Dam Parenting

What actually happens after a relationship ends — when you have children together, you're living in the Netherlands, and your village is far away?Niko, a German dad, joins us this week to talk honestly about something most men never say out loud: the grief, the guilt, the fear of what separation would do to his kids — and how he came out the other side.They talk about growing apart after years together, the question he had to ask himself when staying felt like slowly disappearing, why he believes ending a marriage and ending a family are not the same thing, and how he and his ex built a coparenting relationship they're both proud of.This is not a conversation about divorce being easy. It's a conversation about what's possible when two parents put their children first — and take care of themselves in the process.For any dad who is struggling and hasn't told anyone yet: this one's for you.RESOURCES — Nationwide NetherlandsFor children:KIES (Kinderen In Een Scheiding Situaties) — free municipality-funded support groups for children aged 4–18. Available across the Netherlands. Self-refer or via your child's school. Find your local KIES via: kiesvoorhetkind.nl or kiesamsterdam.nl (Amsterdam-specific)Villa Pinedo — online support platform for children and young people with divorced parents. Available in English. Buddy app, forum, and parent resources: villapinedo.nl/englishFor parents:Mediation in the Netherlands — if you need support building a parenting plan, a registered mediator can help. Search via the Dutch Mediation Federation: mfnregister.nlYour gemeente — ask your local jeugdregisseur (youth coordinator) what coparenting support is available in your area. Every municipality is different.

If you became a father and suddenly felt like you couldn't keep up — with the admin, the overwhelm, the switching, the forgetting — this episode is for you.Liam, founder of Dads Do Art and familiar Dam Parenting voice, joins Eva to talk about his late ADD diagnosis. What fatherhood revealed that decades of coping had hidden. How he navigated the Dutch healthcare system — the huisarts, the waiting lists, the private vs public route. Why he initially thought he'd fooled the professionals. What medication actually changed, and what it didn't. And the moment his mum arrived at the diagnostic session with every school report from age seven, and everything finally made sense.This episode covers: adult ADHD and ADD diagnosis in the Netherlands, neurodiversity and fatherhood, burnout and undiagnosed attention difficulties, ADHD medication, ADHD therapy, and the very first step to take if you think this might be you.For international parents in the Netherlands. Every Wednesday.

The Dutch housing market is fast, opaque, and genuinely unforgiving if you don't know the rules — and most of us didn't get the rulebook. In this episode, Eva is joined by Nic, co-founder of Buy Home Helper, who built a platform specifically for internationals navigating the Dutch home buying process after his own experience of lost bids, hidden costs, surprise neighbours, and a final invoice that came out of nowhere.We get into what the market actually looks like right now, why more internationals are being pushed into buying whether they're ready or not, and how Buy Home Helper guides you from first search to signed keys — with the tips, warnings, and stage-gate reminders your makelaar probably isn't sharing. If you're logging into Funda morning and night, building spreadsheets, and wondering if there's an insider club you somehow missed — this one's for you.Exclusive offer for the Dam Parenting community: Use code DAMPARENTING at buyhomehelper.com — the first 10 listeners get a full year free.

Confused about vaccinations in the Netherlands? You're not alone — it's one of the most asked questions in every expat parenting group. This week I'm joined by Youth Healthcare physician Dr. Marenne van Hengel Budde for a complete, plain-English guide to the Dutch vaccination system — from pregnancy through to age 14, and everything in between.We cover the full Dutch National Immunisation Programme (RVP), why chickenpox isn't on the Dutch schedule, the BCG tuberculosis vaccination that surprises many international families, meningitis B, travel vaccinations, and how to check your child's vaccination record online in minutes.IN THIS EPISODE: The Dutch National Immunisation Programme — who runs it, how it works, and why your GP is probably not involved Every vaccine on the schedule — from the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy to the HPV vaccine at age 9, including the new RSV antibody (September 2025) and rotavirus vaccine (added 2024) Chickenpox — why it's not in the Dutch programme, what to do if you want it privately, and why age 12 matters BCG tuberculosis vaccine — who receives it, how the automatic invitation works, and what to expect from the skin reaction Meningitis B — why it's not included in the Dutch programme and how to access it privately (and what it costs) Travel vaccinations with babies and young children — where to go and how far in advance to plan How to check your child's full vaccination record online at mijn.rivm.nl — in under 2 minutes Missed a vaccination window? Here's what actually happens (it's probably not as bad as you think) Arriving from abroad with an existing vaccination schedule — do you have to start again? No. Here's how it works.ALL LINKS AND RESOURCES:

After a late phone call with a friend, I felt the urge to record something very different than usual, as we already are bombarderd with Mothers Day deals, discounts and bundles - but the reality is - we don't want or need more stuff. Our mental overload is barely dealing with managing our home as it is. So this was mine to you. Just words - and acknowledgement for all you go through, raisinig kids, on the daily. Happy Mothers day.

