Ah, online grocery shopping—the invention of the century. For years, I dreaded trips to the supermarket, especially with my kids. Those classic tales of children throwing tantrums in the aisles at Albert Heijn (Appie)? Theyve happened in our family too. But what really grates on me is the endless bi

Im no parenting expert—far from it. I often reflect on my decisions post-action, thinking, That could have gone better. But one lesson stands out from years of hands-on experience: outright forbidding children from doing something is ineffective and often counterproductive. Its a common pitfall that

Ive known Bianca for years as a former colleague. Weve both pursued our passions—she in her pediatrics coaching practice, and me in blogging. Recently, over coffee, we discussed our children and the broader challenges kids face in school. How the system expects everyone to fit one mold, overlooks un

A few months ago, Child of the Devil by Jebroer started echoing through our home: Child of the devil, mama, you dont have to cry, lalalalala… at my funeral. Its got an irresistibly catchy beat that my kids love. But Ive heard fellow moms voicing concerns about children singing along to Top 40 track

Mommy, will you marry me? Rory Blokzijl hears this sweet question from her daughter often. So when Playmobil invited her to a wedding party at Speelpark Oud Valkeveen, she could finally say yes! Read her heartfelt story.“Mommy, will you please marry me?” Its a question that arises frequently—right b

Sex education is vital yet often daunting for parents. The book Free License by Marina van der Wal and Bram Bakker offers practical guidance, making the process approachable and effective.Like toilet training, sex education ranks high among parenting challenges. Parents desire positive outcomes—such

As a busy parent whos juggled home office space and family life for years, I cant believe it took me so long to discover the game-changer for messy kids activities. Laziness played a part, but honestly, it was overlooking a simple solution: a proper plastic tablecloth. No more dodging my daughters c

In the Netherlands, parents have several reliable home-based childcare options. Which one fits your family best? We explore the three most popular choices—childminders, babysitters, and parent exchanges—outlining their key advantages and disadvantages. This complements early playgroup options for yo

As a parent, how often do you share bedtime stories with your children? Do they hang on your every word? Most kids absolutely love it, and its proven to boost their development. Well explore that more shortly. But this guide focuses on a convenient alternative: listening to fairy tales via audio.Aud

As a professional photographer, I frequently receive inquiries from young girls about photo shoot pricing via email. Theres nothing inherently wrong with prospective clients reaching out, but Im often alarmed by how openly children—yes, they are still children—share details on social media with str

As I stroll through the supermarket, Im reminded how convenient it is to grab fresh produce. But as a parent to a curious toddler—and someone who appreciates the hidden effort behind our food supply—Ive made it a priority to teach her where it really comes from. Starting a vegetable garden with chil

At long last, stillborn babies have the legal right to official recognition. A recent law change now allows non-viable infants at birth to be entered into the basic population register, providing much-needed validation for grieving families.Why Recognition Matters for Stillborn BabiesIf youve never

From the moment your child is born, you experience profound emotions youve never felt before—deep, unconditional love and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. That tiny bundle in your arms depends entirely on you. Yet alongside these joys come very real fears that every mother knows all too well

Its a drizzly afternoon. My daughter and her best friend are seated in the movie theater, listening to my instructions. This is their first time going to the movies alone—truly alone, with the entire room to themselves. The film, Storm, is a birthday gift from my daughter to her friend, complete wit

This morning, I woke up way too early—6 a.m. on the alarm clock. Its my girlfriends routine; her alarm is preset that way. I used to sleep through a chorus of alarms, but those days are over. Now fully awake, I peek outside: a typical rainy, windy autumn day. Raincoats were made for this. My thought

Is your little one resisting bedtime? Struggling to wind down and drift off? As a parent whos been there, I recommend trying The Elephant That Wants to Fall Asleep by Swedish author Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin. This international bestseller has helped countless families create peaceful evenings. Give

The birds and the bees. Weve entered a new parenting era. Last week, I was watching a TV ad for a popular diaper brand featuring sweet newborns. I turned to my 5-year-old daughter: Look how cute! But she had her hands over her eyes. Why? I asked. Those ads are scary, she said. Blood and slime—its gr

As a mother, Ive navigated the heartbreaking reality of primary school bullying with my daughter. Heres our story of its profound impact on her—and me—and how we overcame it.Table of ContentsPrimary School Bullying: A Heartbreaking StoryStanding Out from the CrowdAssaulted in Front of the TeacherA T

Sometimes, you love your child more than you ever imagined—not just when theyre peacefully sleeping, but in those profound moments of kindness amid their own grief. A simple, heartfelt gesture reveals the sweet soul they truly are. As a parent, these instances remind me weve done something right. Pr

Playdate challenges are common with 4-year-olds. My clients son Daan is a dream at home—sweet, attentive, and happily independent. But around peers, he turns wild: demanding his way, crying in frustration, even hitting or kicking friends. He shows little empathy for their pain. Weve tried highlighti