Happy Tuesday, y’all!
I hope everyone was able to enjoy the sun, brave the wind, and be generally merry this weekend. Long weekends always bring a mixture of complete joy and utter exhaustion… Sometimes it’s nice to return to the normal routine after a few days off, eh? 😎
For the folks here expecting a baby in the coming months: APP has recently changed how our nonprofit newborn family support groups are formed! If you’re looking for expert & peer grounding in the transition to newborn parenthood (even if it’s your second+ time!) our cohorts are now neighborhood-focused and on-demand. Head over to our new Fourth Trimester Program page to learn more, or shoot me a reply here ❤️ If you’re a midwife, birthing instructor, or doula — or have a favorite one to recommend us partnering with — we’d also love to hear from you!
👩⚕️ Community Spotlight: Vivi & Liam on building the village for others, while raising their own
My parenthood journey weaves together beautifully with Vivi & Liam’s. When I was early postpartum, I met Vivi at Mama Hangs. At APP's first big event (our Burnout Brunch), I met Liam. Crossing paths every so often evolved into supporting each other during highs and lows. Now they’re putting all their honesty, vulnerability, and passion into direct impact by building meaningful spaces for parents in Amsterdam:
🇬🇷 Vivi organizes @greekmama.nl, a community for Greek parents to connect and share language and culture.
🎨 Liam organizes @dadsdoart, an initiative for dads to do something creative with their little ones, filling the gap of dad-focused stuff in the city.
These kids are learning so much by witnessing my actions. It gives me such a boost to be the best role-model I can be for them — with my actions, character and compassion I put out into the world.
Volunteer organizing is tough when you’re also parenting small kids. I’m honored to share their experiences and efforts as parents and community builders; hopefully you’ll be inspired to support them and/or be your own community change yourself ❤️
The tulip steam train is running during the next few weeks!
🗓️ 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. Want more? See all events on our Community Calendar.
APP & Friends
Tue 14 Apr @ 09:30-11:00 — Museumkwartier
Just a few tickets left — and the museum is about to sell out that morning! If you have a pre-walking baby, join the APP community at our first Van Gogh Museum meetup with host Paola Bucciol. Explore Van Gogh's masterpieces, then chat and connect with fellow families afterwards at the museum cafe.
Sat 18 Apr @ 18:00-20:30 — De Baarsjes
Arizen and Hello Doula invite new mothers, mothers-to-be, partners, and their support network to the Table — a three-course meal, discussions on postpartum nutrition, and sharing cultural traditions around birth and recovery. Knowing these amazing humans (one of whom was present at my birth 😁), you’ll walk away not only with recipes and a pantry list, but feeling nourished in belly and soul.
West
The Rainbow (1-4 years)
Sat-Sun 11-12 Apr @ 9:30, 11:30 — Sloterdijk
“The Rainbow” is a toddler theatre performance at Black Cat Theatre that features live music, dance, and mime with minimal spoken language. It’s designed to spark imagination and creativity for children from all backgrounds.Sun 12 Apr @ 11:00-12:30 — Oud West
Certified babywearing consultant Zyanya will explain why we wear our babies on our backs as they grow. She will train you and your child to be able to easily back carry, and demonstrate several methods for getting your child on your back without anyone's help.
Sun 19 Apr @ 13:00-16:00 — Westlandgracht
Parenthood can mean party — and not just the birthday kind 😎 It’s specifically designed for parents with babies, toddlers, and kids up to 6 years old: with softer music for young ears (still EDM, don’t worry), children’s activities, and a super friendly atmosphere.
Center
2 spots open starting in April — Oosterdok
Joop Gilliamse is a small, accredited parent-run daycare in the city center where families share responsibility, care together, and build a close-knit community around their children. While it requires flexibility, it’s also very affordable with a monthly contribution of only €250. Two spots are opening in April as children move on to school; you can reach out to learn more via email or by dropping by for a tour.
Starting 15 Apr — Hoorn
Okay “Center” is a stretch… but you’ll leave from Centraal 😅 Instead of heading to Keukenhof, consider taking a steam train through tulip fields 🌷 The Museumstoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik rides through blooming landscapes and stops at historic stations daily during the peak bloom season from April 15–25. Entry is only €2 with Museumkaart!
South
Thu 9 Apr @ 18:30-20:00 — De Pijp
Maison Parentally’s happy hour this week is hosted by Claudia Carter, a Social Emotional Development Specialist and Special Needs Intervention Consultant — we featured her work during last year’s Neurodiversity Week ♾️🌈 Head to this casual event to connect, share experiences, and relax with neighborhood moms.
Sat 11 Apr @ 10:30-12:30 — De Pijp
Mimi’s stellar multilingual workshop is back at Monti's World, offering science, strategies, and insights for parents raising multilingual children with confidence. Bring your questions and find an evidence-based, supportive space for families navigating multiple languages and cultures.
Tue 14 Apr @ 18:00-20:00 — De Pijp
Certified coach Anca Zinculescu is leading an intimate session that explores the profound identity shift of matrescence. She’ll share tools and insights that apply to both new and expectant mothers.
East
Wed 8 Apr @ 11:00-12:00 — IJburg
Learn 7 gentle, practical tips to help your baby sleep better and create calmer nights for the whole family. It’s a free session led by certified sleep coach Yolanda from Game of Snores.
Sun 19 Apr @ 15:00-17:00 — Indische Buurt
The Great Amsterdam Bake-off? Coming soon is the third edition of 'The Whole Neighborhood Bakes!', a free, family-friendly community baking competition. Passionate home bakers from the Indische Buurt can present their homemade cakes to a professional jury, with ingredients reimbursed up to €25. Register as a baker before 9 April, or show up for tasty treats on the day!
Online
Donate to A Different Story
Fri 3 Apr @ 09:00-17:00 — Other
A Different Story is a local nonprofit that supports families with children who have special needs. They are currently fundraising to double their reach of their core programs: to serve over 100 families with support groups and special events. It's a cause close to my heart, and I invite you to donate if you're able ❤️Fri 10 Apr @ 19:00-20:00
Fourth Trimester Program expert Angela Vitiello from Expat Parenting Collective is hosting a free online masterclass on navigating tough conversations around common expat parenting challenges like loneliness and your child's identity. Learn practical tools and language to foster deeper connection with yourself, your partner, and your kids.
Wed 15 Apr @ 19:00-21:30
Fayette from Mama Thrive is joining the APP family as a Dutch/English facilitator 😍 (Weesp parents, take note!) In the meantime, she’s hosting an online workshop in Dutch for expectant parents to prepare for the postpartum period. Learn how to create a personal postpartum plan covering recovery, sleep, and emotional well-being to ensure a smooth transition into parenthood.
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 the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)
