Schoolyard anxiety: a common phenomenon for non-Dutch parents with children attending Dutch schools.
Now that the holidays are over and schools are beginning again, this phenomenon makes its comeback.
While some parents enjoy talking with other parents, others feel panicked as soon as they enter the schoolyard. Groups of Dutch people are everywhere, and everyone knows each other! You might know a bit of Dutch, but do you feel confident enough to use it here on the schoolyard? Would the other parents be patient enough to listen to you? And would you be able to understand them? How would you react in this situation?
a) I would look for someone standing alone and ask if they can speak English.
b) I would stay alone in the schoolyard.
c) I would look for help to improve my Dutch, because I’m feeling so frustrated.
d) or …?
b) I would stay alone in the schoolyard.
c) I would look for help to improve my Dutch, because I’m feeling so frustrated.
d) or …?
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