A New Chapter for Parenting across Borders
“Very good sessions with interesting agendas and guest speakers. A safe space to reflect and share. There aren’t many spaces where, as a man, you can share thoughts openly.”
After many years of offering dialogue series for international mothers in Utrecht, we recently launched our first dialogue series for fathers. We recognized that fathers need a safe space to reflect on their new role , share experiences and stories, and find connection with others in similar situations – just as much as mothers do.
Our inaugural group brought together eight international fathers for a series of sessions addressing key topics for successful parenting in a foreign context, including communication skills and multilingualism. The response was so positive and request for support from the group so evident that we extended the series by two additional sessions.
What We Learned
Although the fathers all came from different backgrounds and had children of varying ages (with some not yet arrived!), a common thread was their : longing for connection and father-specific
support.
A need for connection
Many participants expressed a desire for opportunities to build their own support networks as new fathers – to share experiences, stories, gain insights, and find reassurance. This need was particularly noticeable as they were distanced from their existing family and friends.
A need for more father-specific support
Becoming a parent in any situation is challenging, but when this experience takes place in a country that is not your own, the difficulties multiply:
- Different cultural expectation on how child should be raised.
- frustration of interacting with unfamiliar health and education systems
- disconnect between their own memories of childhood and what is considered normal here.
Participants expressed a clear need for official information and support that is specifically tailored towards new fathers, to complement the ones for new mothers.
How does Parenting across Borders meet these needs?
Through our dialogue series, we aimed to provide a safe consistent and friendly environment for discussion, reflection, and learning. Several participants noted that men often require more encouragement to be vulnerable, to express their feeling and fear and to talk openly, making this space particularly valuable.
Looking Ahead
We’re heartened to see that our first group of fathers continues to meet independently, deepening their bonds and supporting each other. This continued connection was by far the biggest benefit participants attributed to their participation in the dialogue series – clearly it’s had a big impact.
Some experiences shared by our participants :
“I think everyone can benefit from having an outlet such as this in which to listen to others, share their own experiences, and hopefully form a support network which will last beyond the dialogue sessions themselves.”
“For me it was important to get to know other new fathers and share experiences with one another. I wanted to create new connections as part of this journey into fatherhood, and I was able to do that. I only wish we could have continued for longer!”
Join Our Next Fatherhood Dialogue Series
Are you an international father in the Netherlands feeling isolated, overwhelmed or unsure how to navigate parenthood in a foreign country? You’re not alone. We invite you to join our next Fatherhood Dialogue Series, starting this September. A safe space to connect, share experiences, and find a lasting support.
Have questions about Parenting across Borders or want to sign up? Contact us via the link : https://parentingacrossborders.nl/en/contact/