Parenting across Borders’ CommuniTea Dialogue series provides a warm and welcoming meeting place for international (expectant) parents to come together, connect and openly explore questions around pregnancy, birth and early parenthood in the Netherlands. Each event focuses on a specific theme that we believe is relevant and supportive for (expectant) international parents.
The CommuniTea sessions take place on Saturday mornings in downtown Utrecht and are designed to support our community in a meaningful and practical way.
Agenda – first half of 2026:
– March 7 – Conversation on birth and the road to parenthood
– May 2 – Way to learn about the Dutch school system
– July 4 – Music for children
Each session offers practical tips combined with the warmth of a supportive community – a place to reflect, connect and grow together.
Participation is free, which is why we kindly ask you to register in advance. And as always, babies, partners and friends are welcome!
Interested? Sign up for one (or more) of our events and enjoy a cup of tea, valuable conversation and the chance to meet other parents. See you soon!
Time: 10.00-11.45
Location: Spijkerstraat 200, 3513 SL Utrecht – Speeltuin Duizendpoot
This CommuniTea event in May will take the form of an expert-led community conversation, facilitated by Marie Saenen, policy coordinator for elementary schools at the municipality of Utrecht. Marie is a former teacher with 13 years of experience in education and has also been a mother for 3 years. This session was intentionally designed as a conversation: informal, interactive and focused on participants’ real questions and concerns.
The focus of this session is on how the Dutch education system works, the different types of schools available, how to enroll your child and what to look for when choosing a school. These topics will be approached specifically from the perspective of international parents who may not yet be familiar with the system and are concerned about the next steps in their children’s lives.
Participants are invited to bring their questions, curiosities, concerns and insecurities!
The session provides space for:
Participants can submit questions in advance (optional and anonymous), and there is also room for additional questions during the session. The goal is to support parents so they feel more informed, confident and less alone in their parenting journey.
Children are welcome and a child-friendly room with toys is available.