Nobody told you about this part.Not the rage that rises out of nowhere. Not the way you can go from calm to completely overwhelmed in seconds. Not the fact that it usually lands on the person closest to you — your partner — while the actual source of the pressure stays invisible.Postpartum rage is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — experiences of new motherhood. It is not a character flaw. It is a nervous system under siege.In this episode — the first of our monthly Maternal Mental Health series — I'm joined by Dr. Naomi Gibson, couples therapist and returning Dam Parenting residental guest, to talk about what postpartum rage actually is, when it happens, why it targets our partners, and what help looks like here in the Netherlands.We cover: the clinical definition and why it's not in the DSM | the hormone and sleep science | the expat isolation layer | accessing support via verloskundige, huisarts, and GGZ | and how couples can start to talk about this.This one is for the parent who is holding it together on the outside. You are not alone.

Are you pregnant in the Netherlands — and not sure what your rights at work actually are?You are not alone. This is the most asked-about topic in international parent communities, and in this episode we finally get it answered properly — by an employment lawyer.Eva sits down with Ferline van Laerhoven, founder of Fair Line Law and Dutch employment law specialist, who has spent a decade working with international companies and employees in the Netherlands. In this conversation they cover:→  When you are legally required to tell your employer you're pregnant→  Whether employers are allowed to ask if you're pregnant (even in a job interview)→  Medical appointments and prenatal checks — are they paid time?→  What workplace adjustments employers must legally provide→  Night shifts, overtime and physically demanding work during pregnancy→  Extra paid rest breaks — the legal right most people don't know they have→  Sick leave during pregnancy: why it is treated differently, and why you get 100%→  How sick leave interacts with maternity leave length→  What happens after maternity leave ends if you're still unwell (including PPD/PPA)→  The 16 weeks: how it splits, how it's applied for, and the WAZO process→  Permanent contracts, temporary contracts, part-time and freelancer rights→  What non-renewal of a contract while pregnant really means legally→  Miscarriage before and after 24 weeks — what Dutch law says right now→  The Amsterdam and Utrecht grievance policy — and what it means nationally→  Stillbirth rights and bereavement leave→  Documentation, complaint timelines and what to do when things go wrong→  Partner leave — the full 6-week pictureRESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Fair Line Law — employment lawyer specialising in pregnancy and parenthood at workWebsite: www.fairlinelaw.nl  Instagram: @fairlinelaw    Email: info@fairlinelaw.nlJuridisch Loket — free basic legal advice (income-dependent): www.juridischloket.nlUWV — Employee Insurance Agency, maternity benefit questions: www.uwv.nl Dam Parenting Podcast — questions and community: damparentingpodcast@gmail.comPaternity leave episode coming soon — send your questions to damparentingpodcast@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram.

If you've been carrying the weight of your child's minority language entirely on your own — this episode is going to change how you think about multilingual parenting.This week Eva is joined by multilingual family expert Eowyn to explore one of the most undertalked truths in raising bilingual children: you cannot do this alone, sustainably. Language lives in connection — not in one determined parent pushing harder.We talk about what a 'multilingual village' actually looks like for expat families in the Netherlands, how to build one intentionally when you don't have family nearby, the practical power of language partners and community events, and why having multiple people in your child's language life changes everything.Whether you're parenting in English, Bulgarian, Spanish, French or anything in between — this conversation will leave you feeling less alone and more equipped. For international families in the Netherlands, this is the permission to stop being a one-person show.

When I started moving beyond the easy first foods and into toddler snacks, pouches, crackers, and supermarket “healthy” options, I realised I had no idea what I was actually looking at.Why does one snack get a bright green A, while plain nuts or hummus score lower?How can the same crisps get a better Nutri-Score in the larger bag?And why are some brands now quietly removing their Nutri-Score altogether?In this solo DAM Parenting episode, I break down a fascinating Keuringsdienst van Waarde Dutch TV investigation into the Nutri-Score system — translated into English for international parents navigating Dutch supermarkets.We unpack:what Nutri-Score actually measureswhy it's still voluntary across Europehow brands can “optimise” ultra-processed foods to score betterwhy some frozen pizzas can jump from E to Bwhy certain brands are now dropping the label under the stricter 2026 algorithmwhat this really means for baby snacks, toddler foods, and busy parents trying to make good choicesIf you've ever stood in a supermarket wondering whether the front of the packet matches what's actually inside, this episode is for you.A practical, honest conversation about food labels, processed snacks, and the emotional labour of feeding a family in the Netherlands.If you enjoy these Dutch TV breakdown episodes, message me !

