Our Story
It started with a simple question from my son
BORDGENOTEN wasn't born from a business plan or market research. It was born from a child's honest wish: "Dad, can someone join us for dinner tonight?"
The Question That Started It All
My relationship had ended, and suddenly it was just my son and me at the dinner table. He kept asking for someone to join us - he missed the energy, the laughter, the conversations we used to have as three.
Sure, I could invite someone occasionally. But every week? That wasn't realistic. Friends have their own families, their own schedules, their own lives.
Then it hit me: what if there were other parents like us? Other families sitting at their own tables, wishing for company too?
The Vision Takes Shape
I imagined my son having fun with other kids - playing, laughing, being silly the way children are. Meanwhile, I could have an actual adult conversation. Not about cartoons or homework, but about life, work, dreams, challenges.
It sounded simple. Almost too simple. But the more I thought about it, the more sense it made.
What if I could create a platform where families like ours could find each other? Where parents could connect their children with playmates while connecting themselves with other adults who understood what it's like?
Testing the Idea
It took some convincing - convincing myself, mostly - to actually do something about it. I started asking around at the schoolyard during pickup.
The response surprised me. Almost everyone said it could benefit them. Single parents, yes, but also couples who wanted to expand their social circle. Parents of only children who wanted their kids to have more playmates. Families new to the neighborhood.
The need was real. Universal, even.
Addressing the Concerns
Of course, there were concerns. The biggest one: inviting strangers into your home, especially with children around.
This wasn't something to take lightly. Safety had to be the foundation, not an afterthought.
So we built the platform around that principle:
- No automatic bookings - hosts approve every guest personally
- Gender preferences - choose who you're comfortable hosting
- Start small - try the system gradually, build trust slowly
- Comprehensive reviews - two-way feedback after every dinner
- Paid membership - keeps out casual browsers, attracts serious people
- Trust tree model - I invite you, you invite someone you trust
Building Trust, One Dinner at a Time
The trust tree concept became our foundation. It works like this: I host you and your family. We have a good experience. Now you can host someone you know, and they can host someone they know.
Trust spreads organically, like roots growing through soil. No algorithms deciding who's "trustworthy." Just real people vouching for real people.
It's slower than automatic matching. But it's safer. And safety, especially with our children involved, is worth the wait.
Who It's For
- Single parents wanting their kids to have dinner companions
- Couples looking to expand their social circle
- Parents of only children seeking playmates
- Families new to the neighborhood
- Empty nesters missing the energy of children
- Anyone tired of eating alone
What We Believe
- Children thrive in the company of other children
- Adults need adult conversation
- Trust is earned, not automated
- Safety comes first, always
- Community is built around tables
- Everyone deserves connection
How We're Different
Safety by Design
Host approval, reviews, verification, and gender preferences - because trust isn't automatic
Family-Focused
Built specifically for families to connect. Kids play, parents talk, everyone wins
Trust Tree Growth
Organic growth through personal invitations. You trust them, they trust others
Serious Members Only
Paid membership filters out casual browsers. This is for people who are serious about connection
Your Comfort, Your Rules
Choose who you host. Start slow. Build trust at your own pace. You're always in control
Built on Real Need
Not a tech startup chasing growth. A real solution to a real problem we actually experienced
For Everyone
What started as a solution for single parents became something bigger. Because the need for connection, for community, for shared meals - that's universal. Whether you're single or coupled, with kids or without, everyone deserves a seat at the table.
You Might Be Wondering
Is this only for single parents?
Not at all! While it started from a single parent's experience, BORDGENOTEN is for everyone. Couples, families, singles - anyone who wants to share meals and build community is welcome.
What if I don't have children?
You're absolutely welcome! Many members don't have children. Some prefer child-free dinners, others enjoy the energy kids bring. You can filter by family-friendly or adults-only when browsing.
How does the trust tree work?
You start by joining through someone's invitation (or our founding members). Once you've hosted or attended successfully, you can invite others. This creates a web of trusted connections rather than matching strangers.
What if I'm nervous about hosting strangers?
That's completely normal and exactly why we built in so many safety features. Start by choosing gender preferences, reviewing profiles carefully, and maybe hosting someone another member vouches for. Go at your own pace.
Why do you charge for membership?
Paid membership does two things: it keeps out people who aren't serious, and it allows us to maintain the platform without selling your data or running ads. We want members who are committed to building real community.
Bring It All Together
Whether you're single or have found the love of your life, kids or no kids - you're all welcome here to meet others, join or host a dinner, to bring it all together.
Email: hello@bordgenoten.nl