ArchiKids

During the art camp children are guided to build imaginary cities, houses, landscapes and many more… The variety of materials and exploration of the nearby park become the starting point of their creative projects. In English.

WOW Family Center 3 in1 Camp

The best of My Little van Gogh, Toddler Sense and Mini Professor all in one place, in Dutch and English.

ARTZUID Art Camp

Work like a mini artist at the ArtZuid camp, studying the masters, making your own work and finishing with an exhibition.

Bikes, Obstacles, Skates

Griffioenoutdoor BMX

Ride BMX bikes and learn the ropes at the Griffioen outdoor centre in Ookmeer.

Cooking, Dance, Music, Theatre

BeatZone Dance Camp

A different style of urban dance every day and a mini performance at the end of the week.

Damoves Summer Camp

Three days of dancing together and working towards a performance on Wednesday afternoon. But also we will do a special kids session on all three days… Kids Yoga, a Reiki session, a kids proof Cacao Ceremonie and a Comedy Musical workshop. Maximum ten kleuters. We also play outside under supervision of two people every day on the playground around the corner.Bring: dance clothes, lunch box. Snacks and drinks are provided.

Kinderkookles

Cooking summer camp: 2025 theme: Amsterdam

Toverknol Theater Camp

Playful theatre workshops with various themes in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

Hockey

Panasj Hockey

Four day or week hockey camps at Hockey Club VVV, also suitable for beginners.

Sportways Hockey Camp

Intensive hockey camps at various Amsterdam hockey clubs AH&BC, Athena, HIC, Hurley, Pinoké and Westerpark.

Multisports

Little Star Fitness

Have fun while learning fundamental athletic skills and a healthy lifestyle in this multi sport camp, which has been happening since 2014.

Stichting Manege Waveren

The horse riding school is on the edge of the city, bordering fields and parks. The kids will take care of the ponies and also take them for small excursions.

Outdoor Camps

Sport4Kidz

A variety of water- and outdoor sports activities, held at Watersport Jeugdland in Amsterdam Oost.

Fun Camp

The Base camp of the Outdoor Center borders the Stroombroek recreation area, an ideal place for swimming, beach volleyball and chilling. You will certainly not be bored at the Fun Camp!

Terragon Nature Camp

All-weather activities camp on a 2.5 acre nature reserve in Amsterdam.

UP Events Kids

A wide variety of outdoor fun and games.

Science and Technology

The Science Camp

One full week of experiments, STEAM activities, practicing engineering and outside play. Pure fun!

Sailing & Surfing

Aalsmeer Zeilschool

Learn sailing in Aalsmeer.

Sport4Kidz Sailing

A week of sailing in an Optimist, combined with other fun outdoor activities like campfires or building rafts at Jeugdland.

Surfkamp Zandvoort

Juvigo offers multiple water sports and hockey camps. Perfect place for teenagers to enjoy water sports camps like kite surfing, surfing, and sailing.

Football

Ajax Camps

Football camps and clinics for kids of all ages and levels.

ProCamps

Day and week football camps at various locations.

Tennis

Drive ITT Tennis Linnaeushof

Tennis camps at different levels, combining fun and competition, at the tennis club Linneaushof right in the middle of Watergraafsmeer.

Tennis op Maat

Lots of tennis mixed with other fun and games at various tennis clubs.

School Camps

Amity School Camp

Daily activities vary based on age and are always developmentally appropriate and captivating. Beyond our activities, each week is themed to bring together the supervisors and children in unifying and fun-filled experiences. Also open for children who do not attend Amity.

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ARTZUID Art Camp

Work like a mini artist at the ArtZuid camp, studying the masters, making your own work and finishing with an exhibition.

WOW Camp

Art, Science, Music & Movement are offered in this versatile 3- in-1 holiday camp.

Bikes, Obstacles, Skates

Griffioenoutdoor BMX

Ride BMX bikes and learn the ropes at the Griffioen outdoor centre in Ookmeer.

Cooking, Dance, Music, Theatre

Amsterdam Youth Theatre School’s May Make Days

A variety of day workshops ranging from K-Pop, Filmmaking, Improvisation, Comedy & more

BeatZone Dance Camp

A different style of urban dance every day and a mini performance at the end of the week.

Sterk In Eten

It has become a tradition: during the May holiday “Sterk In Eten” opens the city’s most delightful pop-up restaurant. In two days, the children prepare a complete restaurant menu where everything — absolutely everything — is homemade.

Toverknol Theater Camp

Discover acting in a playful way by attending one of the daily workshops with various themes.

Hockey

Panasj Hockey

Hockey camps at hockey club VVV, also suitable for beginners.

Sportways Hockey Camp

Intensive hockey camps at Amsterdam hockey clubs Athena and AMHC Westerpark.

