netherlands is really like, this episode will leave you feeling informed, connected, and supported.
Thank you to Ellen for reaching out and sharing your story with our community.
How do family dynamics shape your child’s multilingual journey? In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva sits down with Mimi from Growing Multilingual to explore what it really takes to raise kids with more than one language — with clarity, consistency, and care.
We dive into:
Why your personal “why” matters in multilingual parenting
How to align with your partner (or ex-partner) on language goals
Strategies for solo parents and co-parents navigating life after divorce
Creating emotional safety and identity for multilingual children
Building a sustainable, intentional family language plan
Whether you’re raising bilingual, trilingual, or multilingual kids, this conversation will help you reflect, reset, and root your parenting choices in purpose.
Perfect for parents wondering:
* Which languages should we prioritise as a family?
* What if my partner doesn’t fully buy in?
* How can I support my child’s identity as a single parent?
Tune in for real talk, practical tips, and encouragement to find peace (not pressure) in your multilingual parenting journey.
In this heartfelt episode of Dam Parenting, host Eva shares her personal journey of her daughter's adenoid removal, tonsillectomy, and grommet surgery. From the raw vulnerability of handing your child over to doctors, to practical tips on preparation and recovery, this episode blends emotional honesty with useful advice for parents facing similar procedures.
We’ll cover:
How to prepare your child emotionally and practically for surgery
What to expect before, during, and after adenoid, tonsil, and grommet procedures
Tips for making hospital day smoother (yes, pajamas matter!)
Recovery essentials: ice pops, jelly, and comfort strategies
Parenting vulnerability and what Brené Brown teaches us about courage
If you’re a parent navigating pediatric ENT/KNO surgery or just looking for reassurance in moments of parenting vulnerability, this episode is for you.
Anna in het ziekenhuis — Liesbet Slegers
Karel in het ziekenhuis — Liesbet Slegers
Kevin Goes to the Hospital — Liesbet Slegers (English edition)
Anna in het ziekenhuis — Kathleen Amant
Nijntje in het ziekenhuis (Miffy at the Hospital) — Dick Bruna
Bobbi naar het ziekenhuis — Monica Maas
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood — “Daniel Goes to the Hospital” (YouTube, ~26 minutes)
Bluey — Bumpy and the Wise Old Wolfhound (Season 1, Episode 32)
Pack comfy pajamas for your child (many hospitals expect it).
Bring an extra sweater or scarf for yourself—waiting rooms can be cold.
Stock up on recovery snacks: ice pops, jelly, clear juices. Let your child choose them in advance for a sense of control.
Create a comfort kit: favourite toy, books, or shows lined up for recovery week.
Use mantras or rituals to ground yourself during the wait. (“It’s routine. She’s safe. She’s brave.” helped me.)
Don’t forget self-care: eat, hydrate, breathe. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Parenting through surgery is an exercise in vulnerability and courage. As Brené Brown reminds us, vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s the birthplace of connection and love.
If you found this episode helpful, please follow Dam Parenting on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
Leave a review to help other parents find this resource.
Subscribe so you don’t miss future parenting stories, tips, and expert conversations.
In this episode, we welcome a fresh voice to the podcast - Alexa Starks—one of the newest arrivals to the Netherlands. Having moved here in April, she’s not only navigating life in a new country but also embracing motherhood in a different country, with a very different system and language at the same time. We sit down to hear her first impressions, the challenges of settling in, and the small victories that make each day brighter.
From adjusting to Dutch culture and figuring out the practicalities of immigrant life, to finding community as an expat parent, this conversation offers a candid look at what it’s really like to start over in the Netherlands with a young children. Whether you’re a parent thinking about relocating, an expat already living abroad, or simply curious about life in the Netherlands, this episode is full of relatable insights and encouragement.
Tune in to hear about:
The first four months of moving to the Netherlands as a new mom
Practical challenges and unexpected joys of expat life
Building community and support networks as an international parent
Lessons learned and advice for families considering a move abroad
If you’re exploring life as an expat parent in the Netherlands—or planning your own move—you won’t want to miss this inspiring story of resilience and new beginnings.
In this episode of the DAM Parenting Podcast, host Eva sits down with our resident child psychologist Faye from Kerr Psychology to explore the often-overlooked sensory systems that shape a child’s growth, learning, and emotional regulation.
They break down proprioception, vestibular input, and the full range of sensory needs—helping parents understand why these systems matter and how they play a role in everyday routines, especially during times of transition (like starting school, returning after holidays, or getting back into structure).
Faye explains how these sensory experiences support a child’s ability to self-regulate emotions, focus, and feel calm in their bodies—and why parents don’t always need to overthink it, as many everyday activities naturally provide these supports.
What proprioceptive and vestibular inputs are, and why they’re key to your child’s development.
How sensory needs connect to emotional regulation and routine adjustments.
Real-life, easy examples of sensory activities you can build into daily life:
Proprioceptive experiences – lifting and carrying (books, bags, buckets), pushing/pulling (wheelbarrow, stroller, vacuum, rakes), climbing monkey bars, or resistance play.
Pressure & movement – big bear hugs, pouring activities, rough-and-tumble play, trampolining, soft play, running, jumping, climbing, and bouncing.
Oral sensory activities – chewing, blowing bubbles, and more.
Why it’s all about trial and error—finding what works for your child’s unique sensory profile.
If this episode helps you better understand your child’s sensory needs, subscribe and follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes in this mini-series. We’d love to hear from you—head over to Instagram, send us your questions, and join the conversation!
In this episode, host Eva welcomes back guest Mimi to reflect on a powerful everyday moment: sitting down to colour with her daughter. What started as a simple playtime activity unexpectedly opened the door for her daughter to begin speaking more Bulgarian than ever before—naturally, spontaneously, and without prompts or corrections.
Through this story, Eva and Mimi explore the deeper truth that language development isn’t just about more exposure—it’s about more connection. Children speak the languages that feel safe, meaningful, and emotionally engaging. And play, as Mimi describes, creates that ideal environment.
Together, they discuss:
Why play is the “native language of childhood” and a natural gateway to speech
How following your child’s lead invites authentic language use
Why connection before correction fosters confidence and trust
How play creates rich opportunities for repetition and practice without pressure
Why this matters especially for multilingual children and families
You’ll also hear practical tips, like a play-connection checklist for parents who want to nurture language growth at home—without turning play into a lesson.
This episode is a reminder that small, everyday interactions can unlock big breakthroughs. When we show up in our children’s world with curiosity and presence, language follows.
As parents, we face countless decisions along our children’s journey—but choosing the right school can feel especially daunting. If your toddler is approaching the school age, especially here in the Netherlands, you’re entering a world of unique opportunities and options. Unlike many countries, the Dutch education system offers a wide variety of school types and educational philosophies—from Montessori and Waldorf to public and private schools.
Join Isabel Cruz of Kaleidoscope Consulting as she breaks down everything parents need to know about selecting the perfect school. Learn when to start planning, how to explore different educational approaches, and tips for visiting schools to get a real feel for the environment.
Whether you’re new to the Netherlands or just want clarity in this complex process, this podcast will guide you through making informed decisions that shape your child’s educational future.
Tune in to gain confidence, insight, and practical advice for your family’s school journey!
Next Workshops at Monti's World
September 20th and October 11th Register here
Find out more:
Numbers showing which secondary school the children progress to
August 12th is The United Nations' International Youth Day which recognises efforts of the world's youth in enhancing global society. And I thought who better than to do a re-listen to then Project Fearless.
What an incredible Stichting for youth right here in the Netherlands.