What happens when a Dutch child grows up between three countries and three languages?

In this episode of Praat Nederlands met me, Wendy van Dalen speaks with Franca, a Dutch mother who raised her daughter abroad, first in London and later in France. Today, her daughter Fleur is 23 years old and speaks Dutch, English, and French fluently.

What makes this story particularly interesting is that there was no strict language strategy, no formal Dutch lessons, and no complicated system. Instead, the family focused on something simple but powerful: consistency and connection.

Franca shares how she always spoke Dutch with her daughter, why maintaining the Dutch language felt important to her, and what it was like to watch her child grow up between cultures. She also reflects on emotional moments along the way, the role of family ties in keeping Dutch alive, and what she might have done differently, especially when it comes to writing in Dutch.

For parents raising multilingual children abroad, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and a valuable long-term view of what multilingual upbringing can look like over the years.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear about:

Moving abroad with a young child and adding new languages naturally

Why consistency in one language can make a big difference

Identity and belonging when growing up between cultures

Emotional moments parents experience when raising children abroad

What parents often underestimate about multilingual upbringing

Whether you are currently living abroad, recently returned to the Netherlands, or simply wondering how to keep Dutch alive in an international environment, this conversation offers honest insights and encouragement.