Happy Fall Equinox!
I didn’t mean for this issue to get so big, but everything is happening all at once — in a good way. I’ve become accustomed to taking on so much of APP myself, and the loneliness and load had really started to take its toll. But when I shared more and more of that feeling with others… it turns out, the community really is here, walking alongside ❤️ From the surprise €150 donation to partners galore, it was a wonderful reminder that the work is hard, but we all benefit from it when we do it together, in the village it has always meant to be.
One of the more amazing things to happen in the last few weeks is that I’ve gained a new “colleague” — Rachael from MamaSocial. We’re both fueled by the same deep dedication to connecting Amsterdam's moms to social & expert support in early parenthood, and with her background as a therapist (did you know?!), we have so much planned for APP's expecting and new parents in the Season Groups, First Year Program, and beyond.
Almost 3 years ago, MamaSocial brunch was the first big event I took my (then-5-month-old) baby to — free to socialize, free to hand off my baby for two seconds, free to BREATHE for the first time since birth — and I can't think of a better person to grow alongside. What a joy it's going to be 🥹
🎁 To celebrate, we're kicking off our first MamaSocial x APP giveaway! We have 2 tickets to give away to MamaSocial's Amsterdam brunch this Thursday, at Kanarie Club in De Hallen.
MamaSocial Brunch Amsterdam
Thu 24 Sep @ 10:00-12:00 — Oud-West
Included with your ticket are delicious food, nannies onsite (hot coffee 🙏), and professional photos of you and your little one. Open to all mamas: bump, baby, toddler, or solo. First 2 mamas to reply to this newsletter get a free ticket 🎟️ (By the way, there are only 2 tickets left!)
Join us for brunch this Thursday! First 2 mamas to reply to this issue get a free ticket 🎟️
👩⚕️ Expert Spotlight: Samira, Founder of Amsterdam Kids
Samira and I first met through Eva (of DAM Parenting podcast fame), who brought the three of us together because we’re driven to make it easier for parents to discover all of the support and activities that Amsterdam has to offer. Samira is the mom behind Amsterdam Kids, one of the oldest and best resources for finding things to do with kids of all ages, all across the Netherlands.
I caught up with Samira recently as she’s going through postpartum all over again after 8 years — her older daughter is 8, and now her youngest is 3 months old. While she has always been building Amsterdam Kids in the background, seeing postpartum through a new lens has given her new purpose (and new time, given maternity leave!) to expand.
Postpartum life can be beautiful, exhausting, lonely, and joyful — sometimes all within the same hour. Finding parts of it difficult does not mean you are ungrateful or doing a bad job.
In her Spotlight, she talks about her inspiration and vision for Amsterdam Kids; what it’s like to go back to the baby phase after 8 years; and why she’s committed to Amsterdam families.
For the artist parents out there, illustrator & local toddler mom Sarah van Dongen is hosting an online workshop on drawing children this week
🗓️ 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 & Friends
Wed 23 Sep @ 11:00-12:30 — Oosterdok
7 moms already signed up! Feeding your baby is one of the most magical AND grueling parts of new parenthood, and a little peer support, expert guidance, and validation can go a long way 🙌 Whether you feed with a bottle, pump, or boob, we invite you to come to our feeding circle — with or without baby — to share experiences and learn from other parents and Danielle, our First Year Program facilitator and postpartum doula.
Sat 26 Sep @ 10:00-11:00 — Buitenveldert
Let's gather to breathe, sing, and find a sense of community. This session is specifically open to moms and dads with babies under 1 — we'll be grounding ourselves in (newfound) parenthood with shared voices and conversation. No singing experience is required!
Kinderboekenweek (Children’s Book Week)
There’s so much to do around the city for Kinderboekenweek — yes, even for the babies and toddlers! It starts 30 September and goes to 11 October, and celebrates children’s reading all week with free events across the city.
General resources
Agenda for kids 0-3 at OBA: What’s on at your local library
Everything happening in West: The exhaustive list of free events happening all across West and New West
Events at the Kinderboekwinkel: Crafts, readings, silent disco and more at the Children’s Bookstore in the Jordaan.
Some highlights
Sat 3 Oct @ 11:00-11:30 — Jordaan
De Kinderboekwinkel is hosting a classic Dutch puppet show for Kinderboekenweek — Erik van Ophem's lively, modern take on the traditional Jan Klaassen story, with Jan, Katrijn, the baby, the villain, the neighborhood dog, and more. I saw Opgepast with my toddler a month ago at the Natuurkamer and she was entranced — sure to be a good time for your little one, too!
Sat 3 Oct @ 11:00-12:00 — Bijlmermeer
Author Nancy Bosmans will read from her new picture book Zachter dan zout — about the colonial salt mining on Bonaire — followed by a hands-on salt craft activity with the kids. It's taking place at Athenaeum Zuidoost (a short walk from Bijlmer ArenA station!), part of Kinderboekenweek. Free, but registration required via the link!
