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.
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28:45
Talking about Talking: It’s not just what you say - It’s how you say it with Mimi
If your child understands the home language but rarely speaks it, you're not alone—and you're definitely not failing. In this episode, we move beyond the common advice of “just add more exposure” and explore what really drives language use in bilingual kids: motivation and connection.We dive into the emotional and psychological layers that shape your child’s willingness to speak, backed by research from Döpke and others. From the importance of emotionally attuned interactions to practical ways to create low-pressure, meaningful moments for language use, this episode is a must-listen for parents raising bilingual children. Because sometimes, it’s not about more input—it’s about deeper connection.What the Research Tells Us (feat. Döpke and more)Research by Döpke (1986) found that children are more likely to actively use their home language when parents follow a more child-centered form of interaction. This aligns with what we know from Piaget’s model: in the early years (pre-operational stage), children are naturally egocentric - they see the world from their own perspective and have a hard time understanding things from someone else’s point of view. So it’s no surprise that they respond best when communication revolves around their interests, ideas and experiences, rather than adult priorities.And newer studies back it up:It happens very often that a child might prefer one home language over the other, but as a matter of fact - a child’s environment shapes language use. If one language is used more often, in more emotionally engaging contexts, that’s the one they’ll likely prefer.Just hearing a language isn’t enough. Kids need a reason to speak it. Otherwise, they stay passive - understanding but not using.
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14:30
Summers Boredom Busters: Where to go with the kids this summer with Samira
Where to go, what to do with Samira from AmsterdamKids.comBeachesZandvoort aan ZeeBloemendaal aan ZeeCastricum aan Zee Texel IslandZeelandScheveningenAmusement ParksEfteling Oud ValkeveenDuinrell and Tiki PoolToverlandSprookjeswonderlandEasy Outdoor Escapes from AmsterdamHet Twiske*Always check water safety on Waterkwaliteit.net before swimming.Outdoor Pools - Flevoparkbad and MirandabadPierenbadjesSpecial Summer Events SAIL AmsterdamMuseum Summer Programs - grab your MuseumkaartDoolhof Corn MazeTravel HacksNS SpoordeelwinkelNS Kids free travel GVB Kids VrijOBA - LibraryBonus: Boeren Camping
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11:45
Love, Culture & In-Laws: Managing Expectations in a Cross-Cultural Family
Feeling Alone as a New Parent Abroad? You're Not the Only OneIn this heartfelt episode of Dam Parenting, we dive deep into one of the most personal and challenging experiences many parents face: raising a child far from home, without the family support they expected.Host Eva is joined by Angela from the Expat Parenting Collective, an expert in helping globally mobile families navigate the emotional, cultural, and practical challenges of parenting abroad. Together, they unpack a powerful listener question from an expat mother in the Netherlands — a new mom navigating postpartum life without the strong family support system she was used to back in Asia.Topics Covered:Why parenting abroad can feel so isolating — even when you're not "alone"Cultural clashes around postpartum care and family involvementSetting boundaries with in-laws and expressing your needs clearly (without guilt)Practical ways to build a sense of community as an expat parentTools to reduce overwhelm and reconnect with your inner strengthHow to prepare for cultural differences before the baby arrivesIf you’re parenting in a new country and feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or just plain exhausted — this episode is for you. We’re here with real talk, real support, and real solutions.Whether you’re in Amsterdam, Tokyo, Nairobi, or anywhere in between — hit play, take a deep breath, and know: you’re not alone.Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share Dam Parenting to support honest conversations that matter.
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The Motherbrain Myth by Dr. Elke De Witte
What really happens to the brain when we become parents? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Elke De Witte, author of the newly released Dutch book De Moederbreinmythe ("The Mother Brain Myth")—a must-hear conversation we couldn't wait for in English.Dr. De Witte shares her groundbreaking neuroscience research on how the parental brain changes—not just for biological mothers, but for all caregivers. This episode is packed with insights that challenge outdated assumptions and reveal the true power and plasticity of the brain during parenthood.Whether you're a parent-to-be, a new parent, a non-birthing caregiver, or an HR professional looking to reshape your workplace for better support and inclusion—this episode is for you.Learn why science is now calling for a societal shift in how we treat caregiving, maternity return-to-work policies, and community support in our modern-day “village.”Understand the real neurological transformation that happens with caregiving.Discover why this matters not just for parents—but for everyone.Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation.Share this episode with expecting parents, new parents, caregivers, and forward-thinking HR leaders who want to build a more supportive world of work.Find out more from www.elkedewitte.com
Dam Parenting is the English-speaking podcast for pregnancy, birth, and parenting in the Netherlands. Hear expert advice, real parent stories, and practical tips for everything from baby sleep to toddler tantrums and school run chaos.
No matter where you’re from or where you are on your parenting journey. From great expectations to baby milestones to school run madness, we’re in this together.
New episodes every week. Listen on Spotify and follow to join our community!
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