For the very first time on Dam Parenting, both parents are here — together. Liam and Vivi join me to share not one birth story, but two. Two children, two completely different births, and a journey that shows what can happen when you stop being afraid to learn.Vivi is a Greek mum building her own community space in Amsterdam. Liam was previously on the podcast speaking about the vulnerabilities of fatherhood. Together, they talk about the real experience of preparing for birth in the Netherlands — hypnobirthing, doula support, the midwife-kraamzorg-doula team — and what changed between their first and second birth when they truly invested in preparation.This episode is about knowledge as power. It's about what a woman's body can do when she believes in it. And it's about the extraordinary role a partner can play.Two births. Both on their due dates. Both in the Netherlands. One family, transformed by learning.If you want to reach out to Vivi - you can find her at GreekMama on Instagram - she is always up to new nad wonderful things!Liam can be found as a supporting member of so many projects, including - Dads Do Art - Connecting dads & families through creativity and play in Amsterdam Nieuw West. And of course his own Instagram page where you can find out more about his upcoming comedy projects. And soon enough this podcast also! And if you wan to find out more about their wonderful Doula - her instagram is Toni Muller Doula .

An episode over 2 years in the making, and finally it's here. It's not a full comprehensive episode, we dont want to bog you down with everything all at once, but Dr Marenne Van Hangel Budde joins Dam Parenting to discuss tthe foundational elements of the Netherlands health care system for children. We discuss why the system can feel confusing to immigrants, who is who in this system (Huisarts, Consultatiebureau, Kinderarts, SEH, HAP) .We have quick fire rounds to answer real examples of who to reach out to when our little one might need help. We touch on insuarnce, referrals and costs also relarted to our children.

On Wednesday , I rereleased the episode with Dr. Koen Deurloo — the OB-GYN who pioneered the mother-assisted cesarean at Diakonessenhuis Utrecht. You saved it, shared it, and sent it to friends who needed it.Today, we hear from the other side of that operating table.Geri had her youngest child with Dr. Deurloo as her gynaecologist, and in this episode she walks us through everything — the moment she first heard about the MAC, the decision-making process, her pregnancy, her preparation, and the extraordinary experience of lifting her own baby into the world with her own hands.This is an honest, emotional, and deeply human birth story. And it is for every mother who has ever wondered whether she is allowed to want something different.In this episode:— Why Geri chose a mother-assisted cesarean and how she made that decision— What the preparation and pregnancy journey looked like— A step-by-step account of the day itself — walking into the hospital, the operating room, the moment of birth— Recovery, the emotional aftermath, and what she knows now that she wishes she had known before— What she would say to a mother sitting somewhere right now, wondering if this could be right for herWhether you are planning a cesarean, hoping to avoid one, or simply want to feel prepared for every possibility — this episode will stay with you.Follow Geri on Instagram here moedergeassisteerdekeizersnedeListen to our Dr. Koen Deurloo episode for the full clinical picture — linked in show notes. @kldloo on InstagramDAM Parenting is a weekly podcast for international families navigating pregnancy, birth and parenthood in the Netherlands. Every Wednesday (plus an extra here or there!)

April is International Cesarean Awareness Month — and I can think of no better time to bring back one of our most-loved episodes.In the Netherlands, the cultural weight around birth can make a cesarean feel like a deviation from the "right" path. But what if a C-section could still be a deeply empowering, connected, and beautiful birth experience? Dr. Koen Deurloo, OB-GYN at Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, is proof that it absolutely can.Dr. Deurloo is the pioneer of the mother-assisted cesarean — a practice he developed in 2017 in which the birthing parent plays an active, physical role in their own surgical birth. Since then, he has performed around 400 mother-assisted births, published his book Door de ogen van een gynaecoloog, and is now training gynecologists across the Netherlands to bring this option to more hospitals.In this episode, together with Dr. Deurloo we explore:What a mother-assisted cesarean actually looks like — and why it's just 4 extra minutesHow the Dutch medical system approaches maternal agency in the operating theaterSkin-to-skin contact, postpartum recovery, and bonding after a cesareanHow to advocate for your birth preferences — even when the system pushes backWhy cesarean births deserve to be honored, not minimizedWhether you're planning a C-section, want to be prepared for every birth path, or simply believe that mothers deserve to feel empowered in every delivery room — this episode is for you.Find Dr. Deurloo:

I thought I'd feel better by now.The days are longer. The light is back.But instead of feeling energised… many parents feel exhausted, heavy, and behind.In this episode, I'm sharing what it really feels like to come out of winter in motherhood—the emotional backlog, the pressure to re-engage, and why spring isn't always a fresh start.If this is where you are right now, this episode is for you.

