Hi, I’m Mieke
I help parents who feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of modern day parenting find clarity, calm, and direction so that they can parent with joy as they confidently guide their kids through life.
And I provide consulting to companies and orgs that support kids and families, offering developmental insight, research translation, and strategic guidance for creating tools, content, and systems that meet the real needs of 21st century childhood.
First thing’s first
Unless you speak Dutch, I’m guessing you’re wondering how to pronounce my name. That’s okay, I’m used to it!
(And shhh…I’m going to tell you a secret: I don’t speak Dutch either)
In any case, my Americanized pronunciation of my Dutch name sounds like this:
Meeka
Now that we’ve properly met – Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here.
Now you,
You love your kids dearly
You have big dreams for them, and most of all, you want to raise a good human.
But…somehow you find yourself lost amidst confusing and conflicting advice, anxiety around a rapidly changing world, and so much (self-induced?) pressure to not mess things up – not to mention the piles and piles of laundry.
It seems like parenting today requires more research, more time, more money, more energy, more everything. And so, you’re feeling exhausted and constantly behind as you try to:
Keep on top of what your kids are doing with screens. But also let them do schoolwork, interact and fit in with their friends, and give them space to learn the tools of the digital age. (Which ends up just looking like endless screen time battles and constant monitoring.)
Manage difficult behaviors and tantrums of all kinds and at all ages. But at the same time attempt to validate and empathize with your kids’ experience in the world. Oh, while also trying to maintain your own dignity, safeguard your energy levels, and hold on to your sanity. (Wait – is that even possible?)
Get them to put their darn pants on so you can leave the house on time. (Here’s looking at you, parents of toddlers!)
Figure out what it is that your kids really actually truly need to help prepare them to be healthy, well adjusted, functional, successful adults. (No small task indeed!)
You never know if you’re doing it “right” – and it sure never feels like you’re doing enough.
You’ve tried
gentle parenting, attachment parenting, free range parenting, clown parenting (okay that last one isn’t actually a thing – yet)…but none of them feel right and they certainly don’t work the way you dreamed they would.
You’ve read
the doomsday news about the dangers of screens and social media…but tech can be fun! And helpful. And it’s also just plain everywhere – including in your hand right now. So what are you supposed to do? Move to a deserted island with no WiFi?
You’ve attempted
to rely on your natural parenting instinct to guide you. And it works – sometimes. But often it doesn’t work at all – and pretty soon you’re not even sure what your instinct is telling you anymore. Plus that instinct just isn’t getting them to look up from their phone when you’re talking to them, not to mention put the dishes away.
I know how hard it is to be a parent today
Despite having a PhD in child development and years of experience working with kids, when I became a parent myself suddenly I was less than confident about what I was doing – and just when everything felt more important than ever.
I believed all the scientifically supported “best” approaches. The problem was, my kids didn’t always get the memo. They were just too busy being them – their own unique people with their own special blend of what makes them who they are. It took me a while to realize that those theories don’t always translate easily into practice.
Oh, and to make matters more confusing, I’m also raising my kids in a country other than the one where I was raised – and in a language that isn’t my own.
There have been lots of times (probably more than I care to admit) when I’ve just wanted to scream! But I’ve learned a thing or two about the need to find a comfortable balance between being flexible and practical while also holding on to a strong foundational anchor.
What you need
Cut out the noise.
Highlight the accurate, valuable, and valid guidance.
Lean on the basics and build a strong core parenting foundation.
Get personalized feedback and customized guidance.
With that strong base, you’ll be able to tackle all the crazy and unique challenges of our times (screen media, perhaps?) and craft reasonable, practical, realistic solutions that fit you, your kids, your family.
And because parenting is not an exact science, accountability, support and empathy, and gentle nudges when you veer off track all do wonders!
So you can focus on a clear, simple formula for knowing what you’re doing, even during the most challenging parenting moments.
And importantly, give yourself permission to practice self compassion as you learn to let go of the need to always “get it right.”
There are so many “experts” out there
Why me?
Start with the academic credentials: I have a PhD in developmental psychology, which means that I know A LOT about what is reasonable to expect from kids at different ages, and what they need to thrive.
I’m also really good at researching and continuously learning all the things (Yup, I obsessively read the academic articles AND ALSO the mainstream parenting books so you don’t have to. You’re welcome)
Add the street cred: I’ve spent 20+ years working with kids and families, learning about what makes them tick, what works, what doesn’t, and what the struggles are.
And I’ve reached millions of parents through articles, tech product reviews, workshops, and one-on-one coaching. (I’m also a certified Positive Discipline Educator and a Certified Life Coach).
How about the personal experience? Got that too: With one kid in high school and one in elementary school, I’m deep in the trenches too. I’ve had all those doubts, questions, anxieties myself.
But wait, there’s more!
The special sauce: As I raise my kids in a country and language far from my own roots, I’ve seen over and over again that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting.
I cherish the ability to hold space for you – with curiosity, empathy, and openness.
So what does it feel like to approach parenting with clarity, balance, and confidence?
Peaceful
Say goodbye to the guilt, anxiety, stress. Say hello to confidence, joy, and even fun.
Spend less time in conflict with your kids as you nag, cajole, negotiate, argue, and fret. Create more time and space for simply enjoying them.
In short, go from overwhelmed to “I got this!”
Fun facts
I love trying new food – and have happily eaten my way through 23 countries.
I may look like an adult, but put a cat in front of me and I’ll invariably respond with a level of delight that most people would usually expect from small children.
I’m generally pretty composed and self-conscious, but my not-so-secret way to let loose? Put on some dance music (turn down the lights) and let the good times roll!
(Excuse me while I take a moment to daydream about dancing the night away at a cat cafe that serves delectable local food.)
Professional Experience
Not interested in the personal stuff? Here’s the part that looks good on a resume.
As an international parenting and child development expert with a Ph.D. in developmental psychology and over 20 years experience working with kids, families, and organizations, I am working to build a global village where anyone who supports kids can find guidance. I coach, consult, and advise those raising or educating kids as well as those creating the best possible tools and settings for their safe, healthy, and optimal development.
My early research focused particularly on the role of media and technology in kids’ lives for which I co-write multi-million dollar grant proposals for the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences, and published articles in top academic journals. Through over a decade of collaboration with Common Sense Media, I helped develop an innovative digital citizenship curriculum and reviewed over 600 apps, websites, movies, podcasts, and streaming video content. I’ve taught students of all ages, from preschool through university, in both formal and informal learning environments.
And I continue to provide expert guidance and training to hundreds of parents, teachers, kids, companies, schools, and organizations across the world through writing, personalized parent coaching sessions, workshops, presentations, and consultation services. I also have specialized expertise and experience in global, cross cultural parenting.