In this special DamGoode Book Club episode, Elizabeth, our award-winning librarian and writer, revisits a parenting book she first read during her pregnancy, now with a fresh perspective as her daughter turns one. Life has changed so much in this short period of time, and Elizabeth’s view of the book has evolved as she navigates the reality of parenting.

We often start parenthood with dreams of how we’ll approach raising our children, but as every parent knows, exhaustion, sleepless nights, and a strong-willed baby can quickly challenge our ideal plans, forcing us to simply survive the day, week, or month.

Join Eva, Maren, and Elizabeth as they dive into the pages of this popular parenting book. Each episode of the DamGoode Book Club is designed to break down key parenting insights from various cultural perspectives, and this one is no exception. Whether you're a new parent or navigating the ups and downs of early parenthood, this conversation will offer you valuable takeaways and moments of camaraderie.

Don’t forget to check out our Instagram for more details and join the conversation in our reel for the episode! What parenting books have left an impact on you? Share your thoughts—agree or disagree, we want to hear from you!

In today’s episode, we’re bringing a workshop right to your podcast feed! Join Isabel Cruz, a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) advocate and educator, as she leads an insightful and supportive conversation on raising culturally aware children in a diverse world. Living in the Netherlands, a melting pot of nearly 200 nationalities, offers endless opportunities to teach our kids about cultural appreciation and understanding.

This episode is not just about theory—it’s a conversation that will leave you better equipped to navigate sensitive topics with your children, whether it’s through books, events, or real-life encounters. How do we answer our child’s questions when they ask about differences—like why someone may look different, or why someone is wearing something unique? Isabel shares strategies to help us answer honestly, compassionately, and without discomfort.

This workshop-style episode is perfect for parents who want to help their children grow up with a better understanding of the world around them. Tune in now, or come back to it whenever these important topics come up with your little ones.

Books to explore with your kids:

Antiracist Baby
Global Babies

All Are Welcome
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race

I Walk with Vanessa

Saturday

Under My Hijab

My Family Your Family

Anything by Mylo Freeman (Instagram: ⁠@mylofreeman⁠)

Find some of these books at Monti's World - located in De Pijp, Amsterdam and other local stores like Colourful Goodies, Bijlmer Bookstore, and Indo Shop

Links:

This is a good article to share about why Mylo Freeman created the Princess Arabella series

Colourful Goodies in Noord specializes in books and dolls that offer a wide range of representation

Bijlmer Bookstore
Indo Shop
Kies Kleurig 

For more on the Keti Koti celebration in Amsterdam, visit:: https://ketikotiamsterdam.nl/

Resources for parents to raise anti-racist children:

• Books:

• Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners: books for children and young adults

• 31 Children's books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance

• Podcasts:

• Parenting Forward podcast episode ‘Five Pandemic Parenting Lessons with Cindy Wang Brandt’

• Fare of the Free Child podcast

• Integrated Schools podcast episode “Raising White Kids with Jennifer Harvey”

• Articles:

• How White Parents Can Talk To Their Kids About Race | NPR

• Teaching Your Child About Black History Month | PBS

• Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup from Pretty Good

In this episode, we continue our Birth Story series by sharing another powerful and personal story from our community. Many of us have a birth plan in mind, but the reality often doesn't align with what we envisioned. These stories are here to celebrate resilience, highlight the diverse experiences of motherhood, and provide support to those navigating similar paths. Today, we’re welcoming Helen, a mom of two from England, who shares her home birth experience with us.

Helen had the unique challenge of planning her second home birth while also preparing for the care of her first child during labor. She opens up about the emotional journey of being present for such a significant moment while balancing the needs of her growing family. If you’re pregnant with your second child or thinking about your own birth plans, Helen’s story will resonate deeply and may help ease your own journey.

If you’d like to share your own birth story, we’d love to hear from you! Drop us a message, and you could be featured in a future episode.

Raising multilingual children is no easy feat. The myths about language delay or assimilation pressures can often make parents question their decisions. But Eowyn is back to remind us why it’s so important to nurture our children's ability to understand their parents' backgrounds, customs, and cultures. Not only does multilingualism help children connect with family in the homelands, but it also opens up a world of opportunity and understanding.

In this episode, Eowyn shares simple yet effective strategies for raising multilingual kids. Yes, it's hard work, but every step of the way is worth it. If you’ve been struggling to keep your home language strong or feeling disheartened, this episode is here to encourage and remind you that the research is clear—multilingualism is incredibly beneficial.

This is the perfect follow-up to our earlier episodes (25 and 30), providing a supportive voice for all the international families out there. If you’re feeling the pressure, know that you’re not alone. We see you, we are you, and together, we’ll keep pushing forward on this multilingual journey.

Key Takeaways:

• The benefits of raising multilingual children

• Simple strategies to implement language learning at home

• The importance of cultural connection and family communication

• Encouragement for parents who are finding the journey challenging

  
  

  Best Place to Start: Episode 25 & 30 for more insights on multilingual parenting.