Cancer as an expat in the Netherlands hits differently.In this episode of DAM Parenting, we speak with Katherine, founder of Cancer Support Netherlands — a Dutch non-profit offering English-language, community-based support for internationals navigating cancer.Being diagnosed with cancer can turn life upside down.But for those living far from home — expats, immigrants, international families — the experience can feel even more isolating.Navigating treatment in a different language, without your usual support systems, while trying to process the emotional weight of illness… can be overwhelming.Cancer Support Netherlands was created to bridge this gap.In this episode, we explore:• What it means to face cancer while living abroad• Language barriers in the Dutch healthcare system• The emotional reality of illness without family nearby• Support for partners, caregivers, and families• The importance of English-language peer support• How community spaces can change the experience of cancerCancer Support Netherlands offers:• Confidential peer support groups• English-language community spaces• Events, workshops, and expert-led sessions• Support for patients, survivors, and caregivers• Flexible ways to connect — privately or in communityThey welcome:• Expats and internationals• Migrants and immigrants• Refugees• Binational families• Long-term residents• Anyone who feels most comfortable expressing themselves in EnglishThis episode is released in recognition of Daffodil Day — a national day of cancer awareness in Ireland.Because cancer awareness isn't just one day a year.And for those living abroad, the need for support doesn't follow a calendar.If you are navigating cancer, supporting someone who is, or part of an international community in the Netherlands — this episode is for you.No one should face cancer alone.And language should never be a barrier to support.Links for suport:Public Page (Friends & Supporters)Follow our work, events, advocacy and Hive Network updates: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bm2VGKr5b/?mibextid=wwXIfr Facebook Private Support Group (confidential space)For emotional support, connection, and sharing with others affected by cancer: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DBabL8fWr/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cancer_support_netherlands LinkedIn https://nl.linkedin.com/company/cancer-support-netherlands

You've just received an autism diagnosis for your child — and suddenly someone tells you to stop speaking your home language. For international families in the Netherlands, that advice doesn't just feel wrong. It feels like losing a piece of who you are.In this episode, Eva sits down with linguist and multilingualism specialist Mimi Potvin to talk about what the research actually says about raising autistic children in multilingual families — and why so much of the advice parents receive is simply not supported by science.After listening, you'll know why bilingualism does not cause additional language delays in autistic children, what actually happens when families are told to drop their home language, and how to build a flexible, child-led language approach that supports both development and belonging.New episodes every week. Subscribe wherever you listen.

Last week on the DAM Parenting Podcast I reshared archive episodes about  the identity shift in motherhood wth Dr Naomi Gibson and then continued the conversation on Saturday with Ilena Standring in matrescence — the profound identity shift that happens when a woman becomes a mother.But identity isn't the only thing that changes.Our bodies change too.In this episode, Ii am sharing another archive episode with Ilena Standring as we open a deeply honest conversation about body image in matrescence — something many mothers experience but rarely talk about openly.Because motherhood doesn't just change your life.It changes the way you experience your body.We talk about:• why so many women struggle with body image after pregnancy • the pressure to “bounce back” after birth • how patriarchal beauty standards influence motherhood • the emotional complexity of postpartum bodies • why focusing on body functionality instead of body perfection can change everythingThis conversation also touches on sensitive topics including body perception, diet culture, trauma, and sexual abuse, so please listen in a way that feels safe and supportive for you.One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation is simple:Your body is doing its best.It carried life. It adapted. It healed. It continues to sustain you and your family.And that deserves compassion.If last week's episode helped you understand the identity shift of matrescence, this conversation continues that journey — exploring the physical and emotional relationship many women develop with their bodies after becoming mothers.Because matrescence is not just about becoming responsible for another human.It is about learning to inhabit yourself again.

This is a DAM Parenting archive episode recorded two years ago, brought back because the conversation around matrescence and identity in motherhood is still so relevant today.So many of us assume that once we've heard the term matrescence, the conversation is done. That everyone understands it. That we've already said enough.But the reality is that motherhood continues to reshape us in ways that are rarely spoken about openly.The emotional shifts.The identity changes.The quiet moments of wondering who we are now.These conversations can easily disappear beneath the daily demands of parenting, which is exactly why they need to be revisited again and again.This episode is a reminder that the transformation of becoming a mother isn't a one-time conversation. It's an ongoing experience many of us are still navigating.So if this topic resonated in Wednesday's episode on matrescence, this follow-up from the archives is a powerful continuation of that conversation.Because sometimes the most important conversations in motherhood are the ones we need to keep bringing back into the light.In this episode, you'll hear from Ilena Standring, a doula based in Amsterdam, whose work beautifully reflects the heart of matrescence — the profound emotional, psychological, and identity transformation that happens when we become mothers. Ilena doesn't simply support women through pregnancy and birth; she holds space for the deeper transition into motherhood that continues long after a baby arrives. Her perspective is grounded in the belief that women deserve to understand what is happening to them during this powerful life shift. Through her work as a doula and guide in the motherhood journey, Ilena helps women recognise that matrescence is not something to struggle through alone, but a transformation they can learn to navigate, honour, and ultimately flourish within.

What if motherhood isn't just a new role — but a complete identity transition?In this powerful conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Naomi Gibson, we explore matrescence — the developmental process a woman goes through when becoming a mother.Like adolescence, matrescence involves hormonal changes, brain rewiring, shifting values, and a reorganisation of identity.Yet 67% of mothers have never heard the word.In this episode we discuss:• What matrescence really means• Why many mothers feel lost after having a baby• Identity shifts in expat motherhood• Self-esteem and confidence after children• Why defining yourself only as “mother” can be harmful• How to navigate the psychological transition into parenthoodIf you've ever wondered:“Who am I now?”“Why don't I feel like myself?”“Is this normal?”This episode is for you.Listen now and join the conversation redefining motherhood in the Netherlands and beyond.

