Is it a language barrier, or is it ADHD? In this powerful episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with Anne to take a warm, honest, and direct look at her family’s journey from denial to diagnosis. For many international parents, ADHD symptoms are often dismissed as "adjustment issues," leaving families struggling in silence. Anne shares the emotional reality of moving past the "yes, but..." phase and the pivotal role school staff played in helping her see the bigger picture.

We discuss the process of seeking help in the Netherlands, the importance of building a supportive network, and Anne’s inspiration for her book, JellyPie FireFly—a tool designed to help children and caregivers talk about neurodiversity. Whether you are navigating a new diagnosis or suspect your child needs extra support, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to walk this path alone. Tune in for real talk on acceptance, advocacy, and finding your village.

Anne also shares the inspiration behind 'JellyPie FireFly' a beautifully illustrated book she created to help children (and their carers) talk about what it means to live with. or the origin story of the book, listen to DamChats 11

For more support spaces:

A Different Story is a space where you can find support for families with different backgrounds, experiences and diagnosis.

Ludica provides peer support groups in Amsterdam, for families with neurodivergent members.

CHADD a national organisation that provides information, education and support for people with ADHD and their families.

How do you stay present when the monotony of parenting feels physically painful to your brain? In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with Emma, an ADHD Potential Coach, to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the neurodivergent experience of motherhood. From the quiet frustration of rocking a non-verbal baby to the chaos of toddler tantrums, we explore why the "hard parts" of parenting often feel even harder with an ADHD brain.

Emma shares practical, "no-fluff" strategies for managing emotional dysregulation, executive dysfunction, and the dreaded postpartum ADHD flare. We discuss simple hacks to reframe boring routines and how to build self-care into your day without needing extra childcare. This conversation is a vital reminder that your neurodivergence isn't a parenting flaw—it's a different way of processing the world. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the "overwhelmed mom syndrome," this episode offers the validation and tools you need to find regulation in the beautiful chaos.

You can find Emma at theADHDpotential

Research papers:

The effects of the mother’s ADHD on her parenting role

Parent ADHD is Associated with Greater Parenting Distress in the First Year Postpartum

Overwhelmed Mom Syndrome — It’s a Real Thing

ADHD is one of the most misunderstood labels in modern parenting, often clouded by myths that undermine the real, scientific reality of the condition. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look at the ADHD journey specifically within the Dutch healthcare system. Joined by researcher Marlies Visser, we explore the persistent stigma surrounding the diagnosis and the emotional toll it takes on international families trying to find the right support.

We discuss the practical "how-to" of seeking a diagnosis in the Netherlands, the hurdles of accessing specialized care, and the vulnerable reality of parenting with ADHD. This isn't a clinical lecture; it’s a personal reflection on the diverse paths families take toward understanding. Whether you are at the start of the assessment process or have been living with a diagnosis for years, this conversation offers the solidarity and data-backed insights you need to challenge misconceptions and advocate for your family’s well-being.

The transition to motherhood is as profound as adolescence, yet the term "Matrescence" is still missing from many mainstream parenting conversations. To wrap up our month-long deep dive, Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look at what they’ve learned from experts like Dr. Naomi Gibson and Ilena Standring. This episode is a raw reflection on the emotional and physical upheaval of becoming a mother while navigating life abroad.

We discuss our key takeaways, the glaring gaps in current research, and why the "village" is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a biological necessity. Whether you are currently in the thick of this identity shift or looking back on your journey, this conversation serves as a powerful reminder that the struggles you feel aren't personal failures; they are part of a massive developmental leap. Join us as we reflect on how to carry this conversation forward and ensure no mother in our community feels alone in her transformation.

Matrescence is the developmental transition into motherhood—much like adolescence, it is a period of massive hormonal and psychological upheaval. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with psychologist Dr. Naomi Gibson to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the "birth" of a mother. We move past the surface-level talk of baby gear and sleep schedules to explore the deep identity shift that happens when you transition from "you" to "us."

Naomi breaks down the psychological underpinnings of this phase, helping you make sense of the conflicting emotions and "lost" feelings that often accompany motherhood. We share personal reflections and offer a guided journal exercise (included in the show notes!) designed to help you reclaim your sense of self. Whether you are six weeks or six years into your parenting journey, this conversation provides the self-awareness and empowerment needed to navigate your own Matrescence with grace and clarity.

