In this special episode of Dam Parenting during Men’s Mental Health Week, we open up a vital conversation about fatherhood and mental health—a topic still too often left in the shadows.

We’re joined by two fathers from our international community who share their personal journeys into parenthood. One speaks candidly about the emotional toll of having a newborn in the NICU, and the other reflects on the everyday challenges of raising a young family while living with ADHD. Different stories, same truth: fatherhood can be heavy, and vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s real strength.

Did you know?

• The rise of paternal burnout and why nearly 1 in 6 fathers in the Netherlands report burnout symptoms

• How up to 1 in 4 dads experience postpartum depression within the first six months after birth

• 
  

• With burnout, emotional overload, and the pressure to "stay strong," many fathers are struggling in silence. This episode is about breaking that silence, challenging stigma, and creating space for real conversations and support.

  
  

  STATS:

  • 15.9% of Dutch fathers report moderate parental burnout, with 0.4% experiencing high burnout
    PMC Study on Parental Burnout

  • Up to 25.6% of fathers may experience postpartum depression, especially within 3–6 months postpartum
    PubMed Meta-analysis

  • Rising awareness of paternal mental health issues, yet routine screening is still uncommon
    Springer Open Access Study

  • Growing mental overload for fathers with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD
    

  
  

In this episode, we delve into the profound insights of Erica Komisar, a licensed clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and author renowned for her work on the emotional needs of children and the pivotal role of parental presence. With over 30 years of experience in private practice, Erica has become a leading voice in discussions about motherhood, attachment theory, and child development.

Erica's perspective emphasises the critical importance of a mother's physical and emotional presence during the first three years of a child's life—a period she identifies as foundational for healthy emotional development. Her book, Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters, explores this concept in depth, offering guidance for parents navigating the complexities of early childhood care.

This episode is dedicated to mothers who may feel overwhelmed, questioning, or in need of affirmation. It's a reminder that seeking support and understanding is a strength, and that every parent's journey is valid and deserving of respect.

What You'll Learn:

• The foundational principles of attachment theory and its relevance to early childhood development.

• Insights from Erica's research on the impact of maternal presence in the first three years.

• Discussion on the societal pressures faced by modern mothers and how to navigate them.

• Strategies for building a supportive community and finding balance in parenting roles.

Resources:

• Erica Komisar's Website

• Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters

• Chicken Little: The Sky Isn't Falling

  (no affiliate links)

Connect with Us:

• Instagram

In honour of LGBTQ+ Families Day I'm thrilled to welcome Jillian to the Dam Parenting podcast. This special day celebrates the diversity, resilience, and love within LGBTQ+ families, highlighting that not all families fit into the traditional structure of one mother and one father.

Jillian shares her personal journey of moving to the Netherlands as part of a same-sex couple, seeking a welcoming environment to raise their child. Despite initial challenges in finding the support they hoped for, Jillian has since flourished—establishing her own business, launching a podcast, and becoming a vital resource for other LGBTQ+ families navigating similar paths.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The motivations and research behind choosing the Netherlands as a home for their family

• The realities faced upon arrival and the gaps in support systems

• Jillian's journey to building a supportive network and community

• Resources and advice for LGBTQ+ families considering or adjusting to life in the Netherlands

Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or someone interested in the diverse experiences of international families, Jillian's story offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Resources Mentioned:

• The webinar Jillian spoke about details can be found below i the link. The next webinar is expected July 11th.

  Online space with an abundance of resources

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Share your experiences or questions on our Instagram

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Dam Parenting on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue sharing diverse parenting stories.

Connect with us onInstagram

• 
  

• Thank you for celebrating LGBTQ+ Families Day with us and for being part of our community.