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.
Today is a little different.
No guests, no interviews and no expert insights.
Just a note from me to you.
Let’s get some free therapy — with a child psychology twist!
In this episode, resident child psychologist Faye from Kerr Psychology answers two real questions from two real moms in our community.
Question 1: How do we support young children who express big emotions physically — like hitting, pushing, or lashing out?
Question 2: What can we do about the daily morning chaos — those time management battles that leave everyone stressed?
Whether you're dealing with toddler tantrums, emotional outbursts, or the school-run stress, this episode is for you.
Real parenting struggles. Expert guidance. Honest conversation.
You're not alone — and your question might just help another parent too.
Got a question for Faye? Send it in and be part of the conversation.
If your child understands the home language but rarely speaks it, you're not alone—and you're definitely not failing. In this episode, we move beyond the common advice of “just add more exposure” and explore what really drives language use in bilingual kids: motivation and connection.
We dive into the emotional and psychological layers that shape your child’s willingness to speak, backed by research from Döpke and others. From the importance of emotionally attuned interactions to practical ways to create low-pressure, meaningful moments for language use, this episode is a must-listen for parents raising bilingual children. Because sometimes, it’s not about more input—it’s about deeper connection.
What the Research Tells Us (feat. Döpke and more)
Research by Döpke (1986) found that children are more likely to actively use their home language when parents follow a more child-centered form of interaction. This aligns with what we know from Piaget’s model: in the early years (pre-operational stage), children are naturally egocentric - they see the world from their own perspective and have a hard time understanding things from someone else’s point of view. So it’s no surprise that they respond best when communication revolves around their interests, ideas and experiences, rather than adult priorities.
And newer studies back it up:
It happens very often that a child might prefer one home language over the other, but as a matter of fact - a child’s environment shapes language use. If one language is used more often, in more emotionally engaging contexts, that’s the one they’ll likely prefer.
Just hearing a language isn’t enough. Kids need a reason to speak it. Otherwise, they stay passive - understanding but not using.
Where to go, what to do with Samira from AmsterdamKids.com
Beaches
Amusement Parks
Easy Outdoor Escapes from Amsterdam
*Always check water safety on Waterkwaliteit.net before swimming.
Outdoor Pools - Flevoparkbad and Mirandabad
Special Summer Events
Museum Summer Programs - grab your Museumkaart
Travel Hacks
Bonus: Boeren Camping
Feeling Alone as a New Parent Abroad? You're Not the Only One
In this heartfelt episode of Dam Parenting, we dive deep into one of the most personal and challenging experiences many parents face: raising a child far from home, without the family support they expected.
Host Eva is joined by Angela from the Expat Parenting Collective, an expert in helping globally mobile families navigate the emotional, cultural, and practical challenges of parenting abroad. Together, they unpack a powerful listener question from an expat mother in the Netherlands — a new mom navigating postpartum life without the strong family support system she was used to back in Asia.
Topics Covered:
Why parenting abroad can feel so isolating — even when you're not "alone"
Cultural clashes around postpartum care and family involvement
Setting boundaries with in-laws and expressing your needs clearly (without guilt)
Practical ways to build a sense of community as an expat parent
Tools to reduce overwhelm and reconnect with your inner strength
How to prepare for cultural differences before the baby arrives
If you’re parenting in a new country and feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or just plain exhausted — this episode is for you. We’re here with real talk, real support, and real solutions.
Whether you’re in Amsterdam, Tokyo, Nairobi, or anywhere in between — hit play, take a deep breath, and know: you’re not alone.
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share Dam Parenting to support honest conversations that matter.
What really happens to the brain when we become parents? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Elke De Witte, author of the newly released Dutch book De Moederbreinmythe ("The Mother Brain Myth")—a must-hear conversation we couldn't wait for in English.
Dr. De Witte shares her groundbreaking neuroscience research on how the parental brain changes—not just for biological mothers, but for all caregivers. This episode is packed with insights that challenge outdated assumptions and reveal the true power and plasticity of the brain during parenthood.
