21 Jul-4 Aug: Bridging the postpartum cultural gap (#18)

Hello, APP community!

I’m mostly staying local this Summer, which means long bike rides around the parks, splash pads galore, and morning trips to the beach. While there are places to visit, I’ve noticed that many of the kid-friendly classes have stopped for the season. A little stressful when you’re looking for a structured activity for the human manifestation of chaos, huh? 😅 

I’ll do my best every newsletter issue to find baby & toddler-friendly activities happening in Amsterdam — especially the free ones. But you’d be a huge help tagging APP on Instagram (@amsterdamparentproject) or sending us links when you see a great activity to share with the community!

🎙️ Dam Parenting: My Dutch in-laws are not as supportive as I had hoped in postpartum, and I’m overwhelmed trying to manage a new baby while adjusting to different cultural expectations. How do I handle the stress that comes with feeling so alone while raising a baby in new country?

When you’re already exhausted from the demands of a newborn, you’re probably not feeling up to directly confronting your in-laws about your needs. Especially without shared context! This Dam Parenting Podcast episode with Angela Vitiello from Expat Parenting Collective has amazing advice on a topic that has come up within the APP community, too: how to deal with clashing postpartum expectations when your partner is from a different culture than you.

What I love about Angela’s insight is that she breaks down this topic in a way that actually helps process the situation, not just get lost in the frustration. Are your in-laws perhaps showing you not a lack of support, but love in the only way they know? How can your culture and your partner’s culture meaningfully “meet halfway?” Check out the rest of the interview to learn how to bridge the cultural gap for postpartum harmony 👇🏻

If you want help tailored to you and your partner, she’s offering a 50% discount 😍 on her upcoming group coaching program to the APP community:

• The Empowered Expat Parent with Coach Angela
  Starting mid-September — Online

  This group coaching program is for the expat parent who wants to enjoy their beautiful life abroad without feeling overwhelmed, disconnected or living small. It includes weekly (recorded) calls, live guests speakers, experiential practices, and 1:1 sessions. 50% off for APP members with code PARTNER.

Angela will also be contributing to APP’s Fourth Trimester Program for our Postpartum Identity module — more on that soon ❤️

🗓️ What’s happening around town

Looking for something fun to do with your little one? Here's a selection of upcoming activities and events for babies, toddlers, and their parents.

APP events

• Burnout Support Meetup in the Park

  Sun 27 Jul @ 10:30-12:30 — Vondelpark

  After the success of our Burnout Support Program cohort this Spring, we’re hosting a meetup of local parents of young children experiencing parental burnout. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to talk to some other parents in a similar situation, stop by the Groot Melkhuis: just yourself or with your family. Parents of all genders welcome ❤️ Only 10 spots available to keep things safe and small.

West

• Free Bird Festival in Rembrandtpark & De Gibraltar

  Mon 21 Jul & Fri 25 Jul @ 14:00-15:00 — De Baarsjes & Bos en Lommer

  The Free Bird Festival is a delightful afternoon of nature and creativity: free theater performances and fun workshops like mask making and cooking for kids 3-9 years old.

• Berry picking at Fruittuin van West

  Tue-Sun @ 10:30-18:00 — Geuzenveld

  It’s red currant and blackberry season at Fruittuin van West! You can pick the berries yourself and pay for what you pick. Plus, there’s a cute café, organic market, and chickens on the property, all littlest kid-friendly.

South

• A Quiet Place on the Page

  Thu 24 Jul @ 18:30-20:30 — De Pijp

  Join creative writer Ilaria Mangiard for a gentle, restorative journaling workshop designed for parents who are feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of daily life. Discover how journaling can be a steady, supportive tool, even in small windows of time afforded to parents of young children.

• Little Café Free Play 

  Sat-Sun until 31 Aug @ 09:00-13:00 — De Pijp

  Spend a morning at WOW Family Center in their cozy café, where babies and toddlers can safely free play nearby while you have your coffee. They’re only open on the weekends in the summertime!

Center

• Rainbow Stories: Pride Edition 🌈

  Tue 29 Jul 2025 @ 15:30-16:30 — Oosterdok

  Head to this inclusive storytelling event that invites kids to explore themes of pride and family followed by fun craft activities. All families welcome (speaking English, Dutch, and more) to celebrate diversity and creativity together for this special Pride Month edition.

East

• Little Playmakers

  Tue 22 Jul @ 10:00-12:00 (Every Tue & Thu) — Bijlmermeer

  The playgroup (spelinloop) at Anansi is running all summer! It offers a safe space filled with engaging toys and activities for kids 0-4.

• Parent and Baby Group (0-1)

  Tue 22 Jul @ 10:30-12:00 (Every Tue) — Bijlmer East
  For parents with babies under 1 year old, there’s a welcoming Parent and Baby Group to connect with other families in the Zuidoost neighborhood. Share experiences, ask questions, and strengthen your bond with your little one in a supportive environment.

• Midsummer Mokum: Summerfest for kids

  Tue 29 Jul @ 14:00-17:00 — Oosterpark

  Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon organized by the city, with a children’s disco, face painting, games, and healthy snacks: all free.

• Kid’s sale at the Buurtkringloop
  Until 5 Aug @ 11:00-18:00 (daily except for Mon) — Zeeburg
  Fill a bag with secondhand children’s and baby clothes in great condition for only €5 at the Buurtkringloop.

• Drawing at the Scheepvaartmuseum

  Until 31 Aug @ 11:00-15:00 (daily) — Kattenburg

  The National Maritime Museum has two drawing activities this summer: a sea monster coloring sheet (2+) and a map drawing activity for all ages. Drop in anytime and grab materials for both on the Open Square in the middle of the museum.

Until next time,

Alex from the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)