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- 22 Sep-6 Oct: A dad's take on building the village (#22)
22 Sep-6 Oct: A dad's take on building the village (#22)
Alex Siega
September 22, 2025 • Read time: 9 minutes
We’re back — happy Fall today! (And welcome to the 25+ new subscribers since last issue ❤️)
Summer vacation was great, and then wham, Fall arrived. Back to the routines of work, childcare, appointments, pulling out the rain gear and sweaters, indoor play… Everyone doing okay out there?
On APP’s side, the last few weeks have been bonkers in the best way. We started a new Burnout Support Program cohort, got a monthly parent support group proposal approved for the West Begroot voting phase (a chance at city funding!!), and most importantly — we announced that we’re launching our Fourth Trimester Program pilot cohort in October 😍
If you gave birth in August or September (or know someone who did), check out our Fourth Trimester Program for:
A peer support group, ready to show up for you: A cozy, safe group of fellow local newborn parents, with organized meetups in person
Postpartum experts, without the high cost or hassle: Access to a postpartum coach and psychotherapist at meetups and online
The right knowledge, right when you need it: Expert-led content every few weeks that tracks with your & your baby’s development
Despite announcing it only 2 days ago, we already only have a few spots left in our pilot 🥹 Join us now at this reduced pilot rate!
Markus and his daughter making a new friend
🎙️ Community Spotlight: Markus Appelman
Grateful to be highlighting our first dad in the Spotlight! Markus is an APP volunteer (endless thank you for your automation skills 🙏🏻), but more importantly, he knows all about surviving and thriving with an active toddler. The good: following his little explorer’s lead. The less good: the exhaustion and sleep deprivation that come with it 😝
Don't be ashamed to ask for advice and help from your network. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and in the city you have to create your own village.
I’ve heard anecdotally from a lot of dads (Markus included) that it can be difficult to build a postpartum support network that includes partners/fathers because so much out there is geared towards only moms. Has this been your or your partner's experience? Read on to hear Markus’ experience below 👇🏻
HEY Wollie at the Plein Theater for toddlers 2+
🗓️ 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
Event update: Robbeburg’s 50th Anniversary Fundraiser Celebration
Sat 27 Sep @ 14:00-18:00 — Rivierenbuurt
Robbeburg’s anniversary party got an upgrade since our last issue… Now featuring unicorn pony rides 🦄 Also at their garden party are a toy and clothing swap, exciting raffle prizes, face-painting, and play out- and indoors. Free for kids under 1. APP donated a Burnout Support Program spot to the raffle 🫶🏻
Santa Mini Sessions with Sim Sawyers
Sun 9 & 16 Nov — Bos en Lommer
Sim’s popular seasonal minis are getting a holiday twist in November with a real Santa in the studio 🎅🏻 She already sold out one day of minis, so sharing these remaining dates now. 20 minutes and 5 images for €250; mention Amsterdam Parent Project to get €25 off your booking. (I did my daughter’s 1st year photos with Sim, so needless to say I’m a fan.)
West
Toddler Music Class with Coleta
Wed 24 Sep @ 10:00-10:45 & 11:00-11:45 (Every Wed)— Bos en Lommer
Most classes you have to sign up for a season — but not this one 🤩 This music class at de Gibraltar (which has an excellent playground, by the way) is a drop-in class for toddlers aged 1.5-4.
Thu 25 Sep - Sun 31 Oct — Everywhere in West
So much to do for families in West Connect, a month-long initiative designed to bring the neighborhood together. From cooking classes, to cultural performances, to opportunities to volunteer, there’s something for everyone — but for the tiniest members of the neighborhood, there are lots of lovely local potlucks and community walks to attend.
Sat 27 Sep @ 11:30-16:00 — Oud West
De Hallen is diving into the vibrant culture of Taiwan with art, music, and street food. Wander around with your baby to enjoy the sights, expand their BLW journey, or join one of the interactive workshops or performances, like “Sound of Young Talents” at 15:00.
East
Sun 5 Oct @ 15:00-15:35 — Oosterparkbuurt
HEY Wollie is a visual journey of discovery through a world full of woolly things. What’s cool about it is that deliberately omits spoken words and instead uses visual and sensory elements to communicate: specifically designed for toddlers 2+ and perfect for non-Dutch speakers!
South
Thu 25 Sep @ 10:30-11:30 — Oud Zuid
This pilates class is designed for moms-to-be (from 14 weeks on) to new moms with babies under a year old. The sessions help prepare for labor and recover afterward, all while connecting with other moms.
English Storytelling and Songtime
Fri 26 Sep @ 10:00-11:00 (weekly) — Stadionbuurt
The library hosts a delightful morning of stories, songs, and crafts designed especially for kids aged 2-4, all in English. A good place to meet other local, English-speaking families.
Groovaroo Baby Wearing Dance Class
Fri 26 Sep @ 10:30-11:30 (Every other Fri) — De Pijp
You get to (gently) dance, your baby gets to groove to the music, everybody feels good. Groovaroo is perfect for new parents looking to bond with their babies and get active while having fun together outside of the house.
Stadionbuurt Neighbor's Day: The Big Green Forest
Sat 27 Sep 2025 @ 10:00-12:00 — Stadionbuurt
In the “Big Green Forest,” kids aged 2-5 can search for animals, make crafts, and enjoy face painting in the neighborhood. All free!
Starts Wed 1 Oct, 12:15-13:30 — De Pijp
Learn Shantala baby massage techniques in this 5 week class hosted at Monti’s World. Baby massage is a good way to promote bonding, ease discomfort and enhance relaxation — a lovely way to connect deeply with your baby.
Sun 5 Oct @ 10:00-11:00 (every first Sunday) — Amsterdamse Bos
Gather with other families for a fun-filled morning of leaf collecting and drawing in the beautiful Amsterdamse Bos. It's a fantastic way to enjoy nature, put Montessori principles into action, and make new parent friends dedicated to Montessori. The location rotates every month, so join the group (link above) to follow future sessions.
Center
Bring your baby to bbb Health Boutique
Daily — Jordaan
If you’re looking to get back to self-driven gym time postpartum, check out bbb, where you can work out with your baby for an hour without the need of a babysitter! This program exists to make it easier for women to return to the gym after birth, and also to connect with other moms in a similar spot.
Online
Dutch for Parents - A2+ (class start)
Wed 24 or Fri 26 Sept @ 09:30-10:30 (Every week for 6 weeks)
We love a good “practice Dutch” moment — coming from someone who just broke their 1000-day Duolingo streak 😱 Join this Dutch course specifically for expat parents, with themes that actually matter to you and your family life in Amsterdam — and there’s an offline playdate, too! The goal is to gain confidence speaking to match your understanding of Dutch. Classes are every Wed or Fri.
P.S. Thanks so much to everyone who filled out our newsletter feedback form last time! Feedback was really positive and made my heart full 🥹 If you’d like to tell me what’s going well and what else you want to see here, I’ll leave the survey up until next issue: Give your newsletter feedback here.
Until next time,
Alex from the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)