Whether you're a parent-to-be, a new parent, a non-birthing caregiver, or an HR professional looking to reshape your workplace for better support and inclusion—this episode is for you.
Learn why science is now calling for a societal shift in how we treat caregiving, maternity return-to-work policies, and community support in our modern-day “village.”
Understand the real neurological transformation that happens with caregiving.
Discover why this matters not just for parents—but for everyone.
Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation.
Share this episode with expecting parents, new parents, caregivers, and forward-thinking HR leaders who want to build a more supportive world of work.
Find out more from www.elkedewitte.com
Smartphones are addictive — science confirms it. As adults, we feel the pull. But what happens when kids as young as 9 are handed devices and expected to navigate school, friendships, puberty, and social media all at once?
In this powerful episode, we explore the growing Opgroeien Smartphonevrij (Growing Up Smartphone-Free) movement — a grassroots initiative started by Dutch parents who want to change the norm. Backed by leading research from psychologists Jean Twenge and Angela Duckworth, this movement advocates for smartphone-free primary schools, better digital boundaries, and healthier childhood development.
We discuss:
What parents can do to delay smartphone use
How to talk with schools and other parents about screen-free environments
If you’ve ever felt alone in wanting to say “no” to early smartphones — you're not. There’s a growing community of parents who agree it’s time to reclaim childhood.
Links to support you:
Want to join the Whatsapp group in your area? CLICK HERE
Want to join the Whatsapp group for English speakers: CLICK HERE - (in select jouw regio - scroll to bottom for ENGLISH)
If you want to check out your own school (or chosen school)
CLICK HERE on your region
Click on the image of a school - Bekijk hoeveel ouders....
From there it will show you the number of students and schools, with the list of cities underneath.
Click into the city and you will get a breakdown of each school registered and keep clicking.. It gets more and more interesting! You will see how many kids in your school, and even by which groep they are in.
If you want the read the materials related to the UK website CLICK HERE
If you want to read about Amsterdam's action plan: You can download the PDF (Dutch only) here
Loved this episode? Help us spread the message!
If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a fellow parent, teacher, or friend. The more we talk about growing up smartphone-free, the stronger the movement becomes.
Follow the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode
Rate the show — it helps more parents discover these important topics
Share this episode in your group chats, school WhatsApp groups, or on social media
Together, we can create healthier environments for our kids to grow up in.
This week, our trusted child psychologist, Dr. Faye Pool is back, to talk about a parenting skill every parent needs: how to manage your own stress before you handle your child’s meltdown.
In this episode, we cover:
Why staying calm is the best parenting tool you have
How stress affects you and your child’s developing brain
Simple regulation techniques to use when your child is out of control
Real-life tips for handling public tantrums and parenting pressure abroad
Mentioned in this episode:
In this special episode of the Dam Parenting, we’re raising awareness about MiMoment — a unique research project by the WHO Collaborating Center and the Department of Clinical Psychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
MiMoment focuses on the mental health and well-being of women who have moved to the Netherlands and are now experiencing pregnancy far from home. Did you know that migrant mothers face a higher risk of depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy? Research shows that 1 in 4 experiences symptoms of depression and 1 in 5 experiences anxiety.
This project aims to listen to these women’s stories, understand their challenges, and help shape better, more respectful, and accessible mental health care for future mothers in our communities.
Who can participate?
Women who are currently in their 1st or 2nd trimester of pregnancy
Living in the Netherlands
Born in a low- or middle-income country (for example: Morocco, Syria, Ghana, Suriname, Ukraine)
What does it involve?
4 short online questionnaires, in your own language (Dutch, English, Arabic, or Turkish)
Optional: 2 small hair samples to study stress over time
Flexible and completely confidential
Receive up to €40 in vouchers for questionnaires and €20 for hair samples
How to join?
Signing up is easy and does not commit you yet:
Sign up form
WebsiteInstagramWhatsAppFacebook LinkedIn
If you’re a listener, friend, or community worker, please share this episode with someone who could benefit — every story makes a difference, and every voice helps improve care for mothers everywhere.
