We’re told that relationships are about teamwork, but the reality of parenting—especially without a local "village"—often feels like a constant negotiation of whose needs come first. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with resident psychologist Dr. Naomi Gibson to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the art of true compromise.

We explore why real compromise isn't about "meeting in the middle" or making one person sacrifice; it’s about finding a third way that honors both individuals. Dr. Naomi explains how to use empathy and vulnerability to shift from resentment to genuine collaboration, ensuring that your long-term relationship satisfaction doesn't get lost in the daily grind of tasks. Whether you're struggling with "who does what" or feeling a quiet disconnect from your partner, this episode provides the practical communication tools you need to stop keeping score and start building a more harmonious home.

Why do we stay awake when we are absolutely exhausted? In this episode of DAMChats, Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look at the phenomenon of Revenge Bedtime Procrastination. Eva shares a vulnerable breakthrough from a recent therapy session about the overwhelming "nightly reset"—the endless cycle of folding laundry, clearing toys, and tackling dishes that eats into our rest.

We explore why we sacrifice sleep for a few moments of autonomy and how the "mental load" of parenting in a foreign country makes these evening hours feel so precious. From the psychology of the "doom scroll" to practical strategies for a restorative wind-down ritual, we discuss how to break the cycle of exhaustion. It’s time to stop treating sleep as a luxury and start finding ways to reclaim your peace without sacrificing your health. Tune in for actionable tips to help the whole family transition from chaos to rest.

Are we creating memories, or are we just checking boxes? In this episode of DAMChats, Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look at the "more is more" culture of modern parenting. We dive into the exhaustion of the endless to-do list—from the pressure of perfect birthday parties to the weekend dash between trampoline parks and dance classes.

We unpack how social media fuels comparison anxiety, making us feel like "enough" is never actually enough. We discuss the impact of over-scheduling on our children's nervous systems (and our own) and why the most magical moments usually happen in the quiet gaps, not the planned activities. If you’re feeling drained by the hustle to keep up with the "Joneses" (or the "Jansens"), this conversation is your permission slip to do less. Tune in for practical insights on fighting parental guilt, embracing simplicity, and reclaiming your family’s time for what actually matters.

At age four, children begin the lifelong habit of comparing themselves to others. As parents, how do we ensure they see challenges as opportunities rather than failures? In this episode of Dam Parenting, we’re joined by Faye from Kerr Psychology to take a warm, honest, and direct look at building resilience and a growth mindset.

We dive into why effort-based praise is more powerful than labeling a child as "smart," and how to foster the intrinsic motivation they need to thrive. Faye shares practical strategies for expanding your child's emotional vocabulary, the importance of child-led play during big transitions, and how to reframe "don’t" statements into positive guidance. Whether you’re dealing with school-age comparisons or toddler frustrations, this conversation is packed with tools to help your child embrace the power of "yet" and grow into a confident, emotionally intelligent individual.

Are you tired of the morning rush and the pressure to always "do more"? In this grounding episode of Dam Parenting, we sit down with world-renowned Montessori educator and author Simone Davies to discuss the transformative power of slowing down. We take a warm, honest, and direct look at how to stop rushing and start trusting your child’s natural pace.

Simone explains that Montessori isn't about expensive wooden toys; it’s a mindset of respect and observation. Discover practical ways to set up your home to foster independence, how to balance freedom with clear boundaries, and why a "pouring water" moment is actually a masterclass in curiosity. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by parenting expectations, this conversation will help you reclaim a sense of calm and build a deeper, more mindful connection with your children. Learn how to model the peace you want to see in your home and savor the journey of raising independent kids.

It is a parenting staple found on almost every expat’s bookshelf, but does How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk actually work in the chaos of 2026? In this episode of the DamGoode Bookclub, Eva, Maren, and Elizabeth take a warm, honest, and direct look at the communication strategies made famous by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.

We break down the book’s core pillars—like acknowledging feelings, inviting cooperation, and finding alternatives to punishment—and discuss how these tools translate to our lives as international parents. We explore what still resonates, what feels a bit dated, and how to use these techniques to build a relationship based on mutual respect rather than control. Whether you’ve read the book cover-to-cover or just want the "cheat sheet" for better communication, join us for a deep dive into talking so your kids—finally—listen.

🎉 Happy 1-Year Anniversary to Dam Parenting! 🎉

What started as a shared need for clarity amidst the "beautiful chaos" of the Netherlands has grown into a trusted resource for international families. In this special episode, Eva and Maren sit down with Gemma from MamaSocial to look back on the journey of building a village from scratch. We revisit the milestones that defined our first year—from navigating kraamzorg and Dutch schools to breaking the stigma around maternal mental health and ADHD.

This episode is a warm, honest, and direct love letter to the power of showing up for one another. Whether you’ve been with us since our first MamaSocial brunch or you’re just discovering us now, thank you for being part of this journey. We’re reflecting on our most impactful episodes, the lessons we’ve learned as hosts, and the exciting future of supporting parents building a life in the Netherlands. You aren't alone—and we’re just getting started.

How can we help children with ADHD thrive in a classroom setting without losing their spark? In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with Learning Diversity Specialist Kate to take a warm, honest, and direct look at ADHD within the school system. From executive functioning struggles to the sensory overload of a busy playground, Kate shares concrete strategies to bridge the gap between home and the classroom.

We explore how to navigate the Dutch school structure, advocate effectively for your child’s needs, and build a collaborative relationship with teachers. This isn't just about academic performance; it’s about protecting your child’s confidence and fostering their unique strengths. Whether you are at the start of a diagnosis journey or looking for fresh ways to support your child’s emotional regulation, this conversation offers the professional insight and compassionate clarity you need to help your child navigate school with success.

Let’s be honest: surviving a Dutch winter with a toddler requires a solid list of escape routes. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we share a community-curated guide to Amsterdam’s coziest corners for families. We move beyond the standard tourist spots to highlight local favorites where you can actually enjoy a warm coffee while your children are safely entertained.

From the structured play at Club Abbey and Playhood to the community warmth of Robbeburg and the creative vibes at Kiddo Inspiration Center, we break down where to go when you just need to get out of the house. We discuss the unique features of spots like Mallow Garden and Coffee and Kids, helping you find the perfect atmosphere for your family's needs. Whether it's a drizzly Tuesday or a freezing weekend, these "indoor villages" are here to help you reclaim your sanity and keep the kids moving.

Playhood

Club Abbey

Mallow Garden

Mamasocial

Robbeburg

Coffee and Kids

Wonderpark café Amstelveen

Monti's World

Kiddo Inspiration Center

What happens when you and your partner stop parenting against each other and start parenting with each other? In this essential episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with psychologist Dr. Naomi Gibson to explore the art of the "parenting team." Being a couple and being co-parents are two different skills, and often, the pressure of raising kids in a foreign country can drive a wedge between even the strongest partners.

Dr. Naomi shares warm, honest, and direct strategies to help you realign, including the power of "I" statements, avoiding the trap of "always" and "never," and how to divide the mental load based on strengths rather than outdated assumptions. We also discuss her "Stick Together" conversation cards—a practical tool designed to help you reconnect and rebuild emotional intimacy. If you’re tired of the "good cop, bad cop" routine, tune in to learn how to set shared values and show up for your children as a united front.

This episode also introduces Dr. Naomi’s 'Stick Together' conversation cards—a beautifully designed tool for partners to have open, honest conversations about parenting challenges, available online and at Monti's World in the Pijp.