Parenthood doesn't always unfold the way we imagine.In this Rare Disease Day special, Sarah shares her family's lived experience of parenting a child with a rare disease — from diagnosis and grief to resilience and connection. This conversation explores how labels can become tools for finding support, not reasons for hiding, and how A Different Story was created as a community for parents in the Netherlands to be seen, heard, and held.This episode may feel heavy for some — and deeply affirming for others. It is shared with care, dignity, and the belief that no one should navigate this journey alone.

Montessori is not a trend in the Netherlands — it's part of the educational fabric.When Maria Montessori made the Netherlands her home, her work was already flourishing here, with over 200 Montessori schools established by the mid-1930s. Today, Montessori education remains more accessible in the Netherlands than in most countries worldwide.In this special Montessori Education Week replay — and one of our top 10 most downloaded episodes — I sit down with Simone Davies, author of The Montessori Baby, The Montessori Toddler, and The Montessori Child, and founder of Jacaranda Tree Montessori in Amsterdam.We explore:What Montessori really means beyond aestheticsHow to create a home environment where everything is accessible and everyone feels welcomeGuiding children from dependence → collaboration → independenceHow observation transforms behaviour challenges into connectionSparking intrinsic motivation without pressure or controlWhether you are navigating the Dutch school system or simply curious about bringing Montessori principles into your home, this episode offers grounded, practical insight for parents raising children in the Netherlands.This conversation continues to shape thousands of homes around the world — and remains one of the most powerful starting points for understanding Montessori in everyday life.LinksJacaranda Tree MontessoriMontessori NotebookSimone's Books

My child is five and last week she asked me to put mine away.That moment changed how I think about smartphones and childhood.This episode is part of Phone Free February — a global campaign encouraging families to reduce or delay smartphone use. But here in the Netherlands, something even bigger is happening.The grassroots movement Smartphonevrij Opgroeien (Growing Up Smartphone-Free - originally from the UK) began with Dutch parents who saw what the UK were doing and felt early smartphone access didn't sit right. Today, more families are choosing to delay smartphones until group 8 (around age 12), and there is growing national debate about banning smartphones in schools all day.Across Europe, experts are recommending waiting until 15 for social media access.GPs and youth care workers are reporting increases in sleep disruption, anxiety, low self-esteem, and concentration challenges linked to smartphone use in children.This episode brings the Dutch movement into English — because if your child is growing up in the Netherlands, this affects you too.Inside this episode:• What Smartphonevrij Opgroeien actually means• Why parents are signing up — even with babies and toddlers• What the research says about early smartphone use• How to join the WhatsApp groups (including English-speaking parents)• How to delay without isolating your childThis isn't anti-technology.It's pro-childhood.And it starts long before your child asks for their first phone.Links to support you:Want to join the Whatsapp group in your area? ⁠CLICK HERE⁠Want 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 regionClick 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

For International Mother Language Day 2026, we explore a rarely spoken fear in multilingual and expat families: what happens when your child becomes more fluent in the societal language than you are?Living in the Netherlands, many immigrant and international parents watch Dutch slowly take over their child's world — friendships, school life, humor, even identity. And while multilingualism is beautiful, it can also bring subtle grief, emotional distance, and a fear of losing influence.In this episode, we explore:Why school shifts language dominanceThe emotional impact on parentsThe 8–9 year home language dipHow to protect your home language without resisting DutchPractical ways to maintain emotional closenessInternational Mother Language Day isn't just about preserving languages. It's about preserving relational access. If you're raising multilingual children in the Netherlands (or anywhere abroad), this episode is for you.Subscribe, share with another multilingual parent, and join the conversation on Instagram @damparentingpocast

Asian motherhood abroad comes with unique pressures — cultural expectations, career demands, identity shifts, and the quiet work of belonging.In this episode of the DAM Parenting Podcast, we're joined by the founder of Second Steep, a community created for Asian working mothers navigating the intersections of career, culture, and care — often without a map and without enough support.Together, we explore:What makes Asian immigrant motherhood distinctLetting go of cultural expectations while staying rootedInterracial marriages and identity negotiationRaising multilingual, culturally grounded childrenHow to introduce culture ethically in diverse cities like AmsterdamThe power of community spaces that don't require explanationWe also talk about Lunar New Year, upcoming community dinners in Amsterdam and Eindhoven, and resources for raising children with cultural pride and emotional safety.A gentle, affirming conversation for Asian mums, immigrant parents, and anyone raising children abroad.