Welcome back to Dam Parenting — in this episode we’re continuing the monthly multilingual parenting series with the insightful and compassionate Mimi from Growing Up Multilingual.
In this honest and much-needed episode, Eva and Mimi talk about something many multilingual families quietly carry: the stress and self-imposed pressure of trying to “get it right.” From guilt and comparison to burnout and fear, the emotional load behind language decisions can feel heavy — but it doesn’t have to.
They not here to give you a longer to-do list. Mimi is here to help you slow down, reflect, and make your multilingual journey feel more sustainable, intuitive, and connected — for your child, and for yourself.
Why the emotional side of multilingual parenting often goes unspoken — but affects everything
Common stresses like “Am I doing enough?”, guilt, comparison, and fear of doing it "wrong"
The difference between mindfulness and intentionality — and how both can guide your language choices
Practical ways to release the pressure and reconnect with your why
How to build flexible routines that evolve with your family
Why perfection is a myth — and presence is what really matters
You’ll walk away with gentle encouragement, actionable strategies, and permission to let go of the “shoulds” that aren’t serving you.
Mindfulness is about tuning into the present moment and noticing what truly engages your child.
Intentionality follows mindfulness — it’s the conscious choices you make based on what works for your family.
Your language plan is a living document — flexibility is not failure. It’s growth.
You don’t need to do more — just connect to what matters most.
Take one minute today to pause and ask:
“What’s one small way I can show up with more ease and intention this week?”
Write it down, say it out loud, or text it to a friend. That’s where the shift begins.
If this episode spoke to you, please share it with a fellow parent, rate and review the podcast, and hit subscribe — Mimi will be joining us every month for real, supportive conversations about raising multilingual kids.
Further Reading:
Research:
Language Acquisition and Use in Multilingual Contexts. Theory and Practice
In this special episode of Dam Parenting during Men’s Mental Health Week, we open up a vital conversation about fatherhood and mental health—a topic still too often left in the shadows.
We’re joined by two fathers from our international community who share their personal journeys into parenthood. One speaks candidly about the emotional toll of having a newborn in the NICU, and the other reflects on the everyday challenges of raising a young family while living with ADHD. Different stories, same truth: fatherhood can be heavy, and vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s real strength.
Did you know?
The rise of paternal burnout and why nearly 1 in 6 fathers in the Netherlands report burnout symptoms
How up to 1 in 4 dads experience postpartum depression within the first six months after birth
With burnout, emotional overload, and the pressure to "stay strong," many fathers are struggling in silence. This episode is about breaking that silence, challenging stigma, and creating space for real conversations and support.
STATS:
15.9% of Dutch fathers report moderate parental burnout, with 0.4% experiencing high burnout
PMC Study on Parental Burnout
Up to 25.6% of fathers may experience postpartum depression, especially within 3–6 months postpartum
PubMed Meta-analysis
Rising awareness of paternal mental health issues, yet routine screening is still uncommon
Springer Open Access Study
Growing mental overload for fathers with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD
In this episode, we delve into the insights of Erica Komisar, a licensed clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and author renowned for her work on the emotional needs of children and the pivotal role of parental presence. With over 30 years of experience in private practice, Erica has become a leading voice in discussions about attachment theory and child development.
Erica's perspective emphasises the critical importance of a mother's physical and emotional presence during the first three years of a child's life—a period she identifies as foundational for healthy emotional development. Her book, Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters, explores this concept in depth, offering guidance for parents navigating the complexities of early childhood care.
This episode is dedicated to mothers who may feel overwhelmed, questioning, or in need of affirmation. It's a reminder that seeking support and understanding is a strength, and that every parent's journey is valid and deserving of respect.
What You'll Learn:
The foundational principles of attachment theory and its relevance to early childhood development.
Insights from Erica's research on the impact of maternal presence in the first three years.
Discussion on the societal pressures faced by modern mothers and how to navigate them.
Strategies for building a supportive community and finding balance in parenting roles.
