Dam Parenting

Dam Parenting Podcast
  • 5.0 (7)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Parenting in the Netherlands as an international family can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. DAM Parenting is a weekly podcast supporting international parents through pregnancy, birth, and parenthood in the Dutch system. With 165+ episodes, we explore everything from giving birth in a system you may not fully understand to raising third-culture kids in multilingual homes. Featuring real birth stories, expert insights, and honest conversations, this is your space for clarity, reassurance, and community. You are not alone.

  1. Phone Free February: Growing Up Smartphone-Free in the Netherlands

    9H AGO

    Phone Free February: Growing Up Smartphone-Free in the Netherlands

    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 child This 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 HERE⁠ Want to join the Whatsapp group for English speakers: ⁠CLICK HERE⁠ - (in select jouw regio - scroll to bottom for ENGLISH) If you want to check out your own school (or chosen school) ⁠CLICK HERE⁠ on your region Click on the image of a school - Bekijk hoeveel ouders.... From there it will show you the number of students and schools, with the list of cities underneath. Click into the city and you will get a breakdown of each school registered and keep clicking.. It gets more and more interesting! You will see how many kids in your school, and even by which groep they are in. If you want the read the materials related to the ⁠UK website CLICK HERE

    30 min
  2. Am I Losing My Child to Another Language? | Multilingual Parenting in the Netherlands

    3D AGO

    Am I Losing My Child to Another Language? | Multilingual Parenting in the Netherlands

    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 dominance The emotional impact on parents The 8–9 year home language dip How to protect your home language without resisting Dutch Practical ways to maintain emotional closeness International 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

    25 min
  3. Mothering Between Worlds: Asian Identity, Parenting & Community

    FEB 11

    Mothering Between Worlds: Asian Identity, Parenting & Community

    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 distinct Letting go of cultural expectations while staying rooted Interracial marriages and identity negotiation Raising multilingual, culturally grounded children How to introduce culture ethically in diverse cities like Amsterdam The power of community spaces that don’t require explanation We 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.

    19 min
  4. Children’s Mental Health Isn’t a Crisis to Fix — It’s a Relationship to Build (with Dr Faye Poole)

    FEB 4

    Children’s Mental Health Isn’t a Crisis to Fix — It’s a Relationship to Build (with Dr Faye Poole)

    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 home This 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.

    24 min

  5. JAN 31

    Head Lice, Shame & School Kids: The Facts Parents Actually Need

    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 it Why lice are common in schools and even high schools What treatments actually work (and what doesn’t) How community responsibility helps stop outbreaks Humorous, factual, supportive—and stigma-free. Because lice are common. Parenting shame shouldn’t be.

    7 min
  6. Why Emotional Language Matters for Multilingual Children Starting School with Mimi

    JAN 28

    Why Emotional Language Matters for Multilingual Children Starting School with Mimi

    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 learners Whether 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.

    30 min
  7. Joy as a Parenting Resource: Why It Matters More Than We Think with Eva

    JAN 21

    Joy as a Parenting Resource: Why It Matters More Than We Think with Eva

    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 them Guest: Eva — The Joy Embassy Website: thejoyembassy.com

    40 min
  8. When Your Career No Longer Fits Your Life After Parenthood with Ellen

    JAN 14

    When Your Career No Longer Fits Your Life After Parenthood with Ellen

    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 values Why big life transitions (parenthood, burnout, relocation) often trigger career questions How to redefine success after children — without pressure to “start over” What it looks like to re-enter work intentionally after a pause How to stay aligned as your values and life stages continue to evolve Ellen 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 misaligned Not currently in paid work and wondering what’s next Or sensing that something in you wants more clarity — not urgency This 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

    34 min
See All (188)

Trailers

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Parenting in the Netherlands as an international family can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. DAM Parenting is a weekly podcast supporting international parents through pregnancy, birth, and parenthood in the Dutch system. With 165+ episodes, we explore everything from giving birth in a system you may not fully understand to raising third-culture kids in multilingual homes. Featuring real birth stories, expert insights, and honest conversations, this is your space for clarity, reassurance, and community. You are not alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Dam Parenting Podcast
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dam Parenting Podcast
  • Show Website
    Dam Parenting