Children's mental health is often talked about only when something is “wrong.” But what if mental health isn't a problem to fix — and instead something we're supporting every single day through relationships, routines, and emotional safety?In this episode of DAM Parenting, resident child psychologist Dr Faye Poole offers a grounded, evidence-based perspective on children's mental health — without fear-mongering, labels, or generic advice.We explore: • What children's mental health actually means • How emotional wellbeing affects learning, relationships, and physical health • Why connection is the strongest protective factor • What stress does to children's bodies (and how we buffer it) • Simple, research-backed ways parents can support emotional wellbeing at homeThis episode is especially for parents raising children abroad, navigating systems, transitions, and invisible pressure — and wondering if they're doing “enough.”This is not about perfect parenting. It's about safe, secure, human parenting.Listen with presence. Take what helps. Leave the rest.WHERE TO GET EXTRA HELP For parents needing additional support, these are appropriate first steps:• Huisarts (GP) – always the first point of contact; can refer to specialist services • OKT (Ouder- en Kindteam) – parenting support, emotional wellbeing, development concerns • CJG (Centrum voor Jeugd en Gezin) – preventive child and family support • School Zorgcoördinator / IB'er – for school-based concerns • Youth Health Care (JGZ) – monitoring development, wellbeing, family support for children (0-18), with services often divided by region. General contact is usually via phone or email for appointments and questions, operating Monday-Friday, 8:30-17:00.If a child is in immediate emotional distress, parents should always contact their Huisarts (GP) or emergency services.

Head lice. Nits. Luizen. If your child has ever come home scratching their head, this episode is for you.In this solo episode, Eva shares a very real parenting story , breaks down the facts about how lice actually spread, and tackles the shame and silence that often surround infestations.You'll learn:How head lice really spread (and what doesn't cause them)Why hygiene has nothing to do with itWhy lice are common in schools and even high schoolsWhat treatments actually work (and what doesn't)How community responsibility helps stop outbreaksHumorous, factual, supportive—and stigma-free. Because lice are common. Parenting shame shouldn't be.

Starting school in a new language is not just a cognitive challenge — it's an emotional one. In this episode of the DAM Parenting Podcast, Eva is joined by Mimi from Growing Up Multilingual, residential linguist and emotional language specialist, to explore why emotional vocabulary is one of the most powerful tools for multilingual children starting school.We unpack: – Why children starting school in a new language carry both a language load and an emotional load – The myth that kids “just pick up” emotional language naturally – What multilingual children actually experience emotionally in the classroom – Why building emotional vocabulary in the home language is essential – Practical ways parents can support emotional expression across languages – The core emotional and needs-based words children benefit from before starting school – What teachers and schools can do to better support multilingual learnersWhether your child is about to start school, just started, or is already navigating life between languages, this episode will help you understand how emotional language builds safety, belonging, and confidence.Perfect for international parents, expat families, bilingual households, educators, and anyone raising children between cultures.

Joy isn't frivolous — it's sustaining. This episode explores how joy supports resilience, regulation, and emotional wellbeing in parenting.This episode explores how parents can create more joy and connection in 2026 using simple, research-backed practices. Eva, a psychologist, and founder of The Joy Embassy explains how joy strengthens relationships, protects against burnout, and helps parents feel more present in daily life. Listeners will learn: • How joy works in the brain and body • Why joy supports emotional resilience • Simple tools to notice, strengthen, and create joy • How to accept hard emotions without avoiding themGuest: Eva — The Joy Embassy Website: thejoyembassy.com

Parenthood changes priorities.What happens when your life changes — but your work doesn't?After becoming a parent, relocating, or stepping back from paid work, many people experience a quiet sense of misalignment. Not burnout exactly. Not a crisis. Just the feeling that what once fit… no longer does.In this episode of the Dam Parenting Podcast, Eva is joined by Ellen Johnson, founder of Evergreen Coaching & Consulting — a returning guest you may remember from her deeply honest birth story shared late last year.This conversation builds on last week's episode with Rachel about regulation. Once the nervous system settles, clarity often follows. And that's where we begin.Together, we explore:How to recognise when your work no longer aligns with your valuesWhy big life transitions (parenthood, burnout, relocation) often trigger career questionsHow to redefine success after children — without pressure to “start over”What it looks like to re-enter work intentionally after a pauseHow to stay aligned as your values and life stages continue to evolveEllen supports people through transitions with a rare combination of insight and calm. One client described her as having “the patience of your favourite teacher, the trustworthiness of your favourite therapist, and the knowledge of the best supervisor you could ever hope for.”If you're:Working but feeling quietly misalignedNot currently in paid work and wondering what's nextOr sensing that something in you wants more clarity — not urgencyThis episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters now. Listen with intention — and come back to it when you have space to really sit with the questions.Head over to Instagram to find out visual support queues Ellen created just for you.Find Ellen and her work at evergreen-cc.com

Welcome to Dam Parenting in 2026.Here's a brief overview of who we are, what we do and what you can expect from us.