Sun 11 Oct @ 10:00-11:00 — Slotermeer
Join Liam & Vivi (from our Community Spotlight!) for a Greek-language reading — no Greek required! — and a lovely arts & crafts activity afterwards.
South
Thu 24 Sep @ 18:30-20:30 — De Pijp
Clinical midwife Jaleesa Dorp will be at Maison Parentally to answer questions about pregnancy, labour, and birth. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth or a home birth, this is your chance to get honest answers, practical guidance and tips from someone who knows what birth really looks like. Come on your own, or bring your partner. Drinks and snacks provided!
Sat 26 Sep @ 10:30-21:00 — Stadionbuurt
A full day of free neighborhood celebration across the Stadionbuurt. Coffee and live music in the morning, a mini-market with pancakes, face painting, and a sushi workshop for kids at Bertelmanplein in the afternoon, and an evening of storytelling and music at the Willem de Zwijgerkerk to close it out. Classic Dutch burendag gezelligheid, all free and open to everyone.
Sat 3 Oct @ 10:30-12:00 — De Pijp
Mimi from Growing Up Multilingual is hosting an in-person interactive workshop at Monti's World for parents navigating life with more than one language at home. You'll explore what actually shapes multilingual development — exposure, identity, relationships, the realities of everyday family life — and leave with practical strategies and a framework for decisions that work for your family.
West
Fri 16 Oct @ 12:00-13:30 (Weekly) — Westerpark
Expert Spotlight mom Krishna is leading a 5-week English-language prenatal yoga course for second and third trimester mamas. Each session focuses on opening the pelvic area, breathing techniques for childbirth, birth positions, and deep relaxation — so you arrive at your due date feeling prepared and supported.
North
Sun 27 Sep @ 13:00-18:30 — Noorderpark
If your kid is more the listening than the reading type, there's a free storytelling festival (Het Verhalenfestival) at the Roze Tanker being held right before Children's Book Week starts. Stories for young and old, music, a story atelier where kids can play and make their own puppet, and food from local Noorderling Ivy Kriek. Free entry and cheap food and drinks makes for a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Noord. (Given my toddler's obsession with Noord, perhaps see you there!)
Fri 2 Oct @ 18:00-21:00 — NDSM
Treat yourself to a mamas' night out — a self-guided cocktail walk visiting 3 bars, starting at Van de Werf at NDSM, then hopping the ferry into the city center for two mystery stops. One cocktail (or mocktail!) at each.
East
Sat 26 Sep @ 14:00-19:00 — Transvaalbuurt
Many local organizations are coming together to throw a Burendag at Krugerplein, near Oosterpark. Expect a family-friendly afternoon of music, yoga, creative workshops, and community food, all for free.
Center
Sat 26 Sep @ 18:30-20:30 — Oosterdok
Mid-autumn Festival is a time for home, family, gathering, distance, tradition and what gets passed on — and organization The Second Steep is hosting an intimate dinner with local Asian mothers to celebrate. Up to 10 participants will gather 'round the table for delicious Korean BBQ and honest, intimate conversation from fellow Asian moms building lives between worlds.
Tue 29 Sep @ 18:30-20:30 — Grachtengordel
A workshop for mothers who want to pause and reflect upon the many layers of who they are becoming. Guided by professional coaches and local moms Ellen & Kelsey, the group will explore the emotional complexity of motherhood, identity and self from a biological, psychological, social, and cultural lens. This event is adults only, so please leave your little ones at home to delve deep, distraction-free.
Online
Sat 26 Sep @ 19:30-21:30
For the artistic parents out there, Amsterdam-based illustrator Sarah van Dongen is hosting a 2-hour online workshop on drawing children — covering anatomy, color, and how to turn a photo of your own kid into a finished illustration. A lovely way to capture this season of life in a new medium. I met Sarah a long, long time ago at The Labor Dept. Mama Hangs — funny how time flies ❤️ (By the way, the session is recorded so you can access it later if you can't join live.)
Everywhere
Minimeets is a new platform for finding and organizing playdates, built by two parents (including community mom Carol!) who wanted an easier way. Browse what other caregivers have planned nearby, join the ones that fit your week, or create your own. The app is set up so you can sort out details without swapping phone numbers. Invite-only to keep things small — you can ask around for an invite code or check out the site for more info.
New community alert 🚨 The Stroller Run Club is a community for parents who want to stay active without leaving their little ones behind. Whether you’re postpartum and easing back in, a seasoned runner with a baby on board, or just looking for a reason to get outside — they're building this community for you. You can follow them on Instagram for updates.
Did you find an event today? Consider donating to support our work and keep this newsletter free for the community.
Until next time,
Alex from Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)
