Dam Parenting – Details, episodes & analysis

ADHD is one of the most misunderstood labels in modern parenting, often clouded by myths that undermine the real, scientific reality of the condition. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look at the ADHD journey specifically within the Dutch healthcare system. Joined by researcher Marlies Visser, we explore the persistent stigma surrounding the diagnosis and the emotional toll it takes on international families trying to find the right support.

We discuss the practical "how-to" of seeking a diagnosis in the Netherlands, the hurdles of accessing specialized care, and the vulnerable reality of parenting with ADHD. This isn't a clinical lecture; it’s a personal reflection on the diverse paths families take toward understanding. Whether you are at the start of the assessment process or have been living with a diagnosis for years, this conversation offers the solidarity and data-backed insights you need to challenge misconceptions and advocate for your family’s well-being.

The transition to motherhood is as profound as adolescence, yet the term "Matrescence" is still missing from many mainstream parenting conversations. To wrap up our month-long deep dive, Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look at what they’ve learned from experts like Dr. Naomi Gibson and Ilena Standring. This episode is a raw reflection on the emotional and physical upheaval of becoming a mother while navigating life abroad.

We discuss our key takeaways, the glaring gaps in current research, and why the "village" is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a biological necessity. Whether you are currently in the thick of this identity shift or looking back on your journey, this conversation serves as a powerful reminder that the struggles you feel aren't personal failures; they are part of a massive developmental leap. Join us as we reflect on how to carry this conversation forward and ensure no mother in our community feels alone in her transformation.

In this episode, Eva and Maren guide parents through a powerful journaling exercise using the Brief Parental Self-Efficacy Scale, a tool designed to help parents assess their current strengths and pinpoint areas for growth. This reflective exercise invites parents to take a step back, acknowledge their challenges, and identify where they might need support—ultimately helping them build the confidence and skills they need to thrive in their caregiving role.

As they engage in this process of self-discovery, Eva and Maren discuss how this tool can empower parents to become more effective and resilient caregivers, providing them with a clearer understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. The episode explores the connection between parental self-efficacy and confident parenting, offering practical advice on how to increase self-awareness and grow as a caregiver.

Key takeaways include:

• How to reflect on your parenting strengths and areas for improvement.

• The benefits of self-reflection for building confidence in your parenting abilities.

• Practical tips for becoming a more effective and resilient parent.

• How to use journaling as a tool for self-discovery and growth in parenting.

If you're looking to boost your confidence and self-efficacy as a parent, this episode is a must-listen for practical strategies and encouragement to enhance your journey.

Link:

I Know What to Do; I Can Do It; It Will Work

Finding out you’re pregnant is a whirlwind—even more so when you’re navigating a foreign healthcare system. In this inaugural episode of Dam Parenting, hosts Eva and Maren break down exactly what happens next. We offer a warm, honest, and direct roadmap for international parents in the Netherlands, from your first appointment to the moment you bring your baby home.

We dive into the essentials: the pivotal role of the verloskundige (midwife), the unique Dutch magic of kraamzorg (postnatal home care), and the practicalities of maternity leave policies. Beyond the medical, we discuss the cultural nuances of being "pregnant the Dutch way" and how to adapt your expectations to this trust-based model of care. Whether you just saw two lines on a test or are planning for the future, this episode is your essential primer for a confident pregnancy journey in the Low Countries.

Your child’s first day of school is just as big a deal for you as it is for them. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren welcome back educator Isabel Cruz to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the transition to the Dutch school system. Moving beyond just choosing a school, we dive into the practical "day-one" realities that make or break a smooth start.

Isabel shares the teacher-approved secrets to emotional preparation, from establishing a solid morning routine to the practical gear—like the "right" lunch boxes and clothes—that actually work in a classroom setting. We discuss how to ease separation anxiety and what teachers truly need from parents to help your child feel confident and safe. Whether your little one is starting next week or next year, this episode is packed with essential strategies to turn those first-day nerves into genuine excitement.

Welcome to Part 2 of our deep dive into the school process for our little ones starting in September. In Part 1, we talked about how we navigated the school search, dealt with the lottery system, and received our acceptance letters. Now, in this episode, we shift focus to what happens after the acceptance letter—what comes next in preparing for the big school transition.

