How do we move past the clutter and foster true independence in our children? In this episode of Dam Parenting, we celebrate Montessori Week with the world-renowned Simone Davies. As the author of The Montessori Toddler and The Montessori Baby, Simone joins Maren and Eva to discuss her newest release, The Montessori Child.

We take a warm, honest, and direct look at the Montessori philosophy beyond the aesthetic—focusing on the mindset that empowers children from infancy through the school years. Simone shares practical advice on setting up your home to nurture growth, including her famous IKEA picks for Montessori families. Whether you’ve attended her Jacaranda Tree classes in Amsterdam or are just discovering the "follow the child" approach, this conversation offers the timeless wisdom you need to support your child’s development with confidence. Check the show notes for Simone’s book links and her inspiring newsletter!Links:Jacaranda Tree MontessoriMontessori Note BookThe Montessori booksSign up for free monthly newsletter filled with Montessori inspiration

Check out Simone's list on her top ikea picks for montessori children

We’ve all seen them—those perfectly styled, incredibly cheap baby outfits popping up in our social media feeds. In this short but essential episode of DAMChats, Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look at why these "dubious deals" are a major red flag for parents. While the price tag is tempting, the reality behind these ultra-fast fashion retailers often includes high levels of toxic chemicals, lead, and unsafe manufacturing practices.

We dive into recent expert warnings and the environmental impact of "disposable" clothing, helping you understand why these bargains aren't actually a deal for your baby or the planet. This isn't about shaming anyone on a budget; it's about sharing the knowledge you need to make informed, safe choices for your family. Tune in for a quick reality check on the hidden dangers of cheap clothes and how to spot a deal that’s truly too good to be true.

To read more:

Experts warn of high levels of chemicals in clothes by some fast-fashion retailers

The world is paying a high price for cheap clothes

Lead In Shein Clothes: Is It True?

Raising kids in a foreign country is a juggle, but keeping your home language alive shouldn't feel like a losing battle. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with Eowyn Crisfield to strip away the myths of language acquisition.

Being an international parent in the Netherlands often means navigating a sea of Dutch, English, and your native tongue. Eowyn offers a warm, honest look at why the "home language" is your child’s greatest superpower and how to protect it. We move past the "wait and see" approach and dive into practical, direct strategies for crafting a family language plan that actually works. Whether you’re worried about "speech delays" or just want your kids to connect with their grandparents back home, this conversation provides the roadmap you need to raise confident, multilingual global citizens.

Tune in to explore the enriching landscape of raising bilingual children, where every word spoken opens doors to endless opportunities and profound connections.

Be sure to share with your international families

Links:

Bilingual Families: A practical language planning guide

Raising Bilingual Children Blog

Playdates are often sold to us as a "lifesaving" way to entertain the kids while we find our new best friends, but the reality is often a bit more complicated. In this episode of DAMChats, Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look at the world of playdates in the Netherlands. With new family-friendly spots popping up across Amsterdam and the winter chill fading, the pressure to "get out there" is higher than ever.

We dive into our own personal experiences—the successes, the awkward silences, and the logistical hurdles. We discuss why it’s crucial to check our expectations at the door and stop viewing every meetup as a "must-have" social milestone. Whether you’re looking for a genuine connection or just trying to survive a rainy Wednesday afternoon, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on making playdates work for your family, rather than the other way around.

We often hear the phrase "you can’t pour from an empty cup," but how do we actually fill it when we’re being pulled in a dozen directions? In this profound episode of Dam Parenting, we welcome back Dr. Naomi Gibson to explore the transformative concept of reparenting ourselves.

Reparenting is the courageous process of healing emotional wounds by choosing to give ourselves the love, approval, and boundaries we may have missed in childhood. Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look at why this journey is both essential and incredibly stressful when you have little ones depending on you 24/7. We discuss how to identify the "gaps" in your own upbringing and how to make small, intentional choices that lead to a more regulated, compassionate version of yourself. If you’re ready to stop looking outward for validation and start nurturing the parent within, this episode is for you.

It’s official: the flu in the Netherlands has hit epidemic levels, and our households were not spared. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look at the reality of surviving a "house down" situation. From Eva’s ten-day marathon to Maren’s family falling like dominoes just a week later, we’re sharing the unvarnished truth about how rough this season has been for international families.

We discuss the progression of symptoms, the mental toll of isolation, and the practical ways we managed to keep the wheels turning when everyone was bedbound. Maren also shares a secret weapon from across the border—a specific compress from Germany that provided much-needed relief. If you’re currently surrounded by tissues or just waiting for the inevitable, join us for a chat that feels like a commiserating hug from a friend who’s been there. Be prepared, stay hydrated, and know you aren't alone in the "Dam Flu" trenches.

Change is the only constant in expat life, but that doesn't make it easy—especially for our children. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we sit down with Kate Berger from the Expat Kids Club to take a warm, honest, and direct look at children’s mental health during major life shifts. Whether you’ve just landed in the Netherlands or are navigating a mid-year school move, Kate shares practical strategies to help your family stay regulated and connected.

We explore why "resilience" isn't just about bouncing back, but about building the emotional vocabulary to process big feelings. Kate offers real-world scenarios to help parents lead with empathy, guiding us on how to manage our own stress so we can better support our kids. From the "Third Culture Kid" experience to the power of a unified family approach, this conversation is an essential guide for any parent helping their child find their footing in a world of "new beginnings."

Some websites and book Kate mentioned in the episode are listed below:Families in Global TransitionTilt Parenting Book: "Third culture kids"You can reach out to Kate at www.expatkidsclub.com

On today's episode of DAMChats Eva's voice is back and together with Maren, they discuss the latest episode with Elizabeth Goode from Goode Writes and Reads, and the insights they garnished from the episode.

Reading to your child is one of the simplest yet most profound acts of parenting, but where do you start when the board book aisle feels overwhelming? To celebrate De Nationale Voorleesdagen⁠ , we sit down with award-winning librarian Elizabeth Goode to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the world of baby literature.

Elizabeth breaks down the specific types of books that best serve our "little literature babes" at every developmental stage, from newborns to school-aged children. We discuss the shocking "One Million Word Gap" and why reading just a few books a day can fundamentally change your child's academic future. Whether you are a bookworm yourself or struggling to make storytime a habit, this episode offers practical advice on what to look for in a picture book and how to make "reading is reading" your new family mantra. Join us for expert recommendations and the inspiration you need to open a book today.

Some of the suggestions Elizabeth spoke about are below:

Sandra Boynton

MacBarnett

Art of the Picture Book

The window between 4 and 6 months is a critical phase for your baby’s development, but for many parents, it’s also a source of major stress. In this vital episode of Dam Parenting, we sit down with Jozien from Vini Mini to take a warm, honest, and direct look at introducing allergenic foods. With food allergies on the rise across Europe, understanding the "early and often" approach to exposure is a game-changer for long-term health.

We focus specifically on the Dutch guidelines for introducing peanuts and eggs—the two most common allergens highlighted by local clinics. Jozien explains the science behind building tolerance and provides practical tips to help you navigate this milestone with confidence. Whether you’re just starting your weaning journey or are feeling nervous about a family history of allergies, this conversation offers the clarity and support you need to make mealtimes safe and empowering.