Pacifiers, loveys, binkies, or dummies—no matter the name, these little life-savers are a big part of many babies’ early years. They soothe, help with sleep, aid digestion, and even provide comfort in stressful moments. But what happens when it’s time to say goodbye to this beloved item? Maren and Eva dive deep into the reality of weaning off pacifiers, exploring the challenges many parents face and offering practical insights on how to make this transition smoother.

In this episode, they share their own experiences, reflect on the benefits of pacifiers, and discuss strategies for gently removing them when the time comes. It’s a conversation filled with honesty and tips that can help you navigate this common parenting dilemma. Whether you’re dreading the moment or already in the process of weaning, this episode is for every parent looking for support and advice in the journey of weaning off pacifiers.

Welcome back to the Dam Parenting Podcast, the only English-speaking parenting podcast dedicated to supporting the international community here in the Netherlands! Every week, hosts Eva and Maren connect with experts to shed light on the unique parenting challenges and joys that come with raising children in a foreign country.

In today’s episode, Eva and Maren are diving into your messages and responding to some of the hot topics that have been lighting up their Instagram feed lately. From schooling dilemmas to cultural differences in parenting, they tackle questions from listeners, share their own experiences, and offer practical advice on navigating life as parents in the Netherlands. Whether you’re a seasoned expat or new to the country, this episode offers insights and support for anyone raising kids here.

Becoming a parent is a rewarding, yet unpredictable journey, filled with unique challenges. Whether you're navigating the highs and lows of parenthood or finding your feet in a new country, we’re all in this together. Sometimes, we’re facing the same hurdles, sometimes we’re a few steps ahead, and other times, we’re here for you when you need to revisit those tough conversations.

In this episode, we revisit a topic that has sparked a lot of discussions in our community—housing struggles for international families in Amsterdam. Whether it’s the stress of finding the perfect home or the frustration of bids not being accepted, the housing market in the Netherlands can be overwhelming. Many expat families face heartache and confusion as they try to navigate the competitive housing market in Amsterdam.

Eva and Maren dive deep into how housing uncertainty impacts expat families, sharing their personal experiences and offering practical advice on how to manage the stresses involved. From finding a place to call home to dealing with the emotional toll of housing challenges, this episode explores how to keep your family’s well-being in check while you navigate one of the biggest hurdles of relocating abroad.

In this episode, Elizabeth Goode—award-winning librarian, author, and mother—joins Eva and Maren to dive into the insightful book, The Happiest Kids in the World: Bringing Up Children the Dutch Way. This beloved parenting guide, which is currently only available in Dutch at the OBA (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam), offers a unique perspective on how the Dutch approach raising children.

Join three mothers as they break down the key takeaways from the book, offering their own reflections and insights from the perspective of both seasoned parents and those navigating life in the Netherlands. Whether you're curious about the Dutch parenting style or looking for fresh strategies to incorporate into your own parenting approach, this episode will leave you with plenty to think about.

Back in late 2023, we had the pleasure of speaking with Harriet, a postpartum doula in Amsterdam, in episode 15. Harriet shared her valuable insights for expectant mothers, discussing birth preparation, lessons learned from her clients, and her own journey into motherhood. At that time, we were excited to learn that Harriet would soon be welcoming her first child in early 2024.

Now, in this special follow-up episode, we reconnect with Harriet at the crucial 3-month mark of her postpartum journey. This is when the initial excitement and family visits have settled, and the reality of motherhood begins to fully set in. With hormones fluctuating and the demands of new parenthood intensifying, Harriet opens up about her personal experiences, the highs and lows of those early months, and the truths many mothers may relate to.

Join us for an honest conversation about the postpartum period—what to expect, how to navigate the challenges, and why it’s important to embrace both the beautiful and tough moments. Harriet’s story is a raw and real reflection of the early days of motherhood, offering support and solidarity to mothers everywhere.

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating the postpartum period after the initial excitement

• Real-life experiences of a first-time mother at the 3-month mark

• The emotional and physical truths of new motherhood

• Insights and support for mothers in the postpartum phase

You can follow Harriet on her instagram here

Food isn’t just fuel; it plays a pivotal role in our mental and physical well-being. In today’s episode, Amélie joins Maren and Eva to explore the powerful connection between nutrition and mental health, especially for mothers. As we navigate the demanding journey of motherhood, self-care often takes a backseat, and this includes making nourishing food choices. Many of us find ourselves reaching for quick, easy options that don’t always support the health our bodies—and minds—truly need.

Together, they dive into how making intentional food choices can improve mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being. Amélie shares practical tips on how to prioritize nutrition even when life feels overwhelming. This episode serves as a reminder that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of others, and that food can be a powerful tool in maintaining both physical and mental balance.

Key Takeaways:

• How nutrition affects mental health, particularly for mothers

• The challenges mothers face in maintaining healthy eating habits

• Easy strategies for incorporating more nourishing food into your daily routine

• Why self-care through food is essential for overall well-being