A weekly podcast about raising multilingual children and helping expat kids learn and maintain the Dutch language wherever they are in the world.
Does your child answer in English when you speak Dutch? You’re not alone. Many expat parents face the challenge of keeping their mother tongue alive while raising children abroad.
Praat Nederlands met me! dives into the joys, struggles, and surprises of teaching Dutch to international kids.
Hosted by Wendy van Dalen — founder of Dutch for Children, the online Dutch language school for kids — this podcast brings you:
✨ Expert advice on raising multilingual children ✨ Inspiring stories from expat families and Third Culture Kids ✨ Practical tips for keeping the Dutch language and culture alive
Whether you want to strengthen your child’s Dutch, understand the magic of multilingualism, or feel connected to other international parents, this podcast is for you.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Natalie shares her experiences raising multilingual children while living in Kenya and the Netherlands. She discusses the 'one person, one language' strategy, the impact of schooling on language development, and the challenges of cultural adjustment during international moves. The episode also highlights the importance of fostering a love for reading and music to maintain language and identity.
What happens when a Dutch child grows up between three countries and three languages? In this episode of Praat Nederlands met me, Wendy van Dalen speaks with Franca, a Dutch mother who raised her daughter abroad, first in London and later in France. Today, her daughter Fleur is 23 years old and speaks Dutch, English, and French fluently. What makes this story particularly interesting is that there was no strict language strategy, no formal Dutch lessons, and no complicated system. Instead, the f...
The Doorstroomtoets 2026 results are being released and for many international families, this can feel like an uncertain moment. What do the numbers actually mean? Is the test decisive for secondary school placement? And what happens if the score is higher or lower than expected? In this episode, I explain clearly and calmly: • The difference between Cito and IEP scoring • What reference levels like 1F and 1S really mean • How the final school advice is determined • When a school must reconsider...
In this solo episode, Wendy van Dalen, founder of Dutch for Children, explores what it really takes for expat children to feel at home in the Netherlands. Spoiler: it’s not just about grammar and vocabulary! Discover how cultural awareness, social confidence, and modern Dutch slang all play a role in helping kids integrate into daily Dutch life. In this episode, you will learn: Why language alone isn’t enough for integration Everyday struggles expat kids face in Dutch schools and playgrounds How...
This solo episode explores how to keep your expat child’s Dutch language skills active and growing during the summer holidays. From everyday learning moments and creative games to online tools and Dutch summer camps. We’ll share practical, fun ideas to help your child avoid the summer dip and stay connected to Dutch playfully. Whether traveling or staying home, this episode is packed with inspiration for a Dutch-filled summer! 🌞🇳🇱 Links Love reading about this topic? Read the blog about Dutch...
What Dutch language level is your child expected to reach in school? How do the Dutch reference levels (1F, 2F, 3F, 4F) compare to CEFR levels like A2 or B1? And what do they actually mean for your child’s education? In this solo episode, Wendy van Dalen, founder of Dutch for Children, explains everything you need to know about Dutch language levels in education, whether your child is living in the Netherlands or abroad. In this episode, you’ll learn: What do the Dutch reference levels (F- and S...
In this special episode of Praat Nederlands met me, I’m switching roles: from host to guest! I share my personal journey of living abroad as a Dutch mother — from raising my children in countries like Spain, Curaçao, and Aruba to founding Dutch for Children, an online language school supporting Dutch expat kids worldwide and international children in the Netherlands. Tune in as I talk about the joys and challenges of keeping the Dutch language alive across borders, what inspired me to start a fl...
Personalized Dutch Lessons for multilingual and expat kids have so many benefits. When it comes to learning a new language, every child is unique. This is especially true for international and expat children learning the Dutch language! Their life experiences, exposure to language, and academic levels often don’t match the standard classroom model. At Dutch for Children, we believe personalized learning is not just a nice option, but it’s essential. Whether your child is catching up, reading ahe...
Today’s guest is someone truly special: Romanie Spierts. She is the mother of two sons, grandmother of five, and a modern shaman who works especially with pregnant women and international mothers. Romanie has lived in Germany not once but twice, with a return to the Netherlands in between. Her journey through motherhood, migration, multilingualism, and identity is one that I believe will resonate with many of you. Links: Romanie her practise...
