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 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.

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.

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.