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Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
I'm Raising My Child In The Netherlands — And This Is Something I Never Expected
When you think of the Netherlands, canals, tulips and biking everywhere may come to mind — and those are among the reasons Americans are drawn to the country. Over 31,000 Americans live in the Netherlands, representing around 6% of the country's total immigrants, and that number has increased over the years. I was lured by the scenic charm — which the Netherlands certainly delivered. What I couldn't have imagined was the peace this country would give me in a decision that wasn't easy for me to make: having children. For a time, the thought of having kids brought on so much anxiety that I kept putting it off, and instead focused on my career and building a business. I didn't expect how much this small country would make parenting feel so natural. Here are some unexpected things I learned about raising my child here. Biking At 30 Weeks Pregnant You can imagine the look on my face when I showed up for my first midwife appointment and saw a line of parked bikes with pregnant women hopping off them, bellies much bigger than mine. When I thought about pregnancy, I imagined morning sickness, resting at home and counting down the weeks until week 40, but that was not my experience here. Instead, I joined the crew who biked to every midwife appointment until I couldn't anymore. Yes, I was lucky to have a relatively smooth pregnancy. However, pregnancy in the Netherlands is generally treated as a natural part of life. Doctors, midwives and coworkers alike approach it pragmatically. My experience is that most people don't see you as fragile; rather, they encourage you to listen to yourself, make your own choices and adapt as you need. It's just another season of womanhood. As Andrea Hamlet, an international board-certified lactation consultant from California who's lived in the Netherlands for over six years, told HuffPost, 'Pregnancy here is seen as a natural process, not a medical condition. I was able to relax in a way I don't think I could have back home.' Postnatal Care And Parental Leave Living in a foreign country often means you don't have family around for support. That's why the postnatal care in the Netherlands is truly a lifeline. Here, new parents receive the support of akraamzorg, a maternity nurse who visits your home every day for about a week after birth and helps with the essentials like feeding and bathing the baby, understanding your baby's signals, while also handling household chores so that you can focus on healing and bonding. Also, parental leave makes it easier to make long-term adjustments and focus on your life with a child. In the Netherlands, mothers are entitled to a minimum of 16 weeks of maternity leave (6 weeks before the birth and 10 weeks afterward). Both parents also share 26 weeks of parental leave, with nine of those weeks paid at 70% of their income. Paid leave can be used within the first year of the child's life. The remaining time is available as unpaid leave until the child turns 8 years old, allowing families to customize their time at home as needed. In addition to the leave policy, the Netherlands provides financial support for parents of young children. They can receive up to 282 euros per quarter when their child is a newborn to help with basic expenses, and tax credits are available to reduce child care costs. Letting Kids Be Independent One of the biggest surprises for anyone visiting or raising children here is the level of independence kids have. In the U.S., the thought of letting a child walk to school or take public transportation alone can make a parent's heart skip a beat. However, in the Netherlands, fostering independence from a young age is the norm, and the community completely supports it. Sim Sawyers, an American mom and photographer living in Amsterdam, noticed this difference immediately. 'In the U.S., [many] kids don't take the bus or walk to school; everything is very car-centric. Even as teenagers, they're often dependent on parents to drive them places, which can feel both restrictive and unsafe at times. Here, I love how much freedom kids are given — it's good for them to grow up with that sense of independence.' Hamlet also shared her relief in watching her son explore freely: 'He can meet friends at the movies, go for a drink, or bike to the ice rink. He's almost 14, and I'm so grateful he can have the same kinds of experiences I had in the '80s—safely. My only concern here is traffic, and I don't worry about things like drugs, drunk driving, or guns.' A Community That Thinks About Kids One thing that immediately stands out here is how integrated children are into everyday life. Family-friendly spaces and a judgment-free approach to raising your children are woven into the community. UNICEF's study on child well-being consistently ranks the Netherlands among the top countries for children's happiness, mental health and safety. This is due, in part, to the supportive environment parents experience here, which extends across all aspects of society. What I've seen is there's a collective understanding that everyone is doing their best, and judgment around parenting choices is rare. Hamlet described it as 'such a relief': 'I don't feel judged by other parents. I love the family-oriented aspect of this country,' she told HuffPost. The community rallies around families: High-end cafes and neighborhood restaurants offer kid-friendly spaces with high chairs, play areas and children's menus. Parks are abundant, and the safety of these spaces gives parents the peace of mind to allow children the freedom to play and explore. Sawyers highlighted how, even in a bustling city, it's 'incredibly child-friendly, with a park on almost every block.' She marveled at the inclusivity, adding, 'You walk into a high-end cafe, and they have four high chairs and a whole bookshelf full of games for kids in the back. It's not something you'd expect, but it's there, and it's normal.' This acceptance of children and emphasis on their well-being makes navigating parenthood easier, creating a welcoming community for families. I'm grateful we made the move and found a community that values happiness, independence, well-being and inclusivity. This has made the journey of parenthood much more peaceful and given me the freedom to raise my child in a way that aligns with my values. Related... I Moved To France With My Son, And This Is One Culture Shock I Never Expected I Spend Each Summer Out Of The U.S. With My Child, And This Is The Biggest Difference Why Queer Americans Are Leaving The Only Homes They've Ever Known I Ended Up In The ER During A Vacation In Spain. Here's What Shocked Me The Most. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Warning to tourists as power outage cancels Eurostar journeys
Eurostar passengers travelling to and from Paris are facing severe disruption and cancellations on Monday, after a critical section of the French rail network was temporarily shut down. France's railway company, SNCF, attributed the chaos to a power outage near Moussy, approximately 50km north of Paris. The incident, which began around 8am, necessitated "major repairs". It is expected to cause delays until late evening. A Eurostar spokesperson said that passengers could "exchange their tickets free of charge or request a full refund." Travellers are being advised to postpone their journeys if possible. Eurostar's online timetable showed six trains from London to Paris were delayed on Monday, some by up to two hours, and five others were cancelled. Meanwhile, five journeys from Paris to London were delayed and four were cancelled. Routes connecting London to Amsterdam, London to Brussels, and Brussels to Amsterdam remain unaffected by the French network issues. The widespread disruption impacts one of Europe's busiest international rail corridors, occurring at the peak of the summer travel season.