Many international parents wonder whether Dutch is simply too hard for their child to master, especially when it is not spoken at home. In this episode of our podcast, 'Praat Nederlands met me', We unpack the myths around learning Dutch as a second (or third!) language. We talk about grammar, pronunciation, cultural immersion, and — most importantly — real student stories that prove it’s absolutely possible. This is for you if you're raising your child abroad, planning a move to the Netherlands,...
He lived with his family in the Netherlands, Spain, Curaçao, and the Dominican Republic. Stefan tells us how he grew up in different cultures, how he developed from a child to a teenager, and what gave him an identity and languages. He has a specific view on learning languages and growing up world wide. It is a fantastic journey, and Stefan articulates clearly and well what this period has been like and what he has gained from his 10th to his 19th year. Links: Learning Dutch as a teenager More a...
Hello, and welcome to another exciting episode of ''Praat Nederlands Met Me!'' The podcast is where we explore the wonderful world of raising multilingual children and helping expat kids connect with the Dutch language, no matter where they are in the world! My name is Wendy van Dalen. Today, I want to discuss the challenges expat teenagers face in Dutch secondary education and how we can support them in overcoming language barriers to achieve academic success. Links Contact us directly for lang...
Welcome to a new episode of 'Praat Nederlands met me!' In this interview, I have a special guest, Maartje, the mother of Jade and Linde. Over the years, they have lived in multiple countries, and we’ve had the pleasure of teaching her daughters Dutch through Dutch for Children. In this episode, Maartje tells about her mother and her daughters, who are raised across multiple countries—from Curaçao to Barbados to Spain. She shares her journey of keeping Dutch alive at home, the role of online less...
Group vs. private Dutch lessons for expat children: Which one is best? As a parent raising an expat child in the Netherlands, you want them to feel confident in Dutch. But what’s the best way to help them learn? Should they join a group class, or would private lessons be more effective? Each approach has its advantages and challenges. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of both options to help you make the best choice for your child. We rely on educational theories, practice...
In this episode, we have a special guest, Kim van Mook, who has been living in the United States for 13 years. She is a teacher, a school leader, and a strong advocate for bilingual education. In this episode of "Praat Nederlands met me," we talk to her, a Dutch expat in the U.S., about raising a bilingual child. Kim shares her journey from the Netherlands to Colorado and the challenges of teaching her daughter Dutch in an English-speaking environment. She discusses how her daughter initially re...
In this episode, we dive into the world of early language learning for young children. Discover how playful, customized lessons at Dutch for Children make Dutch fun and natural — even for toddlers with short attention spans! Join us as we explore practical tips, share engaging activities, and show how you can support your child’s language journey, no matter your Dutch skills. 🎧 Ready to listen? Tune in to the latest episode now! Links More information about lessons for preschoolers How can my p...
In this episode of Praat Nederlands met me!, host Wendy welcomes a truly inspiring guest: Coreen Okraski. Coreen, originally from the Netherlands, has been living in the U.S. for many years and has built an impressive career in language education. With her expertise in language acquisition and cultural exchange, she has helped countless educators and learners navigate the challenges of multilingualism. In this conversation, Coreen shares her journey of moving to the U.S., maintaining her Dutch i...
We all know that learning is important, but did you know that learning together makes the process even more effective? If your child wants to learn or improve their Dutch, our interactive group lessons are the perfect way to do it! Ready to Get Started after listening? Our group courses last 8 weeks and are starting every week! Want your child to learn Dutch in a practical, fun, and interactive way? Sign up now via info@dutchforchildren.nl Read all the information first! 🎉 "Learning is more fun...
In this episode, I’m speaking with Susanne, an expat mother currently living in La Réunion. Susanne has a fascinating story about raising her two children with Dutch and French influences, and she’s here to share her insights on language, culture, and parenting abroad. It’s inspiring to hear how Susanne is raising her children with Dutch and French influences, not only language-wise but also cultural-wise. Her family is an example of how you can make language learning a natural part of your fami...
