Dam Parenting

Where to go, what to do with Samira from AmsterdamKids.comBeachesZandvoort aan ZeeBloemendaal aan ZeeCastricum aan Zee Texel IslandZeelandScheveningenAmusement ParksEfteling Oud ValkeveenDuinrell and Tiki PoolToverlandSprookjeswonderlandEasy Outdoor Escapes from AmsterdamHet Twiske*Always check water safety on Waterkwaliteit.net before swimming.Outdoor Pools - Flevoparkbad and MirandabadPierenbadjesSpecial Summer Events SAIL AmsterdamMuseum Summer Programs - grab your MuseumkaartDoolhof Corn MazeTravel HacksNS SpoordeelwinkelNS Kids free travel GVB Kids VrijOBA - LibraryBonus: Boeren Camping

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 surgeryWhat to expect before, during, and after adenoid, tonsil, and grommet proceduresTips for making hospital day smoother (yes, pajamas matter!)Recovery essentials: ice pops, jelly, and comfort strategiesParenting vulnerability and what Brené Brown teaches us about courageIf 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 SlegersKarel in het ziekenhuis — Liesbet SlegersKevin Goes to the Hospital — Liesbet Slegers (English)Anna in het ziekenhuis — Kathleen AmantNijntje in het ziekenhuis (Miffy at the Hospital) — Dick BrunaBobbi naar het ziekenhuis — Monica MaasDaniel 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.

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.