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 This episode is packed with insights that challenge outdated assumptions and reveal the true power and plasticity of the brain during parenthood.Whether you're a parent-to-be, a new parent, a non-birthing caregiver, or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
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Why Kids Need a Smartphone-Free Childhood | Opgroeien Smartphonevrij Movement
Smartphones are addictive — science confirms it. As adults, we feel the pull. But what happens when kids as young as 9 are handed devices and expected to navigate school, friendships, puberty, and social media all at once?In this powerful episode, we explore the growing Opgroeien Smartphonevrij (Growing Up Smartphone-Free) movement — a grassroots initiative started by Dutch parents who want to change the norm. Backed by leading research from psychologists Jean Twenge and Angela Duckworth, this movement advocates for smartphone-free primary schools, better digital boundaries, and healthier childhood development.We discuss:What parents can do to delay smartphone useHow to talk with schools and other parents about screen-free environmentsIf you’ve ever felt alone in wanting to say “no” to early smartphones — you're not. There’s a growing community of parents who agree it’s time to reclaim childhood.Links to support you:Want to join the Whatsapp group in your area? CLICK HEREWant to join the Whatsapp group for English speakers: CLICK HERE - (in select jouw regio - scroll to bottom for ENGLISH)If you want to check out your own school (or chosen school) CLICK HERE on your regionClick on the image of a school - Bekijk hoeveel ouders....From there it will show you the number of students and schools, with the list of cities underneath.Click into the city and you will get a breakdown of each school registered and keep clicking.. It gets more and more interesting! You will see how many kids in your school, and even by which groep they are in.If you want the read the materials related to the UK website CLICK HEREIf you want to read about Amsterdam's action plan: You can download the PDF (Dutch only) hereLoved this episode? Help us spread the message!If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a fellow parent, teacher, or friend. The more we talk about growing up smartphone-free, the stronger the movement becomes.Follow the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episodeRate the show — it helps more parents discover these important topicsShare this episode in your group chats, school WhatsApp groups, or on social mediaTogether, we can create healthier environments for our kids to grow up in.
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Before They Feel It: Why managing your own stress helps your child thrive with Dr Faye
This week, our trusted child psychologist, Dr. Faye Pool is back, to talk about a parenting skill every parent needs: how to manage your own stress before you handle your child’s meltdown.In this episode, we cover:Why staying calm is the best parenting tool you haveHow stress affects you and your child’s developing brainSimple regulation techniques to use when your child is out of controlReal-life tips for handling public tantrums and parenting pressure abroadMentioned in this episode:Social learning theory, by Bandura.Dr Hillary - the Raised Resilient podcast.Kate Silverton - there's no such thing as naughty book.
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Migrant Moms, Mental Health & MiMoment
In this special episode of the Dam Parenting, we’re raising awareness about MiMoment — a unique research project by the WHO Collaborating Center and the Department of Clinical Psychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.MiMoment focuses on the mental health and well-being of women who have moved to the Netherlands and are now experiencing pregnancy far from home. Did you know that migrant mothers face a higher risk of depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy? Research shows that 1 in 4 experiences symptoms of depression and 1 in 5 experiences anxiety.This project aims to listen to these women’s stories, understand their challenges, and help shape better, more respectful, and accessible mental health care for future mothers in our communities.Who can participate?Women who are currently in their 1st or 2nd trimester of pregnancyLiving in the NetherlandsBorn in a low- or middle-income country (for example: Morocco, Syria, Ghana, Suriname, Ukraine) What does it involve?4 short online questionnaires, in your own language (Dutch, English, Arabic, or Turkish)Optional: 2 small hair samples to study stress over timeFlexible and completely confidentialReceive up to €40 in vouchers for questionnaires and €20 for hair samplesHow to join?Signing up is easy and does not commit you yet:Sign up form WebsiteInstagramWhatsAppFacebook LinkedIn If you’re a listener, friend, or community worker, please share this episode with someone who could benefit — every story makes a difference, and every voice helps improve care for mothers everywhere.
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Let It Be Lighter: Easing the Stress of Raising Multilingual Children
Welcome back to Dam Parenting — in this episode we’re continuing the monthly multilingual parenting series with the insightful and compassionate Mimi from Growing Up Multilingual.In this honest and much-needed episode, Eva and Mimi talk about something many multilingual families quietly carry: the stress and self-imposed pressure of trying to “get it right.” From guilt and comparison to burnout and fear, the emotional load behind language decisions can feel heavy — but it doesn’t have to.They not here to give you a longer to-do list. Mimi is here to help you slow down, reflect, and make your multilingual journey feel more sustainable, intuitive, and connected — for your child, and for yourself.Why the emotional side of multilingual parenting often goes unspoken — but affects everythingCommon stresses like “Am I doing enough?”, guilt, comparison, and fear of doing it "wrong"The difference between mindfulness and intentionality — and how both can guide your language choicesPractical ways to release the pressure and reconnect with your whyHow to build flexible routines that evolve with your familyWhy perfection is a myth — and presence is what really mattersYou’ll walk away with gentle encouragement, actionable strategies, and permission to let go of the “shoulds” that aren’t serving you.Mindfulness is about tuning into the present moment and noticing what truly engages your child.Intentionality follows mindfulness — it’s the conscious choices you make based on what works for your family.Your language plan is a living document — flexibility is not failure. It’s growth.You don’t need to do more — just connect to what matters most.Take one minute today to pause and ask:“What’s one small way I can show up with more ease and intention this week?”Write it down, say it out loud, or text it to a friend. That’s where the shift begins.If this episode spoke to you, please share it with a fellow parent, rate and review the podcast, and hit subscribe — Mimi will be joining us every month for real, supportive conversations about raising multilingual kids.Further Reading:5 Simple but Powerful Strategies Utilising Mindfulness to Help You Manage Your Family Language Planning ProcessResearch:Mindfulness and foreign language learners’ self-perceived proficiency: the mediating roles of anxiety and burnoutLanguage Acquisition and Use in Multilingual Contexts. Theory and Practice
Dam Parenting is the English-speaking pregnancy, birthing, and parenting podcast from the Netherlands. Speaking directly with professionals, hearing from our community, and letting all international families know: You are not alone. We are in this together.
Whether you're navigating baby bedtime battles, toddler tantrums, or the school run hustle, expect tips, practical takeaways, and hopefully some laughs.
New episodes drop every Wednesday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube—basically wherever you like to listen.
Come join the Dam Parenting Community
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