Blog about learning Dutch for Children
Welcome to the Dutch for Children Blog!
Here, you’ll find many tips, insights, and stories to help you and your family navigate the exciting journey of language learning, education, and multilingualism.
Whether you’re supporting your child in learning Dutch, navigating the Dutch school system, or exploring the benefits of raising multilingual kids, our blogs inspire, inform, and guide you every step.
Our blog covers
Learning Dutch
Find practical tips, proven theories, and engaging learning themes to help your child succeed in learning Dutch. We also share helpful resources designed specifically for young learners.
Education in the Netherlands
Get to know the Dutch education system inside and out, including school holidays, key legislation, support for expat families, and resources for children with special needs.
Multilingualism
Explore fascinating research, personal experiences, and expert advice on raising multilingual children and celebrating the advantages of knowing more than one language.
Dutch for Children News
Stay informed with updates about our teaching methods, meet our dedicated team, and learn what makes Dutch for Children a trusted partner in language education.
Explore our blog and let us help you unlock your child’s full potential!
Moving abroad with children: The complete guide for international families
Moving abroad with children: For children, moving abroad often means saying goodbye to everything that feels familiar. "How can we prepare our children for an international move?" It is one of the questions parents ask us most often. And for good reason. An...
How to help your child learn Dutch every day
Discover practical, realistic ways to help your multilingual child learn Dutch with confidence. Tips for international families at home and in the Netherlands.
Why a strong first language helps children learn Dutch and succeed at school
Why a strong first language helps children learn Dutch and succeed at school When children grow up between languages, parents often have many questions: Should we focus mainly on Dutch now that we live in the Netherlands? Should we keep speaking Dutch at home while...
Studying in the Netherlands with an international diploma: 5 essential steps for a successful start
Studying in the Netherlands with an international diploma is a path many international families consider. More and more parents ask the same question: “My child is studying abroad, but might want to go to university in the Netherlands. What does that mean for their...
King’s Day 2026 in the Netherlands for children
King's Day 2026 in the Netherlands for children: what international families need to know (and how your child learns from it) King’s Day is one of the most visible and joyful celebrations in the Netherlands. Streets turn orange, children play games, and the whole...
International school vs Dutch school: what expat parents should know
International school vs Dutch school: what to choose? For many international families moving to the Netherlands, choosing the right school for their children is one of the most important decisions they will make. If you're wondering how to help your child learn Dutch...
The complete guide to the Dutch secondary education system for Expat Parents
In this guide, we explain the Dutch secondary education system, including vmbo, havo, vwo, bilingual education and the choices expat families often face. If you are an international family living in the Netherlands, understanding the Dutch school system can feel...
Doorstroomtoets 2026 results explained: Cito, IEP & Final school advice
When the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results arrive, many international parents wonder how to interpret the numbers and what they mean for secondary school placement in the Netherlands. After the test in February, there is usually a waiting period of a few weeks. For many...
Doorstroomtoets (transfer test) 2026: 5 Practical Tips to Support Your Child in Grade 8
What is the Doorstroomtoets (transfer test) 2026, and what does it mean for your child? The Doortroomtoets 2026 is a compulsory national test for all Grade 8 students in Dutch primary schools. For international and expat families, this test often raises many...
Free Dutch Learning for Children: 7 Honest Insights Every Parent Should Know
Free Dutch learning for children sounds appealing! Especially for international parents who want to introduce their child to the Dutch language in a low-threshold way. Just trying it out. Seeing how it goes. Discovering whether it suits your child and your family....
Christmas 2025: what to do?
Christmas 2025: What to do? Christmas vacation tips for kids Christmas 2025 will be unforgettable with this festive article full of great activities! Enjoy at home and outdoors. The 2025 Christmas vacation is the same across the Netherlands: from December 20, 2025, to...
3 magical language lessons at Christmas 2025
3 times language lessons at Christmas for your kids in a festive way. Time flies, and Christmas is closer than you might think. A wonderful time to enjoy ourselves together. Are you also looking forward to doing Christmas games with your kids and singing Dutch...
Autumn break 2025, fun and Dutch Learning ideas for expat kids
The autumn break 2025 is just around the corner! Whether your family is staying in the Netherlands or travelling abroad, this is the perfect moment to combine fun and Dutch learning in a natural way. In 2025, Dutch schools in the south will have the autumn break...
