Language is tied to identity, culture, and belonging. This episode explores how parents can make intentional — not pressured — decisions about language and legacy.

How do family dynamics shape your child’s multilingual journey? In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva sits down with Mimi from Growing Multilingual to explore what it really takes to raise kids with more than one language — with clarity, consistency, and care.

We dive into:

• Why your personal “why” matters in multilingual parenting

• How to align with your partner (or ex-partner) on language goals

• Strategies for solo parents and co-parents navigating life after divorce

• Creating emotional safety and identity for multilingual children

• Building a sustainable, intentional family language plan

Whether you’re raising bilingual, trilingual, or multilingual kids, this conversation will help you reflect, reset, and root your parenting choices in purpose.

Perfect for parents wondering:
* Which languages should we prioritise as a family?
* What if my partner doesn’t fully buy in?
* How can I support my child’s identity as a single parent?

Tune in for real talk, practical tips, and encouragement to find peace (not pressure) in your multilingual parenting journey.

On June 28th, something special is happening in Amsterdam—The BBABBY Fair. This isn’t your typical baby expo. With over 60 incredible people involved—from lactation consultants and postpartum doulas to couples therapists and support groups—this event is all about nurturing you, not just your shopping list.

In this episode, we share what to expect from this one-of-a-kind gathering of familiar (and soon-to-be familiar) faces in our parenting village. Think of it as a day full of real conversations—spanning Before, Belly, Birth, and Beyond. It’s personal, it’s powerful, and it’s a reminder that preparing for parenthood means supporting your mental and emotional health, too.

This isn’t a drive for more stuff. It’s a drive for connection, care, and community.

Click here to buy your tickets

In this heartfelt episode of Dam Parenting, host Eva shares her personal journey of her daughter's adenoid removal, tonsillectomy, and grommet surgery. From the raw vulnerability of handing your child over to doctors, to practical tips on preparation and recovery, this episode blends emotional honesty with useful advice for parents facing similar procedures.

We’ll cover:

• How to prepare your child emotionally and practically for surgery

• What to expect before, during, and after adenoid, tonsil, and grommet procedures

• Tips for making hospital day smoother (yes, pajamas matter!)

• Recovery essentials: ice pops, jelly, and comfort strategies

• Parenting vulnerability and what Brené Brown teaches us about courage

  
  

If you’re a parent navigating pediatric ENT/KNO surgery or just looking for reassurance in moments of parenting vulnerability, this episode is for you.

• Anna in het ziekenhuis — Liesbet Slegers

• Karel in het ziekenhuis — Liesbet Slegers

• Kevin Goes to the Hospital — Liesbet Slegers (English)

• Anna in het ziekenhuis — Kathleen Amant

• Nijntje in het ziekenhuis (Miffy at the Hospital) — Dick Bruna

• Bobbi naar het ziekenhuis — Monica Maas

• Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood — “Daniel Goes to the Hospital” (YouTube, ~26 minutes)

• Bluey — Bumpy and the Wise Old Wolfhound (Season 1, Episode 32)

• Pack comfy pajamas for your child (many hospitals expect it).

• Bring an extra sweater or scarf for yourself—waiting rooms can be cold.

• Stock up on recovery snacks: ice pops, jelly, clear juices. Let your child choose them in advance for a sense of control.

• Create a comfort kit: favourite toy, books, or shows lined up for recovery week.

• Use mantras or rituals to ground yourself during the wait. (“It’s routine. She’s safe. She’s brave.” helped me.)

• Don’t forget self-care: eat, hydrate, breathe. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Parenting through surgery is an exercise in vulnerability and courage. As Brené Brown reminds us, vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s the birthplace of connection and love.

If you found this episode helpful, please follow Dam Parenting on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
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Starting over in a new country reshapes identity. This episode explores belonging, adjustment, and emotional resilience for international families.

In this episode, we welcome a fresh voice to the podcast - Alexa Starks—one of the newest arrivals to the Netherlands. Having moved here in April, she’s not only navigating life in a new country but also embracing motherhood in a different country, with a very different system and language at the same time. We sit down to hear her first impressions, the challenges of settling in, and the small victories that make each day brighter.

From adjusting to Dutch culture and figuring out the practicalities of immigrant life, to finding community as an expat parent, this conversation offers a candid look at what it’s really like to start over in the Netherlands with a young children. Whether you’re a parent thinking about relocating, an expat already living abroad, or simply curious about life in the Netherlands, this episode is full of relatable insights and encouragement.

Tune in to hear about:

• The first four months of moving to the Netherlands as a new mom

• Practical challenges and unexpected joys of expat life

• Building community and support networks as an international parent

• Lessons learned and advice for families considering a move abroad

If you’re exploring life as an expat parent in the Netherlands—or planning your own move—you won’t want to miss this inspiring story of resilience and new beginnings.