Multisports

Little Star Fitness

Have fun while learning fundamental athletic skills and a healthy lifestyle in this multi sport camp, which has been happening since 2014.

Stichting Manege Waveren

The horse riding school is on the edge of the city, bordering fields and parks. The kids will take care of the ponies and also take them for small excursions.

VROG Camps

Trampolining, free running, mini football and basketball are all on offer at VROG’s two-day camps near Waterlooplein

Outdoor Camps

Sport4Kidz

A variety of water- and outdoor sports activities, held at Watersport Jeugdland in Amsterdam Oost.

Terragon Nature Camp

All-weather activities camp on a 2.5 acre nature reserve in Amsterdam.

UP Events Kids

A wide variety of outdoor fun and games.

Science and Technology

CoderMinds

AI, Programming, Robotics & Science are the name of the game at this STEM focused camp in Amstelveen

The Science Camp

One full week of experiments, STEAM activities, practicing engineering and outside play. Pure fun!

Sailing & Surfing

Sport4Kidz Sailing

A week of sailing in an Optimist, combined with other fun outdoor activities like campfires or building rafts at Jeugdland.

Surfkamp Zandvoort

Juvigo offers multiple water sports and hockey camps. Perfect place for teenagers to enjoy water sports camps like kite surfing, surfing, and sailing.

Football

Ajax Camps

One day themed soccer clinics for kids of all ages and levels, with special clinics for girls and keepers, at the Ajax facilities next to the famous Johan Cruijff ArenA.

ProCamps

One day themed soccer clinics for kids of all ages and levels, with special clinics for girls and keepers, at the Ajax facilities next to the famous Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Tennis

Drive ITT Tennis Linnaeushof

Tennis camps at different levels, combining fun and competition, at the tennis club Linneaushof right in the middle of Watergraafsmeer.

Tennis op Maat

Lots of tennis mixed with other fun and games at the Kattenlaan tennis park in Vondelpark or Haarlem.

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Amsterdam Halloween 2024

Join a Halloween Parade!
Amsterdam Mamas Spooktacular is back! On Sunday 27 October gather together in your best costumes and parade around Beatrixpark with fellow ghosts, goblins, wizards and superheroes! Information and tickets available through our website. For the littlest monsters, up to age 8.

Trick or Treat!
What could be more fun for kids than going door to door in costume, with a goodie bag, ringing the doorbell, shouting “Trick or treat!” and (hopefully) receiving candy?

Trick or treating is NOT tradition in the Netherlands so the trick or treating that happens is privately managed. There are neighbourhoods in Zuid, Buitenveldert and Steigereiland Noord in Ijburg that have active trick or treating. Here is a map of homes participating in trick or treating this year. Consider becoming a host home yourself! It is really fun to decorate the house and see all the creative costumes and happy children. Speaking of which…

Dress up and Decorate!
Whether you are hosting trick or treaters or your own Halloween party, here are some popular local businesses ready to supply you with all your Halloween gear:

• Kinderfeestwinkel: This children’s party store in De Pijp has everything you need for a Halloween party or any other party throughout the year. Warning: if your child adores big, flouncy, tutu style skirts you may not leave the store without one.
• Witbaard: Oodles of Halloween stuff – both scary and fun. Check out the huge collection of children’s costumes upstairs! Witbaard is also located close to Duikelman in case you need to visit an amazing culinary supply store for Halloween-themed cookie cutters or sharp knives for carving pumpkins.
• Louis Wittenburg, around since 1901, knows its business and is ready to supply all of the Halloween needs of our Centrum dwelling families.
• Dam in Oost has an incredible array of Halloween and many other holiday items. You can shop in-store or order online.

Carve a Pumpkin!
There are pumpkins in many grocery stores this time of year, as well as in garden centres. Don’t limit yourself to classic orange pumpkins – green, white, and yellow gourds add to the fun. Here are some ideas for beginners and more advanced carvers. Alternatively, for those who prefer not to have pumpkin flesh and seeds on the kitchen floors, consider joining a pumpkin carving workshop for children.

Get a Fright!

Halloween can be enjoyed out on the town as well.

For younger children, The Science Camp is hosting a Haunted House on Saturday 2 November. Adolescents or teens will be thrilled at the Amsterdam Dungeon which has extended hours on Saturday 26 October as well as Halloween itself. Reserve tickets now as they sell fast. Older teens (16+) can try to escape from the Amsterdam Catacombs – this escape room only minutes from Central Station will be sure to give chills and thrills.

Further afield is Walibi, a theme park about an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. During the weeks up to and just after Halloween, Walibi hosts Fright Nights for children over 12 and Spooky Days for children up to 12.