Transition class, language class, ISK and Kopklas: 4 variants
Transition class, language class and ISK. For international and expat parents, entering the Dutch education system can be pretty overwhelming. In this article, I explain what transition classes (language classes NT2) and ISKs do, how long the programmes last, when...
How long to learn Dutch: How long will it take my child to reach level B1 in Dutch?
How long to learn Dutch: How long will it take my child to reach a certain level in Dutch? The Dutch language levels and connection to the different Dutch education systems can be confusing. ”How long does it take to learn Dutch?” This is a widespread question asked...
Get your teen reading Dutch: 3 tips!
Reading Dutch: Has your teenager stopped reading in Dutch, or perhaps never really started? You’re not alone. And the good news: it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this article, I’ll share a real story from a client (and a bit of my own), explain why traditional...
Help your expat child master Dutch reading comprehension
Dutch reading comprehension: practice with NT2* learners is a challenge and an opportunity "My child does well in school, but reading comprehension is still behind." "My daughter speaks Dutch quite well, but understanding texts remains difficult." "Can you actually...
Dutch summer learning: Keep your expat child’s Dutch alive and thriving this summer!
Dutch summer learning: Keep your expat child’s Dutch alive this summer! From summer camps to reading games and podcasts, discover fun, proven ways to keep Dutch thriving while your child enjoys the summer holidays! The summer holidays are a wonderful time for rest,...
Integrating expat children in the Netherlands: how DfC helps
Integrating expat children in the Netherlands. How Dutch for Children helps expat kids truly integrate: More than just learning Dutch. Discover how Dutch for Children supports expat children with more than grammar and reading. We help kids integrate into Dutch life,...
Dutch language levels explained: A guide for international parents
Dutch language levels explained: Understanding Dutch language levels in education is important so you know what to expect and how to handle your child's (ren) Dutch learning. Are you an international family planning to (re)move to the Netherlands? Or are you already...
The Benefits of personalized Dutch lessons for multilingual and expat Kids
Personalized Dutch Lessons for multilingual and expat kids have so many benefits. When it comes to learning a new language, every child is unique. This is especially true for international and expat children learning the Dutch language! Their life experiences,...
Summer activities for kids in the Netherlands in 2026
Summer activities for expat kids and teenagers in the Netherlands 2026 What are some great activities for your children this summer in the Netherlands? As an expat, you are new to the country and all that happens during holidays and festive occasions. We at Dutch for...
Dutch lessons for expat teenagers to overcome judgement
Dutch lessons for expat teenagers to overcome judgment. In the Netherlands, tweens and teenagers are judged by their level of Dutch. It is harsh, but it is happening because the assessment in the Netherlands is still very Dutch language-based. Furthermore, schools...
The hard reality of learning Dutch as an Expat Child: three mistakes
Learning Dutch as an expat child? This is nothing we have to do right now… Right? Many parents of international or expat children underestimate what it takes for their child to speak and write Dutch fluently at the right level. Often, they think: “They’ll pick it up...
Easter activities for children in the Netherlands in 2026: guaranteed fun!!
Easter activities for children Easter in the Netherlands is the perfect opportunity for expat families to discover Dutch traditions and learn the Dutch language and culture in a fun way. Whether you are hiding Easter eggs, going to an Easter market, or cooking...
Group vs. private Dutch lessons for expat Children: which one is best?
Group vs. private Dutch lessons for expat children: Which One is Best? As a parent raising an expat child in the Netherlands, you want them to feel confident in Dutch. But what’s the best way to help them learn? Should they join a group class, or would private lessons...
Learn Dutch for expat children: More fun with friends
Learn Dutch for expat children: More fun with friends. Why Group Lessons Work Best Expat moms in the Netherlands manage everything for their kids—except Dutch language learning. Here's why interactive group lessons help children learn Dutch faster and more...
Meet Dutch for Children at the IamExpat Fair: 3 reasons
Meet Dutch for Children! Join us at the IamExpat Fair in Amsterdam. Are you an international parent in the Netherlands looking for the best way to support your child's Dutch language development? Do you want to connect with other expats, discover essential services,...
Why expat children struggle to make friends in the Netherlands
Expat children struggle to make friends in the Netherlands, and this is a real obstacle for expat families. How can you help them? You moved to the Netherlands with your family, full of enthusiasm about this new start. But soon, you notice that your child struggles to...
Maintaining their mother tongue is important!
Maintaining their mother tongue while living abroad is essential: Insights from a multilingual expat kid why this is important. For many expat families, the experience of moving to a new country can be exciting and challenging. One of the most significant challenges,...