Perfect mothers are a myth. A Roosvicee survey of over 1,100 Dutch mothers with children aged 4-12 reveals key insights into their insecurities, guilt, and authentic parenting choices. The clear takeaway: No one is perfect, and thats perfectly okay.   Table of Contents Perfect mothers dont ex

Hey there, fellow mom—yes, you! Do you ever truly pause to reflect on yourself? Not just a quick glance in a shop window or your rearview mirror during the school run. I mean a deep, honest look. Are you in tune with your own feelings? Are you nurturing your personal growth? What do you truly want f

Job Hunting While Pregnant: Can They Coexist? Pregnancy Discrimination is making headlines this month. The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights received over 550 reports in just two weeks, mostly about contract terminations or shortenings. But what if youre pregnant and seeking new employment?Its

Childcare expenses place a significant burden on dual-income families. Research indicates that costs are set to rise in 2018 due to the Innovation and Quality Childcare Act (IKK Act). As a parent with firsthand experience in various childcare settings, Ill break down current costs, quality factors,

Explore the new coalition agreements impact on purchasing power, parental leave, child benefits, and education for working families.After seven months of negotiations, the new coalition agreement from VVD, D66, CDA, and CU is here. As experts in family policy and work-life balance, weve analyzed its

Paid blogging gigs are rare, especially with traditional employment. But as a freelancer, you could land one with us at MamsatWork—were now hiring!Weve begun compensating our bloggers who meet specific criteria. Passionate about parenting? Discover if our paid blogging role suits you.Do you connect

The holidays are over, schools are back in session, and the rush of playdates, sports practices, tutoring, and parties is in full swing. That leaves most families feeling perpetually short on time. Those relaxed breakfasts and impromptu pajama days? A distant memory.As a mom whos constantly juggling

Are emails, messages, chatty colleagues, and constant interruptions derailing your workday? Barbara Aalpols book To Be Disturbed: How to Keep Your Mind on Your Work offers proven strategies to overcome concentration challenges. As a blogger for Mamsatwork, I put her advice to the test.“I can only fo

Ja, het is weer zover. Of het nu gaat om de film Rokjesdag, of om de recente controverse: niet iedereen waardeert rokjesdag. Vooral niet een Amsterdamse ambtenaar wiens e-mail aan medewerkers een heuse #rokjesgate ontketende.In zijn bericht was hij glashelder: korte rokjes zijn niet gepast achter de

Ever wonder how to fit it all into your schedule? Sometimes, even I dont have the perfect answer! As a mom navigating motherhood, a part-time job in tourism, and competitive water polo, its a true balancing act.A Day in the Life: Artistry in SchedulingBeing a mom means 24/7 availability—no explanati

As I see more friends around me planning to start families—Im one of the few already there, a bit ahead of the curve—I wholeheartedly encourage it. But as you gear up for those birds-and-bees conversations, heres some straight talk from a mom whos been through it 😉.What Motherhood Really Looks Lik

Im truly fortunate with my employer. They fully accommodate my needs as a single mom new to the area, without a local support network. The challenge? Daycare closing times mean I often miss after-work drinks. But this week, for a colleagues farewell gathering, I found the ideal solution: bringing my

Its Thursday afternoon, my third week back at work after maternity leave. This day was marked in red on my calendar—team drinks after hours. I was excited to skip bedtime routines and dive into adult conversations beyond kid talk. Stay for a Drink or Head Home for Goodnight Kisses? Youre coming

In Italy, theyve mastered the art of Dolce far Niente—the sweet art of doing absolutely nothing. Picture savoring a glass of wine and some cheese, legs up, mind blissfully empty. No TV, no books, no nagging to-do lists. For many of us, especially busy women, this feels nearly impossible. Even cozied

Ever feel like life is overwhelming, with an endless to-do list leaving you perpetually behind? As women, were often juggling multiple roles—from childcare and careers to household chores—and we handle it remarkably well (girl power!). But when does busy cross into burnout territory? Learn to recogn

KION childcare, in partnership with BliXem catering, has launched KION aan Tafel—a convenient fresh meal service that could make daycare pickup even more appealing. Imagine collecting your child after a long workday and grabbing dinner to go. Its a game-changer for family life, and one wed love to s

I once told my mom as a kid, When I grow up, I want four children too! She smiled and replied, Well see how that goes, girl. Years later, when I met Frank, I was still adamant. He was stunned.My biological clock was ticking loudly long before his started. When he finally warmed to the idea of kids,

As the 2017 Dutch elections approach, working parents like us face key decisions. Whether youre deeply engaged in politics or still undecided, understanding party positions on purchasing power, childcare allowance, education, and parental leave is crucial. These issues directly impact families. This

As a mother, have you forgotten how to truly relax? Time flies by in a blur of family, work, and endless to-dos. Sound familiar?We strive to cherish our kids, partners, nutritious meals, and moments of exercise. Evenings find us on the couch with laptops, juggling news, home schedules, work agendas,

Good morning. This week, I shared a video on Facebook about my morning routine (see below). It was a sped-up glimpse into our chaos. Monique commented that her familys mornings look quite different—and after reading her account, I agree. Just glancing at her wake-up time compared to mine, I have no