Parenting abroad comes with an invisible stress load — new systems, cultural differences, mental load, and the constant feeling of needing to keep up. For many international parents, this shows up as chronic overwhelm, anxiety, and a sense of losing themselves along the way.In this episode of DAM Parenting, therapist Rachel Forster joins us to talk about what stress and anxiety really look like in parents — especially those raising children far from their home country.This is not about fixing yourself or adding more to your to-do list. It's about calming the nervous system, reducing overwhelm, and gently reconnecting with who you are beneath the roles of parent, planner, and problem-solver.You'll hear about:Why parenting abroad increases stress and mental loadHow anxiety shows up in high-functioning parentsSimple, body-based nervous system tools you can use in daily lifeHow to reconnect with your authentic self without pressure or guiltThis episode includes a short, guided regulation reset you can try while listening — even if you're exhausted, overstimulated, or short on time. Guest: Rachel Forster, Therapist Learn more: rachaelforstertherapy.com

January 6th marks Nollaig na mBan — Women's Christmas — a traditional Irish day that honours women's unseen work and the need for rest after the intensity of Christmas.In this short DAM Parenting episode, Eva shares why January was never meant to be about productivity, motivation, or “starting fresh” — especially for mothers carrying the mental load of family life.This episode explores:What Nollaig na mBan (Women's Christmas) really isWhy winter is a season of pause, not pressureThe invisible labour women carry — especially at ChristmasA gentler way to enter the new year as a parentWhether you're an expat, immigrant parent, or raising children far from home, this episode is an invitation to slow down — without guilt.Listen now for a moment of reflection, recognition, and rest. If this episode resonates, share it with another mother — or claim your own Nollaig na mBan today.

First off - please excuse the quality! I only got to record this after arriving back from holidays, unpacked, dinner, and kid put in bed! And fireworks - oh man i didn't realise you could hear them on the mic- so it was a quick record and hope for the best!For the rest - thanks for being here in 2025 (and maybe 2024 and 2023!) and I hope you will be sticking around in 2026 for so much more to come - new voices, new topics and hopefully a less last minute podcast!

Eva and Angela explore the realities of relationships abroad — cultural differences, distance from support networks, and the emotional labour of parenting internationally. A grounded conversation about staying connected as partners and parents. Reshared ahead of the New Year.

This episode dives into what true compromise really looks like in relationships. Dr. Naomi Gibson shares tools for communication, teamwork, and emotional honesty — helping couples move from tension to collaboration.A powerful listen as the year winds down.What feels hardest to compromise on?

Recorded during Men's Mental Health Week, this episode features two fathers sharing their experiences with NICU stays, ADHD, burnout, and emotional overload. It's an honest conversation about the realities of fatherhood and why vulnerability is strength.= Reshared to support the whole parenting village.

Neuroscientist Dr. Elke De Witte explains how caregiving reshapes the brain — not just for mothers, but for all parents. This episode challenges outdated myths and calls for a more supportive understanding of parenthood in society and the workplace. A reflective listen during the quieter days after Christmas.What changed most for you after becoming a parent?

This episode explores the emotional side of raising multilingual children — from guilt and comparison to burnout and fear. Mimi offers gentle, practical guidance to help families build sustainable, flexible language journeys rooted in connection rather than pressure.Reshared as part of our Christmas support series.

As holidays approach, parents often carry invisible pressure. This episode explores how to manage expectations, balance rest with responsibility, and approach family holidays with more realism and compassion.A timely replay for Christmas week.What feels hardest about family holidays?

Eva and Angela from the Expat Parenting Collective unpack the emotional and cultural challenges of parenting abroad — from isolation and postpartum expectations to setting boundaries with in-laws. This episode offers reassurance, tools, and real talk for parents raising children far from their original support systems.Reshared during the holiday season when family dynamics intensify.

This episode explores one of the most important parenting skills: managing your own stress before responding to your child's meltdown. Our resident Child Psychologist Dr. Faye Pool from Kerr Psychology explains how stress affects both parent and child, and shares realistic regulation techniques for high-pressure moments — including public tantrums and parenting abroad.Part of our Christmas replay support series.What helps you calm down when things escalate?

Child psychologist Faye joins Eva and Maren to explore how children develop resilience, self-belief, and emotional awareness. This episode covers growth mindset, effort-based praise, emotional vocabulary, child-led play, and practical tools to help children move from “I can't” to “I can't… yet.”Reshared to support parents during emotionally intense holiday periods.

Returning home for the holidays can stir up complex emotions — especially when you're parenting abroad. In this episode, resident psychologist Dr. Naomi Gibson helps parents understand the emotional shift of going back to their roots while holding new identities as caregivers. Together, we explore family roles, expectations, boundaries, and how to create space for both old traditions and new ones.Part of our 12 Days of Christmas replay series.What feels hardest about going home for you?

Traveling with kids can feel overwhelming before you even leave the house. In this episode, Eva speaks with family travel content creator Jetset Gabrielle about how to prepare yourself mentally and practically for trips with children. Recorded ahead of peak travel season, this conversation focuses on realistic preparation, lowering stress, and helping parents feel more confident navigating travel days with kids.Reshared as part of the 12 Days of Christmas support series.

