- Just a Phase
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- 6-20 Oct: Celebrating birthdays (#23)
6-20 Oct: Celebrating birthdays (#23)
Alex Siega
October 06, 2025 • Read time: 8 minutes
Happy Monday, and happy October!
With Fall weather upon us, the start (birth 😎) of the Fourth Trimester Program pilot and my no-longer-a-baby’s 2nd birthday coming up, I’ve been thinking a lot about transitions. This newsletter is called “Just a Phase” because, of course, the bad stuff passes. However, the good stuff does, too. I’m spending these first October weeks holding tightly the things that brought and bring me joy as a parent, to take into a new phase ❤️
Malu and her toddler, Rosario
🎙️ Community Spotlight: Malu Bermúdez
Speaking of transitions… Malu talks a lot about adapting to a new reality in her incredibly vulnerable and empowering Spotlight. If you’ve come across her already, you know that she is an unstoppable community force: a connector, a visionary, and a caretaker. What you may not know: She’s a single mom after a recent divorce. She’s building not one but two businesses while caring for her toddler by herself. And somehow she still finds time to check in on you.
Dare to connect by sharing who you are and what type of help you need in an honest and open way. You’ll be surprised about how many strangers are more than ready to help.
I’m grateful to Malu for modeling that in her Spotlight, which you can read below 👇️ Malu is also happy to talk to any parents who want to follow up with her; you can reach her personally via LinkedIn.
And check out Mamapreneur Collective to join over 250 other moms supporting each other in parenthood and business! The community just turned 2 years old 🎉 (Another birthday!) I’ve been a member for a while now, and these event links kindly have a discount built in 💸❤️
Coffee Talk: Balancing Career and Motherhood
Mon 27 Oct @ 10:00-12:00 — Rivierenbuurt
Autumn Mamapreneur Connect (The Halloween party with kids!)
Thu 30 Oct @ 10:00-12:00 — Rivierenbuurt
Lots of tuff trays in this issue: Toddler Discovery Lab & 24H Zuid
🗓️ 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 👀
Win a spot at the Toddler Discovery Lab
Until Wed 8 Oct / Every Wednesday @ 09:30-10:30 — Oud West
New toddler hotspot alert! The Science Camp just opened on Kinkerstraat, and has a special class dedicated to 3-4 years olds. There are tuff trays designed to delight the senses with a different theme each week; the next one is “Fall Farm” on 15 October. Win a free spot through Dam Parenting Podcast.
Starts Wed 8 Oct / Every Wednesday for 6 weeks @ 13:00-14:00 — Online
Dr. Naomi Gibson (a Fourth Trimester Program contributor!) has created a safe, supportive 6 week program where you can exhale, connect with other mums, and begin to find your footing again — with the aim of rediscovering a version of motherhood that feels more sustainable. Only 1 spot left in the next cohort 🫶🏻
Sat 11 Oct @ 09:00-18:00 — Nieuwmarkt
The big fair day has finally arrived 🎉 Join me and over 60 pre- and postpartum experts to guide you through every stage of parenthood. Everyone will be there! I’ll be speaking about burnout and community building on the “Beyond” panel later in the day.
Burnout Support Meet in the Park
Sat 25 Oct @ 10:30-12:30 — Oud West
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to talk to other parents in a similar situation, stop by the Groot Melkhuis: just yourself or with your family. Parents of all genders welcome, and costumes encouraged! 🎃 Only 10 spots available to keep things safe and small.
West
Fri-Sun 10-12 Oct @ 9:30, 11:30 — Sloterdijk
Black Cat Theater is one of those places I’ve never been to, but everyone I know has — and has lovely things to say about it! In this playful concert-performance, you step into a whimsical, puppet-filled world of wool. Ages 1-5.
Children's Book Week: Storytime at Kiem Lokaal
Fri 10 Oct @ 11:30-12:30 — Bos en Lommer
It’s Children's Book Week! KIEM Lokaal is hosting a special story-time event featuring the book "Do Squirrels Eat Bread?" and followed by an exploration in the park to look for mushrooms. Open to everyone ages 1-99 🧓
Sat 18 Oct @ 10:00, 11:30 — Vondelpark
We love a good Halloween moment, and you’ll definitely get it at Amsterdam Mama’s annual Halloween Parade. Dress your little monsters in their best costumes, enjoy trick-or-treating, and participate in fun activities at the playground afterwards 🎃 If you’re having trouble getting tickets, they’re still looking for volunteers — and then you get free entry 😎
South
World of Play & Learning grand opening
Starting Wed 8 Oct — Stadionbuurt
WOPL! is a brand-new indoor playroom, friendly to babies and toddlers alike and perfect for rainy days. Themed rooms, a café with ever-flowing babyccinos… And if you snag a ticket before 7 October, it’s 20% with code OPENING20.
Regenboog Verhalen (Rainbow Stories)
Sat 11 Oct @ 15:30-16:30 — De Pijp
Community friend Zyanya hosts this regular LGBTQ+ storytelling session for all ages, back after a summer break! Kids can enjoy crafts while parents connect, making this a safe and joyful space for families to share experiences 🌈
24H Zuid: Behind the Scenes at the GVB & Historic Trams
Sat 11 Oct @ 10:00-14:00, 11:00-17:00 — Schinkelbuurt
Ever wondered how the trams keep running smoothly? Want to immerse yourself in living history? Discover the magic behind Amsterdam's public transport at GVB's open house, and take a ride on special vintage trams — normally at the museum only! — traveling through Amsterdam.
24H Zuid: Endless Play in the Tuff Tray
Sat 11 Oct @ 11:00-14:00 — Rivierenbuurt
I just learned the word “tuff tray” for this newsletter issue… but it looks like amazing entertainment for standing babies and toddlers. Hestia Childcare is opening their doors and equipment for children to play in these sensory wonderlands during 24H Zuid.
East
My Colors children's performance (2+)
Sat 18 Oct @ 15:00-16:00 — IJburg
In this solo mime performance, Mother Hare and her little Bunny explore adventures through colors that shape their identities. With live animations and enchanting music, it is a colorful celebration of growth and self-discovery for kids 2+. Also playing in Noord the next day!
Wed 8 Oct @ 15:00-19:00 — Bijlmer
Neighborhood farm De Gliphoeve is hosting an afternoon of creative cooking, crafting, music, and community! There’s a cooking class for older kids (7+), followed by a communal meal for all ages plus activities galore: like music and feeding the animals. Food 🤝 friends.
Online
La Leche League NL chapter meeting
Wed 8 Oct @ 10:00-11:30 — Online
Connect with other parents in this supportive online space focused on breastfeeding journeys. Whether you're pregnant or navigating nursing challenges, you'll find information and encouragement; join anytime and feel free to bring your partner and baby. Register by email at [email protected].
Until next time,
Alex from the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)