Dam Parenting Dam Parenting Podcast

Welcome to a special announcements episode!

Dam Parenting launched just 6 months ago - and today marks 55th episode being released and there are lots to celebrate for our niche audience!

ALSO

Eva and Maren are thrilled to launch the DamParenting Maternal Mental Health Series for the entire month of May. With over 15 episodes crafted in collaboration with our local community, Dam Parenting aims to be a vital resource for our international family community living in the Netherlands.

Navigating pregnancy, birthing, and parenthood can be a daunting journey filled with uncertainties, especially when language and cultural barriers come into play. Our special series is designed to provide the knowledge and support you deserve, eliminating the need for endless research, translation, and struggles alone.

Join Maren and Eva as they kick off this transformative series on Wednesday 1st of May. Whether you're an expectant parent, a new mom or dad, or simply curious about the world of parenting, these episodes are tailored to resonate with you.

Don't forget to subscribe to Dam Parenting on your favourite podcast platforms, follow us on Instagram, and share this invaluable resource with your community.

Above all, we hope this series enlightens, empowers, and inspires you, shining a light on the dedicated community of service providers ready to support you on your parenting journey. Together, let's embrace the beauty and challenges of parenthood with confidence and grace!

In this insightful episode, Maren and Eva are joined again by Ilena Standring, a passionate doula and advocate and expert on matrescence—the journey of becoming a mother.

Dana Raphael created the term matrescence in 1973.

Matrescence is a profound transformation that encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological changes as women transition into motherhood - where in the last episode with Dr Naomi, together they spoke about the identity shift. Ilena will discuss the intricacies of this transformative process, shedding light on the joys, challenges, and complexities that come with it.

From the shifting dynamics of relationships to the evolution of self-identity and the balancing act of motherhood, we explore the multifaceted aspects of matrescence. Ilena shares valuable perspectives, practical tips, and empowering insights to help navigate this transformative journey with grace and resilience.

Whether you're a new mom, expecting mother, or someone interested in understanding the transformative power of motherhood, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and understanding. Join Eva, Maren and Ilena as they break down matrescence and celebrate the incredible strength and beauty of the motherhood journey.



You can find out more on Ilena on her instagram:

Ilena_j_standring



Be sure to share this within your community, mothers to be and mothers alike - we are all in this together. Being a parent is hard enough, doing it in another country without the support from our family and close friends is a tough journey many of us are trying to figure out. Let's do it together.





Ilena's reflection questions:



[ ] In the 12-24 months before I became pregnant, I was preoccupied with...

[ ] If I reflect back to my pregnancy, these are the ideas, the ideals and the topics, that I was preoccupied with

[ ] As I look back now, on those 12-24 months before pregnancy, and that period in pregnancy, I wish I had spent more time exploring...

[ ] As I glance back into my matrescence journey thus far, these are the things that spring to mind as the most surprisingly fullfilling aspects of my inner and outter transformation.

[ ] These are the realisations about the way I was parented and how matrescence was modelled to me as I have been on the journey through matrescence

[ ] As I look forward to the next 12 months of my identity expansion, beyond the every day parenting, I would like to explore these aspects of my identity and of my experience of matrescence

Summer is coming and as the sun will shine down in the Netherlands, and summer holiday vibes will be in the air

Together with Elizabeth Goode from Goode Writes and Reads, where, Eva and Maren are happy to announce the DamGoode Bookclub - will be reading three parenting books over the summer.

You will be able to listen in to our synopsis on these books, on the first Monday of each month over the summer.



The books chosen are:

June: The Happiest Kids in the World: Bringing up Children the Dutch Way by Rina Mae Acosta and Michele Hutchison 



July: The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did by Philippa Perry



August: The Whole-Brain Child : 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J Siegel

Be sure to join us on Instagram for each DamGoode Bookclub and join in on the chats - give your own perspective if you read the books - or even suggestions if there are other books you want to hear about.

In this enlightening episode, Maren and Eva sit down with Dr. Naomi to delve into the world of parental identity shifts. Parenthood is a transformative journey that reshapes one's sense of self in profound ways. Dr. Naomi unpacks the complexities of this transition, exploring the emotional, psychological, and relational changes that parents experience. From navigating new roles and responsibilities to confronting unexpected challenges, we explore the multifaceted nature of identity transformation in the context of parenthood.
Tune in to gain insights into understanding and embracing these changes, fostering growth, resilience, and deeper connections within the family dynamic.

Be sure to share with your community, as these episodes are created especially for our international community. It's hard going through Matrescence - without knowing whats involved, and also in a new country, city, without the comforts of home.

You can find out more about Dr Naomi on her website:
DrNaomiGibson.com

Instagram:
thegoodenoughpsychologist


Be sure to follow us on Instagram
DamParentingPodcast

As international families living abroad, parents are more likely to turn to series they can pay for - as they don't have their own family or friends around for help.

This includes daycare - for families with two working parents - there is no other option. And with some daycares with a waiting list of over a year, some parents look at other options - gasthouder, nanny, or au pair's - just to get by.

But these aren't the only kinds of services we are talking about. Outsourcing also includes: cleaners, laundrettes, dog walkers, baby sitters, food delivery, kids party planners, you name it.

What Maren and Eva want to address sincerely is - that getting outside help isn't about being lazy, but it's about thinking about what's best for your family, your child and your self.

Social media adds pressure, people are sharing only the good parts of their lives online, and we shouldn't compare ourselves who have different lives - experiences, backgrounds, needs, wants and goals.

Outsourcing - in essence - can provide parents with more time to spend with their children, and relive some stress.

As parents, we navigate a sea of decisions throughout our children's journey. Yet, as our toddlers reach the ripe age of two, the decision on schooling emerges as a pivotal one, particularly here in the Netherlands. Unlike many other corners of the globe we hail from, this country offers a plethora of educational styles to explore.

Enter Isabel Cruz of Kaleidoscope Consulting, poised to unravel the intricacies of this crucial milestone for us parents. From the optimal timing for contemplation to the diverse educational approaches available, Isabel guides us through the process, even shedding light on how to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of prospective schools.

Get ready to embark on this enlightening journey, where each choice shapes the kaleidoscope of our children's futures.



Find out more:

Kaleidoscope Consulting

Instagram



Numbers showing which secondary school the children progress to

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