Starting School in the Netherlands: A Teacher’s Guide to First-Day Success with Isabel Cruz

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.