To help you reflect further on your own Matrescence journey, Naomi shares a journal exercise for times of transition, encouraging you to gain deeper self-awareness and clarity. Grab a simple notebook or use your phone notes, and answer one or more of these questions:

1. Reflect on a moment of joy from today as a mum.
   

2. Recall a challenge you overcame recently. What strengths did you use to get through it?
   

3. Think back to a moment when you felt proud of your parenting.
   

4. What’s surprised you most about becoming a mother?
   

5. How has your life changed since becoming a mother? What significant lessons have you learned along the way?
   

We’d love to hear how you get on! Stay connected with us on Instagram and share your reflections with us: Instagram: @damparentingpodcast | @drnaomipsychologist

Matrescence changes everything—including how we see the skin we live in. Following our deep dive into body image with Ilena Standring, this episode offers a quiet, intentional space to process your own journey. We move beyond "bouncing back" and focus on a loving journaling exercise designed to help you appreciate your body’s resilience, its role in your self-care, and its evolving relationship with the world around you.

This isn’t just "toxic positivity"; it’s a practice rooted in the Expand Your Horizon research, a study dedicated to enhancing body image in mothers of young children. We invite you to find a quiet corner, grab a pen, and allow yourself the rare luxury of uninterrupted time. Whether you’ve been struggling with your physical identity or simply want to strengthen your self-connection, this direct and honest exercise will help you reframe your body’s story from the inside out.

If you want to find out more about this journalling exercise, please check out ExpandYourHorizon.org

Research from Enhancing body image in motherhood: A randomised controlled trial of Expand Your Horizon among mothers of young children

Your body didn't just change; it underwent a profound transformation to bring life into the world. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Ilena Standring returns to join Maren for a warm, honest, and direct conversation about body image during Matrescence. We move beyond the "bounce back" myths to explore the real mental and emotional impact of seeing yourself differently after pregnancy.

We unpack the societal pressures that fuel postpartum insecurity and share practical strategies for fostering self-compassion when you don't recognize the person in the mirror. From navigating dietary restraint to the sociocultural pressures unique to modern motherhood, this episode is a reminder that your worth isn’t tied to a pre-baby shape. Whether you’re months or years into your journey, join us as we discuss how to embrace your physical self with kindness while raising the next generation. It’s time to stop fighting your body and start honoring the journey it’s been on.

What happens when the expert becomes the student? In this episode, seasoned postpartum doula Harriet returns for a warm, honest, and direct 6-month check-in on her own journey through matrescence. After years of supporting Amsterdam families through the "Fourth Trimester," Harriet shares what it’s actually like to live through the identity shift, the emotional highs and lows, and the self-discovery of the first half-year of motherhood.

We dive into how her personal transformation has reshaped her professional perspective and what she’s learned about "enoughness" and resilience. Whether you are currently in the thick of the six-month transition or preparing for your own path into motherhood, Harriet’s reflections offer a compassionate mirror to your own experience. Join us for a conversation about the beauty and the burden of becoming a mother, and why we need to talk more about the person being born alongside the baby.

Looking for a postpartum doula to support your own journey? Reach out to Harriet at Nourish and Nest or follow her on Instagram for more information and support.

Instagram: @nourishandnest

Why does becoming a mother feel like losing yourself and finding a stranger at the same time? In this episode of the DamGoode Bookclub, Elizabeth, Maren, and Eva take a warm, honest, and direct look at Matrescence by Lucy Jones. We explore why this term—representing the profound physical, emotional, and neurological transformation into motherhood—is only just gaining the recognition it deserves in 2026.

We discuss the "cultural silence" that leaves women blindsided by the gap between the romanticized version of pregnancy and the often traumatic reality of the transition. From the neurological rewiring of the brain to the societal pressures that lead to disillusionment, we break down why acknowledging this identity shift is essential for our mental health. If you’ve ever felt betrayed by the "happily ever after" narrative of parenting, this conversation will give you the language to own your truth. You aren't failing; you are undergoing matrescence.

Moving to a new country is a massive logistical feat, but it’s the emotional transition that often takes the longest to settle. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren are joined by relocation counselor and coach Erin from @TodayIWasAsked to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the "hidden" side of moving. Whether you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands or have been here for years and are still seeking a sense of "home," Erin shares invaluable strategies for navigating the relocation rollercoaster.

We dive into the importance of prioritizing mental health during transitions, how to find genuine belonging in a new environment, and practical ways to build a local support network from scratch. Erin explains how to turn the overwhelming challenges of expat life into opportunities for growth and fulfillment. If you’re feeling the strain of the "international juggle," tune in for actionable advice to help you feel grounded, connected, and ready to embrace your new adventure.

Find Erin on Instagram @TodayIWasAsked