New Land, New Life: Navigating Identity as a Parent Abroad with Alexa
Dam Parenting3 Sep 2025

New Land, New Life: Navigating Identity as a Parent Abroad with Alexa

Starting over in a new country reshapes identity. This episode explores belonging, adjustment, and emotional resilience for international families.


In this episode, we welcome a fresh voice to the podcast - Alexa Starks—one of the newest arrivals to the Netherlands. Having moved here in April, she’s not only navigating life in a new country but also embracing motherhood in a different country, with a very different system and language at the same time. We sit down to hear her first impressions, the challenges of settling in, and the small victories that make each day brighter.

From adjusting to Dutch culture and figuring out the practicalities of immigrant life, to finding community as an expat parent, this conversation offers a candid look at what it’s really like to start over in the Netherlands with a young children. Whether you’re a parent thinking about relocating, an expat already living abroad, or simply curious about life in the Netherlands, this episode is full of relatable insights and encouragement.

Tune in to hear about:

  • The first four months of moving to the Netherlands as a new mom

  • Practical challenges and unexpected joys of expat life

  • Building community and support networks as an international parent

  • Lessons learned and advice for families considering a move abroad

If you’re exploring life as an expat parent in the Netherlands—or planning your own move—you won’t want to miss this inspiring story of resilience and new beginnings.

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