Eva and Maren share their personal, contrasting experiences as they embark on this next phase of the journey. From multiple meetings and exploring the school with their daughter, to a more streamlined process with just one meeting and a trial day, this episode reveals the different approaches and gives you insight into what to expect as you prepare for your child’s school experience.

Key Takeaways:

• What to expect after receiving the school acceptance letter.

• The differences in school preparation processes (meetings, trial days, etc.).

• Questions to ask when visiting the school—things Eva and Maren wish they had asked.

• Practical advice for getting your child ready for their first day at school.

This episode will help ensure that you’re fully prepared with the right questions and knowledge for your child’s upcoming school journey—whether it’s through trial days or one-on-one meetings.

If you’re wondering what to expect next after that acceptance letter, this episode is for you!

Raising a daughter to believe she can achieve anything is a transformative responsibility, but as girls hit their pre-teen years, research shows a sharp decline in confidence and sports participation. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with Sara from Project Fearless, an Amsterdam and Rotterdam-based organization dedicated to reversing that trend. We take a warm, honest, and direct look at how hands-on activities—from climate science to kickboxing—help girls aged 9–14 find their voice and break through stereotypes.

We discuss the vital link between physical activity and mental health, and why it’s never too early to start thinking about the environments our daughters will grow up in. Whether your little girl is still a toddler or approaching her teens, Sara’s insights provide a roadmap for fostering the bravery and ambition needed to lead. Join us to learn how we can all help the next generation of female leaders believe their dreams are truly limitless.

Research paper:

Leisure time physical activity is associated with better mental health among adolescents

Uk research: girls loose interest in sport as teenagers

Why does your child suddenly "flip their lid," and how can you help them find calm? In this edition of the DamGoode Bookclub, Maren and Eva are joined by award-winning librarian and children’s literature expert Elizabeth Goode to dive into the global bestseller The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson. We take a warm, honest, and direct look at how understanding basic neuroscience can transform your parenting from reactive to intentional.

We discuss the book's most practical "brain-based" strategies, including how to integrate the left and right brain to foster emotional regulation and resilience. Moving beyond traditional discipline, we explore how to communicate with clarity and compassion during high-stress moments. Whether you’ve read the book cover-to-cover or are just looking for evidence-based tips to better understand your child’s behavior, this episode offers the tools you need to nurture a developing brain with confidence.

We’re taking a short summer break, but we couldn't leave you without revisiting one of our most-requested conversations. In this "Best of" episode, we’re back with Eowyn Crisfield from On Raising Bilingual Children to tackle the topic that stays at the top of every international parent’s mind: multilingualism.

Navigating a household where Dutch isn’t the first language brings unique challenges, from "language mixing" to the fear of losing your native tongue. Eowyn joins Eva and Maren for a warm, honest, and direct discussion on how to make language learning feel natural rather than a chore. Whether you are just starting your bilingual journey or are deep in the school years, this episode offers the practical strategies and emotional reassurance you need to feel heard. Hit play, take a breath, and discover why your family’s linguistic diversity is a superpower. We'll be back with fresh episodes soon!

Matrescence is the developmental transition into motherhood—much like adolescence, it is a period of massive hormonal and psychological upheaval. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with psychologist Dr. Naomi Gibson to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the "birth" of a mother. We move past the surface-level talk of baby gear and sleep schedules to explore the deep identity shift that happens when you transition from "you" to "us."

Naomi breaks down the psychological underpinnings of this phase, helping you make sense of the conflicting emotions and "lost" feelings that often accompany motherhood. We share personal reflections and offer a guided journal exercise (included in the show notes!) designed to help you reclaim your sense of self. Whether you are six weeks or six years into your parenting journey, this conversation provides the self-awareness and empowerment needed to navigate your own Matrescence with grace and clarity.

To help you reflect further on your own Matrescence journey, Naomi shares a journal exercise for times of transition, encouraging you to gain deeper self-awareness and clarity. Grab a simple notebook or use your phone notes, and answer one or more of these questions:

1. Reflect on a moment of joy from today as a mum.
   

2. Recall a challenge you overcame recently. What strengths did you use to get through it?
   

3. Think back to a moment when you felt proud of your parenting.
   

4. What’s surprised you most about becoming a mother?
   

5. How has your life changed since becoming a mother? What significant lessons have you learned along the way?
   

We’d love to hear how you get on! Stay connected with us on Instagram and share your reflections with us: Instagram: @damparentingpodcast | @drnaomipsychologist