Resources:
Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters
Chicken Little: The Sky Isn't Falling
(no affiliate links)
Connect with Us:
In honour of LGBTQ+ Families Day I'm thrilled to welcome Jillian to the Dam Parenting podcast. This special day celebrates the diversity, resilience, and love within LGBTQ+ families, highlighting that not all families fit into the traditional structure of one mother and one father.
Jillian shares her personal journey of moving to the Netherlands as part of a same-sex couple, seeking a welcoming environment to raise their child. Despite initial challenges in finding the support they hoped for, Jillian has since flourished—establishing her own business, launching a podcast, and becoming a vital resource for other LGBTQ+ families navigating similar paths.
In this episode, we discuss:
The motivations and research behind choosing the Netherlands as a home for their family
The realities faced upon arrival and the gaps in support systems
Jillian's journey to building a supportive network and community
Resources and advice for LGBTQ+ families considering or adjusting to life in the Netherlands
Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or someone interested in the diverse experiences of international families, Jillian's story offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Resources Mentioned:
The webinar Jillian spoke about details can be found below i the link. The next webinar is expected July 11th.
Join the Conversation:
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Share your experiences or questions on our Instagram
Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Dam Parenting on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue sharing diverse parenting stories.
Connect with us onInstagram
Thank you for celebrating LGBTQ+ Families Day with us and for being part of our community.
Welcome to the first instalment of our new monthly mini-series on Dam Parenting, where we delve into significant parenting topics in concise, manageable episodes. We're thrilled to reintroduce our resident child psychologist, Faye from Kerr Psychology, who previously joined us in Episode 75 to discuss building resilience and a growth mindset in children.
To kick off this new series , Eva and Faye will explore the world of "big emotions" in young children—those intense reactions that can be perplexing and challenging for parents. Faye helps us understand the developmental aspects behind these emotions and offers practical strategies for managing them effectively.
What You'll Learn:
Defining Big Emotions: Understanding what constitutes "big emotions" in young children and why they occur.
Developmental Insights: Exploring the role of brain development, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, in children's emotional responses.
Everyday Examples: Discussing common scenarios like frustration over putting on shoes, food refusal, and end-of-day meltdowns, and what they signify.
Meltdowns vs. Tantrums: Differentiating between the two and understanding age-related factors.
Co-Regulation Techniques: Learning how to stay calm and connected, using phrases like "I see you're upset. I'm here with you."
"Name It to Tame It": The importance of labeling emotions to help children feel understood and develop self-regulation skills.
Resources Mentioned:
Introducing helpful tools and books, such as The Invisible String, or The Huge Bag of Worries to support emotional development.
Other examples: The Worrysaurus and Stompysaurus by Rachel Bright
Connect with Us:
Instagram: Follow us @damparenting for updates and parenting tips.
Subscribe: Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe to Dam Parenting on your favourite podcast platform.
Leave a Review: If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more parents and caregivers.
Join the Conversation:
Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Reach out to us on Instagram or through our website.
Thank you for tuning in to Dam Parenting. Remember, understanding your child's big emotions is a step toward more connected and empathetic parenting.
Grief Is Grief: Why Everyone Should Sign This Petition
Today’s episode brings attention to a critical, often overlooked gap in workplace policy: the lack of national grievance leave for parents who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Currently, there is no legal protection or standard allowance for time off — it's left to individual employers to decide, leaving many to return to work while still deep in grief.
I’m joined by Fidessa, a powerful voice behind a growing petition calling for grievance time to be recognized on a national scale — regardless of pregnancy gestation. While a draft government proposal begins support at week 24, we ask the difficult question: What about the grief before that? Is it any less real?
This conversation is about raising awareness, honouring early loss, and pushing for policies that reflect the lived realities of so many parents. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and pregnancy loss deserve more than silence and a swift return to business as usual.
Please don’t just listen — sign the petition and share it widely. Ask your partner, friends, family, and coworkers to stand with us in recognizing that grief has no timeline — and support shouldn’t either.
Thank you to Fidessa and Renée for both putting the effort into creating this .