Christmas is almost here — and while everyone else is planning outfits and presents, you're worrying about something else entirely: how your child is going to cope.The noise.The travel.The broken routines.The big family expectations.In this episode of DAM Parenting, host Eva is joined by child psychologist Faye to talk about what's actually happening inside a child's brain and body when Christmas becomes overwhelming — and how parents can support regulation without trying to control every moment.Together, we explore:Why routine changes and overstimulation can feel so big for childrenHow parental anxiety and guilt can quietly affect our kidsWhat travel, sleep disruption, and long days do to emotional regulationHow to handle family pressure when your child needs spaceSimple, realistic tools to help children stay calm and supported during the holidaysThis conversation isn't about creating a perfect Christmas.It's about understanding overwhelm, protecting emotional safety, and creating small pockets of calm — whether you're travelling, hosting, or just trying to get through the season.If Christmas feels like a lot this year, this episode is for you.

How do children really learn to speak — especially when they're growing up with more than one language?In this episode of Dam Parenting, host Eva sits down with our resident linguist Mimi from⁠ Growing up Multilingual⁠ to explore the surprisingly powerful role of play in multilingual language development. From quiet colouring moments to spontaneous storytelling, this conversation uncovers how connection, safety, and shared attention unlock children's voices across languages.As the Christmas holidays approach, many families find themselves navigating busy homes, travel, visitors, overstimulation, and screens. This episode offers a gentle reset: why slowing down and returning to simple, screen-free play can strengthen attachment, emotional safety, and speech — without pressure or performance.You'll hear:• Why play is essential for early speech and language development• How colouring, drawing, and open-ended play encourage multilingual expression• Why children often speak their heritage language when they feel safe and in control• Practical, low-pressure ways to support bilingual and multilingual kids at home• How to build connection without turning playtime into a lessonPerfect for parents raising bilingual or multilingual children, expat families, international parents in the Netherlands, and anyone wanting to support language, bonding, and emotional development — especially during the busy holiday season.Listen now and rediscover the power of play.

Looking for family-friendly Christmas activities in the Netherlands? In this episode, Samira from ⁠AmsterdamKids⁠ joins us to share a wide range of ideas for things to do with your family during the festive season. We talk about Christmas markets, light festivals, museum outings, winter events, kid-friendly activities, and cozy days out across the country.There's so much happening this month that we couldn't list everything in the episode — so if you want a full overview of December activities for families, visit our ⁠Instagram page⁠. You'll find a curated carousel packed with inspiration to help you plan your festive calendar.Tune in to discover new ways to make the season special for you and your kids.

This week, Eva takes us through the whirlwind of November–December parenting in the Netherlands — the sugar, the traditions, the cultural juggling, and the pressure to buy all the things. But instead of adding more to our already stretched mental load, this episode invites us to shift toward something simpler, kinder, and far more meaningful: giving together.Eva shares how a Reverse Advent Calendar works — filling a box each day with small essentials for a family in need — and why it's one of the most grounding, heart-opening activities to do with your kids this season. Plus: ways to get involved across the Netherlands, including: Serving the City Amsterdam, kerstzwolle.nl, the ADRA Christmas Box Campaign, and nationwide Kerstpakketjesactie drives.Got others you want mentioned? Reach out on Instagram to add others to share with our communtiy!If you're craving a December with less pressure and more purpose, this is your gentle invitation.Take a breath. Gather your kids. Build a box. Make a difference.You're not alone in this season — and neither are the families we choose to support.

Bringing home baby number two is a big moment — not just for you, but for the little one who's about to become a big sibling. This highly requested episode dives into what parents can do to guide their first-born through the transition with warmth, confidence, and support.Child psychologist Faye from Kerr Psychology joins us to share practical ways to prepare your oldest, strengthen connection, ease tricky emotions, and set the stage for a loving sibling bond. If you're growing your family and want to make this change feel safe, supported, and joyfully messy in all the right ways, this conversation is for you. Listen now to get the guidance you need for your “one to two kids” journey.

Is OPOL — One Parent, One Language — really the “gold standard” for raising bilingual kids, or just another parenting myth that sounds good on paper?In this episode, Eva sits down with linguist and multilingual mom Mimi from Growing Up Multilingual to unpack where OPOL came from, why it's been trusted for over a century, and what actually happens when real families try it in daily life.If you've ever worried about “doing it wrong,” this conversation will help you breathe easier — because your language plan isn't fixed, it's a living document.Hit follow on Dam Parenting for new episodes every Wednesday — and share this one with a parent who needs to hear that “perfect bilingualism” doesn't exist, but connection always does.

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 parentsHow to share responsibilities without resentment or burnoutWhy intentional communication matters more than everWays to blend home and host cultures for a grounded family rhythmPractical tools like weekly check-ins, shared calendars, and outsourcingWhether 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.