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Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Travel + Leisure
I Love This $37 Matching Set So Much That I Found 10 More That Are Just as Great for Travel—All Under $50
As I prep for two back-to-back summer trips, one to France and one through Italy, there's one outfit that's already earned a permanent spot in my suitcase: the Prettygarden Matching Skirt Set I found on Amazon for under $40. I've worn it on repeat this season, from dinners in NYC to beach strolls in the Hamptons, and it continues to check all the boxes. It's breezy, flattering, and effortlessly easy to dress up or down; I'll pair it with sandals and sunglasses for day and swap in gold hoops and heels for night. What I really love, though, is the versatility. The set easily breaks into separates: the skirt with a simple white tee for a casual look, or the top with denim shorts or linen trousers. Matching sets like this one make travel packing easier and smarter since you get a full outfit with built-in styling options that can take you from morning coffee runs to golden-hour dinners. After falling in love with the Prettygarden 2-piece Skirt Set, I went down a bit of a rabbit hole and found even more matching skirt sets on Amazon that are just as travel-ready—and under $50. Whether you're planning a beach escape, city weekend, or just want to refresh your warm-weather wardrobe, these are the sets I'm eyeing for summer travel and beyond. This crochet set is a no-brainer for beach days, whether you're heading to a resort pool or a coastal lunch spot. It's a chic cover-up and looks especially pulled together layered over a swimsuit with slides and sunglasses. At less than $13 per piece, it feels like a designer find at a budget-friendly price. I instantly pictured this vest set at a café table in Paris—cappuccino, croissant, and all. The monochromatic buttons elevate the tailored silhouette, while the soft fabric keeps it wearable even on warmer days. Great for exploring city streets or hopping between museums, this one brings polish to any travel itinerary. With its vibrant blue hue and airy fabric, this matching set from my favorite Amazon label was made for summer events abroad—think garden parties, sunset dinners, or even an alfresco wedding. It packs light, resists wrinkling, and feels breezy even in the heat, making it an ideal companion for Mediterranean destinations. Several reviewers rave about this two-piece skirt set's comfort, including one who wore it to a bridal shower, 'felt like I was in pajamas.' It's tailored enough to wear to a daytime celebration or dinner reservation, but soft and flexible for travel days, too. A smart pick when you need one outfit to do it all. With its maxi skirt and sleeveless vest, the Elleven 2-piece Set is versatile and breathable, ideal for countryside walks, day trips, or even a casual office setting abroad. The fabric is moisture-wicking, which helps on long days in the sun, and both pieces can be restyled with other staples in your carry-on. I'd pair the skirt with a tee for daytime, or wear the vest open over a tank and jeans, too. This halter skirt set leans flirty in the best way—with its tie-back top, twist-front detail, and flowy maxi skirt, it's the kind of look that fits right in at rooftop bars or coastal resorts. The open back and lightweight fabric also make it a great pick for tropical destinations or warm-weather nights. The Exlura Matching Skirt Set is one of those grab-and-go outfits that make travel dressing effortless. The relaxed silhouette is polished without being fussy, and the knit texture adds just enough dimension to feel styled. Wear it to the airport with sneakers, or dress it up with sandals and a cardigan for sightseeing or café hopping. Another Prettygarden pick, this soft, breathable, and lightweight viscose matching set is perfect for hot, humid destinations. The midi skirt features a subtle back slit for movement, while the simple top balances comfort and structure. I'd pack this one for city travel or nights out, paired with low heels and a woven clutch. This bold yellow skirt set brings a pop of color to your travel wardrobe and takes up almost no space in a suitcase. The asymmetric tube top and mini skirt combo make it ideal for warm getaways where you want to look stylish but stay cool. It's playful, trendy, and made for vacation photos. With a relaxed fit and smooth, drapey fabric, this matching set walks the line between loungewear and daywear—a reliable option for long-haul flights, casual sightseeing, or laid-back dinners. The crew neckline keeps it clean and classic, while the vibrant colorways add interest without overpowering the look. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