Watch a Movie! My kids are either bored or terrified by the movies I remember from my (admittedly long ago) childhood. Thankfully, there are guides for kid-friendly Halloween movies and where they are streaming. Popcorn, costumes, and a good spooky movie—you’ve got this Halloween covered!

When the kids go to bed, all of you Dutch learners/scary movie aficionados might consider watching the Dutch film The Vanishing (available for rent on Apple TV) based on the story The Golden Egg by native Amsterdammer Tim Krabbé (brother of actor Jeroen Krabbé). It was made into a Hollywood film (with a very young Sandra Bullock) but the original is much scarier – Stanley Kubrick called it the scariest movie he’d ever seen. And it’s good practice for your Dutch!

Halloween Travel in Europe

For many people, Halloween 2024 falls in the middle of Herfstvakantie. If you’re heading out of Amsterdam, consider traveling to some spooky destinations throughout Europe. Amsterdam Mama’s contributor Mary Petiet compiled a list of spooky Halloween destinations all over Europe, including two from here in the Netherlands

The post Boo! appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

We will have 2 time slots for the parade to accommodate a larger group.
1st Parade : 10:30 – 11:30
2nd Parade : 11:30 – 12:30

We will gather at 15 mins before your chosen timeslot, in front of St. Nicolaaslyceum, Beethovenplein 2, 1077 WM Amsterdam. The parades will start at 10:30 &. 11:30 respectively. We will parade from the St. Nicolaaslyceum to Beatrix Park (by the paddle pool). After a fun-tastic parade, you and your little monsters can enjoy the playground (by the paddling pool in Beatrix Park), play with other families and join our activities.

What’s Halloween without candy?! Don’t forget to bring a mini-collection bag for the little ones to take home their trick-or-treat goodies.

Our wonderful partners WOW Family Centre Amsterdam will organise a spooky activity for the kids.

Want a snack or drink? You can always stop by at Park Kiosk BEA which will be especially open for Spooktacular!

Let’s Go! Dress up in your spookiest Halloween costumes, in fact you can even decorate your strollers, bikes or steps and join us for a fang-tastic time!

Limited tickets available, so don’t miss out !!

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Embrace the Orange Spirit Together: During King’s Day, orange isn’t just a colour — it’s a symbol of celebration. Dress your family in orange clothes, hats, crowns, or even face paint to join in the fun and show your enthusiasm for the festivities. It’s a great way to blend in with the locals and create lasting memories together!

Navigating King’s Day: First things first, plan your travel wisely. If you want to reach Amsterdam from outside the city, trains are your best option but keep in mind there won’t be any trains to Amsterdam Science Park and Amsterdam RAI. Since the city centre shuts down and people take over the streets, public transport is nearly impossible, metro and walking are your best bet, leave your bike at home or be prepared to walk with it when required. You can conveniently plan your trip right before leaving by using the planner in the GVB app which is also available in English. Don’t forget public transportation is not free during King’s Day.

Market Magic: The city transforms into a ‘giant market’ on King’s Day. From 6:00 to 20:00, you can join the hustle and bustle of endless street markets, spread across the city (and country) where people sell and buy mostly second hand tidbits, homeware, clothes, toys and so much more! There are also special kid-friendly zones where your little entrepreneurs can shine. In fact, children have already begun to mark out their ‘spots’ in the neighbourhood so they are all booked and ready for them to sell their wares on King’s Day, sans competition.

Vondelpark Adventure: Vondelpark is THE place to be for families on King’s Day. Doors will close at 20.00 the night before and open at 9 am, so arrive early to snag a spot for your kids to sell their toys or entertain the crowd with their talents, such as singing, dancing, playing an instrument etc. Don’t forget to bring some spare change for all the goodies you’ll sell or find!

Vondelpark isn’t the only hotspot for family fun… Explore other kid-friendly areas like Amstelveld, Noorderpark, Rembrandtplein, Artisplein, Middenweg or the Westerpark. And if you want to avoid the crowds, steer clear of busy spots like Westerstraat in Jordaan. Check out the designated areas for children on this website (in Dutch).

King’s Day Festivities: The celebrations aren’t limited to the city centre. Check out in the East/Oost, the Bredeweg Festival for street theatre performances, a free market, music, dance, puppet shows, and live music. This year the festival will also go across the water; the Oranjevrijstraat Square and part of the Oranjevrijstaatkade. Check the times for the performances here: schedule. Or head north to NDSM Vrijhaven for the biggest children’s flea market in Amsterdam, packed with live music, entertainment, workshops, and a variety of food and drink options. Admission is free, so put on your orange outfit and join the fun! If you want a stand for your kid to sell, get a ticket.
For the ‘West crew’, Erasmus Park promises a vibrant atmosphere with a flea market and live music. Throughout the day, visitors can explore the flea market for children and enjoy the live music which begins at noon, check the programma here.