Mirjam grew up partly in France, lived abroad with her family for 14 years, and now helps others navigate the unique challenges of returning to the Netherlands after living abroad. We discussed valuable topics like living abroad, learning different languages, keeping up with home language and culture, expat life for expat children, and reverse culture shock. Resettle can help with growing awareness of the value returning expats have and networking and coaching you if you have a reverse culture. ...
Maintaining their mother tongue while living abroad is essential: Insights from a multilingual expat kid why this is important. For many expat families, the experience of moving to a new country can be exciting and challenging. One of the most significant challenges, especially for families with young children, is maintaining the mother tongue and maintaining it while adapting to a new culture and language. This podcast episode tells you how and shares experiences for children....
In this heartfelt episode of Praat Nederlands met Me!, we dive into the challenges expat children face when adapting to a new language, culture, and way of life. Meet Emily, a 10-year-old whose move to the Netherlands left her feeling lost and isolated—until her family found the support they needed to help her thrive. Join Wendy van Dalen, founder of Dutch for Children, as she shares Emily’s inspiring journey from struggle to success. Learn how personalized language lessons and cultural coaching...
Testing in the Netherlands in primary education is more than numbers. In Dutch primary education, students encounter countless tests, such as the well-known M-test and E-test. But what do these numbers tell us about your child? Unpack the role of testing in Dutch primary education. From understanding the M and E tests to learning how to ease your child's stress, this episode equips parents with tools to see beyond the numbers and focus on growth. Links from this episode More information or a sho...
Hi everyone! Today, we’re tackling an intriguing question: Is Dutch really a complex language for your child to learn? In this episode, we’re unraveling the mystery of Dutch as a so-called “difficult language.” We’ll explore the unique aspects of Dutch grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary while also sharing tips to help your child overcome common hurdles. Whether you’re a parent of a budding Dutch learner or just curious about the language, stay tuned to discover why Dutch might not be as tric...
We’re excited to share our conversation with Elise, a 23-year-old third-culture kid whose story is a must-hear for expat families and multicultural individuals. In the interview, Elise talks about: Growing up internationally and maintaining her Dutch roots. The challenges of being a third-culture kid: language and social wise Her parents, Dutch reading, and traveling helped her stay connected to her language and culture And how Latin America feels more like home Her experiences are a powerful re...
In this episode of Praat Nederlands met me, we explore the fascinating phenomenon of code-switching—when multilingual expat children switch between languages in the same conversation. Far from being a flaw, code-switching is a sign of linguistic strength, adaptability, and cultural awareness. We’ll dive into what it is, why it happens, and how parents can support their children’s multilingual journeys. Join me to discover the brilliance behind every language switch and celebrate the rich identit...
This festive episode of Praat Nederlands met me! is all about celebrating Dutch traditions during the holidays while staying connected to your heritage. Host Wendy van Dalen shares how Christmas and New Year’s in the Netherlands offer unique opportunities for your child to embrace the Dutch language and culture. With creative ideas like singing Dutch songs, crafting, and enjoying traditional celebrations, this episode is full of inspiration for making language learning fun and meaningful. It's p...
Have you ever wondered how to keep your home language alive while raising kids abroad? This episode is a must-listen for expat parents striving to maintain their children’s connection to their roots through language. Wendy welcomes Karen Hazelaar-Van Beukering, a mother of three and an expert from NOB, the Dutch Foundation for Education Abroad. Karen shares her inspiring journey of raising multilingual children, practical tips for keeping Dutch alive at home, and the incredible benefits of multi...
In this episode of 'Spreek Nederlands met me!', we tackle a challenge many expat families face: helping their child feel at home in the Netherlands. Moving to a new country is exciting but overwhelming, especially for kids who don’t yet speak the local language. Join us as we explore expat children's unique hurdles, from navigating school life to making friends, and discover why learning Dutch is the key to their confidence and connection. You’ll hear about Emma’s inspiring journey from feeling ...
Max mainly teaches young expats in their thirties, speaks many languages, and lives in Spain. This interview gives valuable insights into Max’s work, motivations, and views on the language-learning experience for expats and international students. It gives listeners a well-rounded understanding of his journey and the impact he hopes to make as a teacher and author. Links: Walking & talking! See https://walkingtalking.nl/en/ Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/6irdLmvbNW3rmZlmiBwa6W?si=d...
