Monique Westenberg Speaks on New Relationship with André Hazes’ Girlfriend, Future Plans and Moving On

When Monique Westenberg shared her optimism about André Hazes’ new relationship with Noa Braaf in a recent Dutch interview, the sentiment resonated far beyond Amsterdam’s canals. Her emphasis on communication, stability, and putting their son Dré first reflects a universal co-parenting challenge that many families navigating separation face daily—including those right here in Austin, Texas, where blended family dynamics are increasingly common amid the city’s rapid growth.

Westenberg’s approach, as detailed in sources like RTL Boulevard and Shownieuws, centers on a deliberate pacing: new partners meet their son only after a relationship has endured for a year. This isn’t merely about etiquette; it stems from her own childhood experience of forming attachments to her father’s girlfriends, only to see those connections dissolve. “I hechtte me aan de vriendinnen van mijn vader, die daarna weer uit mijn leven verdwenen. Dat wil ik voor hem voorkomen,” she explained—a sentiment that underscores how past patterns shape present parenting decisions. For André Hazes and Monique, the priority remains clear: ensuring Dré feels secure, knowing his parents present a united front despite no longer being a couple, whether they’re chatting at drop-off or cheering together from the sidelines of his soccer games.

Translating this to an Austin context reveals striking parallels. As one of the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas, Austin has seen its divorce rates fluctuate alongside population booms, with Travis County family courts reporting sustained demand for parenting coordination services. Local therapists note that newcomers often arrive without established support networks, making intentional co-parenting strategies—like the Westenberg-Hazes model—particularly valuable. The city’s unique blend of tech industry transplants, longtime residents, and creative professionals creates diverse family structures where clear communication and emotional stability for children aren’t just ideals; they’re practical necessities amid shifting households and demanding careers.

Consider how this plays out in neighborhoods like Mueller or East Austin, where shared custody arrangements are common. Parents there might recognize Westenberg’s emphasis on “wederzijds respect en een open band” (mutual respect and an open relationship) as they navigate introductions between new partners and children. Her belief that open communication prevents a child from feeling caught between households—“Ik wil niet dat mijn kind met een rugtasje voor de deur staat”—echoes advice from Austin-based child psychologists who stress that transparency reduces loyalty conflicts. Similarly, her joint presence at Dré’s soccer games mirrors how Austin families often utilize community spaces like Zilker Park fields or the Austin Sports Center not just for recreation, but as neutral grounds for maintaining parental unity.

Of course, implementing such ideals requires resources. While Westenberg and Hazes benefit from private flexibility, many Austin families rely on public and nonprofit support to build healthy co-parenting frameworks. Organizations like LifeWorks Austin offer counseling specifically tailored to post-separation dynamics, while the Travis County Domestic Relations Office provides mediation services focused on creating sustainable parenting plans. The Austin Child Guidance Center further supports children adjusting to family changes through evidence-based therapies that address anxiety and adjustment disorders—directly addressing the emotional safety Westenberg seeks for Dré.

Given my background in family sociology and community resilience, if this trend impacts you in Austin, here are three types of local professionals to consider when strengthening your co-parenting approach:

• Family Transition Specialists: Look for therapists licensed in Texas with specific credentials in co-parenting therapy (such as those certified by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts). Prioritize practitioners who offer joint sessions focused on communication protocols and conflict de-escalation, ideally with experience navigating Texas-specific custody guidelines.
• Child-Centered Parenting Coordinators: Seek court-appointed or private professionals trained in child-inclusive practices. Verify their familiarity with Travis County family court procedures and their ability to facilitate developmentally appropriate conversations between parents about introducing new partners—emphasizing stability timelines similar to the one Westenberg and Hazes agreed upon.
• Community-Based Family Navigators: Consider connectors from nonprofits like Any Baby Carry or Foundation Communities who specialize in linking families to wraparound services. Ideal candidates understand Austin’s geographic and cultural nuances—knowing, for instance, how to access Spanish-language resources in Dove Springs or LGBTQ+-affirming support in Hyde Park—while helping families establish consistent routines across households.

These archetypes aren’t about finding quick fixes but building enduring capacity. Whether you’re in South Congress wrestling with schedule coordination or in Round Rock managing long-distance exchanges, the goal remains fostering environments where children feel securely anchored—not by perfection, but by predictable, respectful parental collaboration.

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