Starting School in the Netherlands: Managing Parental Anxiety and Transitions

When our children start school, we focus so much on their backpacks and big feelings that we often forget our own. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we’re joined by relocation counselor and coach Erin, who reached out after listening to ⁠episode 30: School and Languages⁠⁠, to explore the hidden anxiety parents face during major life transitions. Inspired by our recent discussions on the Dutch school system, we take a warm, honest, and direct look at the emotional impact these milestones have on us.It’s easy to feel the pressure to "power through," but Erin reminds us that self-compassion is our most vital tool. We discuss how to acknowledge the vulnerability of letting go, the stress of new routines, and the importance of giving ourselves the same grace we offer our children. If you’re feeling the weight of an upcoming transition or the "unknown" of the school gates, this conversation offers the space you need to breathe, process, and parent with a more balanced mindset.