Episode 1 of our Monthly Multilingual Series with MiMi
Are you constantly wondering: “Am I doing enough to support my child’s bilingual development?” You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.
In the first episode of our new multilingual parenting mini-series, host Eva is joined by MiMi of Growing Up Multilingual to explore the invisible emotional load many international parents carry while raising children with more than one language.
They unpack the quiet pressures, guilt, and self-doubt that often live beneath the surface—and why self-awareness (not doing more) is the most powerful tool we have. Together, they talk about redefining what “enough” means in a multilingual family, anchoring in your personal “why,” and how your emotional well-being is directly connected to your child’s language development.
Whether you’re a tired parent on a quick walk, a caregiver juggling cultures, or someone raising kids across borders and languages—this conversation is here to offer relief, clarity, and connection.
What you'll hear in this episode:
The emotional complexity of raising multilingual children
How self-awareness can lighten your parenting load
Why perfection isn’t the goal—connection is
Simple, sustainable strategies for language exposure
What the research really says about maternal well-being and language development
Letting go of comparison and doing what truly matters to your family
It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters, on purpose. Tune in, take a breath, and know this: You’re not behind. You’re not alone. And you’re doing more than enough.
Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with fellow multilingual families. MiMi will be joining us every month to dive even deeper into these powerful, real-life conversations.
Links to topics discussed
-A study published in the Journal of Child Language found that maternal mental health predicts the richness of a child's home language environment and even their expressive language skills - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33818326/
Trigger Warning
In this episode, we dive deep into Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a severe and often misunderstood pregnancy complication that affects up to 3.6% of pregnant individuals in the Netherlands. While many expectant mothers experience morning sickness, HG goes far beyond that, bringing relentless nausea, excessive vomiting, dehydration, and significant weight loss.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is more than just "bad morning sickness"—it's a serious condition that varies in form, intensity, and duration, with some women hospitalized for months. Jessica Sinay from Stichting ZEHG, shares her own harrowing experience of battling HG multiple times, shedding light on the emotional trauma, lack of medical understanding, and stigma that still surrounds this condition today. We discuss the importance of establishing national treatment guidelines currently underway in the Netherlands.
Diagnosis & Monitoring
Diagnosis in the Netherlands is primarily based on medical history and symptom severity.
The diagnostic process heavily relies on understanding the impact of symptoms on daily life.
Standard treatment includes IV fluids and medications such as:
Amesafene (Meclozine)
Primperan (Metoclopramide)
Ondansetron
Healthcare providers can contact Professor Painter at Erasmus MC for guidance.
HG can lead to long-term physical, psychological, and emotional issues, including:
PTSD
Postpartum depression
Digestive issues
Nutrient deficiencies
Dental problems
Stichting ZEHG (the Dutch HG Foundation) offers:
A private Facebook community (>4,400 members)
Access to HG coaches trained to support women mentally and practically during/after HG (see: www.hgcoach.nl)
A network of trained dietitian's in cooperation with Novita in Utrecht
Professor Rebecca Painter works as the head of the “Verloskunde” department at Erasmus MC. She is an international renowned researcher in the field of malnutrition and HG. Professor Painter is also affiliated with our foundation as a 'Member of the Advisory Board‘.
Stichting ZEHG is also connected with ICHG charity network: a working group consisting of patient organisations, practising clinicians international collaboration together with UK, US, Australia, Norway, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland
It’s a new season on DAM Parenting — and we’re kicking things off with a familiar voice. In this episode, Eva reconnects with Harriet, one of our early guests, for a heartfelt 14-month postpartum check-in. What has shifted? What stayed the same? And what does motherhood really feel like more than a year in?
Together, they reflect on identity, expectations vs. reality, the unexpected joys, and the parts no one prepares you for.
This isn’t just a catch-up — it’s a raw, honest window into the ongoing journey of becoming a mother, well beyond the early baby days.
Whether you're in the thick of postpartum life or reflecting back from further down the road, this episode offers a moment to pause, relate, and breathe.
You can find Harriet on Instagram here