What looks like “difficult behaviour” may be sensory overload. Learn how sensory needs show up in children and how parents can support regulation and connection.

In this episode of the DAM Parenting Podcast, host Eva sits down with our resident child psychologist Faye from Kerr Psychology to explore the often-overlooked sensory systems that shape a child’s growth, learning, and emotional regulation.

They break down proprioception, vestibular input, and the full range of sensory needs—helping parents understand why these systems matter and how they play a role in everyday routines, especially during times of transition (like starting school, returning after holidays, or getting back into structure).

Faye explains how these sensory experiences support a child’s ability to self-regulate emotions, focus, and feel calm in their bodies—and why parents don’t always need to overthink it, as many everyday activities naturally provide these supports.

• What proprioceptive and vestibular inputs are, and why they’re key to your child’s development.

• How sensory needs connect to emotional regulation and routine adjustments.

• Real-life, easy examples of sensory activities you can build into daily life:

  • Proprioceptive experiences – lifting and carrying (books, bags, buckets), pushing/pulling (wheelbarrow, stroller, vacuum, rakes), climbing monkey bars, or resistance play.

  • Pressure & movement – big bear hugs, pouring activities, rough-and-tumble play, trampolining, soft play, running, jumping, climbing, and bouncing.

  • Oral sensory activities – chewing, blowing bubbles, and more.

• Why it’s all about trial and error—finding what works for your child’s unique sensory profile.

• Middletown Centre for Autism – Sensory Processing Information

If this episode helps you better understand your child’s sensory needs, subscribe and follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes in this mini-series. We’d love to hear from you—head over to Instagram, send us your questions, and join the conversation!

Play is more than fun — it’s how children connect and learn language. This episode explores how play strengthens attachment and communication across languages.

In this episode, host Eva welcomes back guest Mimi to reflect on a powerful everyday moment: sitting down to colour with her daughter. What started as a simple playtime activity unexpectedly opened the door for her daughter to begin speaking more Bulgarian than ever before—naturally, spontaneously, and without prompts or corrections.

Through this story, Eva and Mimi explore the deeper truth that language development isn’t just about more exposure—it’s about more connection. Children speak the languages that feel safe, meaningful, and emotionally engaging. And play, as Mimi describes, creates that ideal environment.

Together, they discuss:

• Why play is the “native language of childhood” and a natural gateway to speech

• How following your child’s lead invites authentic language use

• Why connection before correction fosters confidence and trust

• How play creates rich opportunities for repetition and practice without pressure

• Why this matters especially for multilingual children and families

You’ll also hear practical tips, like a play-connection checklist for parents who want to nurture language growth at home—without turning play into a lesson.

This episode is a reminder that small, everyday interactions can unlock big breakthroughs. When we show up in our children’s world with curiosity and presence, language follows.

As parents, we face countless decisions along our children’s journey—but choosing the right school can feel especially daunting. If your toddler is approaching the school age, especially here in the Netherlands, you’re entering a world of unique opportunities and options. Unlike many countries, the Dutch education system offers a wide variety of school types and educational philosophies—from Montessori and Waldorf to public and private schools.

Join Isabel Cruz of Kaleidoscope Consulting as she breaks down everything parents need to know about selecting the perfect school. Learn when to start planning, how to explore different educational approaches, and tips for visiting schools to get a real feel for the environment.

Whether you’re new to the Netherlands or just want clarity in this complex process, this podcast will guide you through making informed decisions that shape your child’s educational future.

Tune in to gain confidence, insight, and practical advice for your family’s school journey!

Next Workshops at Monti's World

September 20th and October 11th Register here

Find out more:

⁠Kaleidoscope Consulting⁠

⁠Instagram ⁠

Numbers showing which secondary school the children progress to

⁠AlleCijfers

August 12th is The United Nations' International Youth Day which recognises efforts of the world's youth in enhancing global society. And I thought who better than to do a re-listen to then Project Fearless.

What an incredible Stichting for youth right here in the Netherlands.

Today is a little different.

No guests, no interviews and no expert insights.

Just a note from me to you.

From behaviour to emotional regulation, this episode answers real questions parents are asking — with compassion, clarity, and evidence-based guidance.

Let’s get some free therapy — with a child psychology twist!
In this episode, resident child psychologist Faye from Kerr Psychology answers two real questions from two real moms in our community.

Question 1: How do we support young children who express big emotions physically — like hitting, pushing, or lashing out?
Question 2: What can we do about the daily morning chaos — those time management battles that leave everyone stressed?

Whether you're dealing with toddler tantrums, emotional outbursts, or the school-run stress, this episode is for you.

Real parenting struggles. Expert guidance. Honest conversation.

You're not alone — and your question might just help another parent too.

Got a question for Faye? Send it in and be part of the conversation.