Giving Back: After the festivities, look for kringloop containers throughout the city to donate unsold items to charity shops. It’s a great way to spread kindness and declutter your home at the same time!

Staying Home, Staying Festive: If you prefer to celebrate indoors, don’t worry… Be sure to hang the Dutch flag outside your house or on a window, stock up on some orange tompouce or bitterballen, and watch the King on TV. There are plenty of exciting ideas and activities to keep the King’s Day spirit alive at home. Check out some fun suggestions here.

Fun fact: Traditionally, King’s Day is celebrated every April 27th since Willem Alexander became king. However, in 2025, King’s Day falls on Saturday, April 26, because King’s Day never competes with a Sunday’s festivities!

Take into account that most shops will be closed during the day, but you can expect large and small neighbourhood supermarkets to be open for business.

Get ready to paint the town orange and create unforgettable memories with your family this King’s Day!

The post King’s Day: A Family-Friendly Orange Party! appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

DIY Upcycling: Make Your Own Bird Feeder

One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is by repurposing everyday items to create something new and useful. A simple and enjoyable DIY activity for kids is making their own bird feeders using recycled materials. Not only does this activity teach kids about going green, but it also encourages creative thinking and gives an opportunity for children to connect with nature. Hearing the birds chirping outside is a great way to increase biophilic responses, as nature sounds are found to have positive impacts on our health and wellbeing.

Supplies needed:

• One tin can, clean and label removed.
• Paint of assorted colours (acrylic/water resistant) or decorative paper
• Paint brushes (if using paint)
• Ribbons/ strings
• Bird Seed
• Sturdy stick to act as a perch for the birds.

Instructions to put it together:

• Take the paper off of your tin can and paint the can in the desired colour. Leave it to dry and add another coat of paint if needed. You can also use decorative paper to wrap up the tin can instead of painting.
• If using paint, let the paint dry and add whatever other decorative elements you want using other colours.
• When the paint is dry, cut a long piece of ribbon about 18 to 24 inches long and tie it around one end of the tin can, leaving the two long edges at the top. Tie the two ends together to loop over a branch for hanging.
• Repeat this on the other end of the tin.
• Glue the stick into the can to function as a perch.
• When the glue is set, fill the can about halfway with seed and hang it sideways from a branch.

Your Earth Day craft is finished! Now hang it in the balcony or garden and sit back and watch the birds come in for a snack with your kids! Sometimes it can take a week for the birds to discover and start feeding from this new feeder so be patient.

Books to Inspire Young Environmentalists

Reading together is another wonderful way to introduce children to important environmental concepts and here are four recommended books to read to/with their kids this month:

1. “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss: This classic tale tells the story of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees, and teaches children about the importance of conservation and protecting our natural resources.
2. “Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa” by Jeanette Winter – Based on the true story of Wangari Maathai, this book tells the inspiring tale of how she empowered her community in Kenya to plant trees and restore the environment, ultimately leading to her winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
3. “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein: It is a cautionary tale about human exploitation of nature and the consequences of taking more than we give back.
4. “The Earth Book” by Todd Parr: In this colorful book, Todd Parr highlights different ways children can help take care of the Earth, such as conserving water, planting trees, and recycling.

Hope these activities are able to instill appreciation for the earth at a young age and empower our children to become stewards of the earth.

Let’s make every day Earth Day!

The post We Only Have One Earth appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

No doubt, all of us transplants to the Netherlands are familiar with the differences between how your home country’s medical system works and your experience with the Dutch medical system.  There can be vast disparities; often, these are frustrating and tiring as you mold your comfort zones and past experiences into a completely different world.

My experience is similar to many. However, the addition of my twins born with a rare disease created something that resembles a cross between a nightmare and a comedy act.

In The Beginning

You might be familiar with my first article, A Mother’s Story: Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, in which I shared the story of discovering the eerie parallels between my twins and the Wikkelkinderen of Muidersloot: two sets of red and white twins, born 400 years apart, with surprising similarities and yet very different outcomes.

My girls, born in 2013, have Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS), a rare disease affecting monochorionic twins (twins who share the same placenta in utero).  One of the biggest problems we faced is that this disease was only identified 15 years ago. While there is much research on it, we are still finding new long-term effects on children.

In addiiton to the lack of awareness about TAPS, it’s also confused with the better known Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (which I wrote about in my first article) and mistakenly called a form of it.

When my girls were born, we were told quite honestly (ah, Dutch honesty! ) that there wasn’t enough information about TAPS. They thought it was probably a mild disease.

(Stephanie’s daughters. Photo supplied by Stephanie and used with permission)

It’ll Be Okay

We enrolled in long-term follow-ups for the girls, and we received support from our local hospital.  Things went pretty smoothly, but we started noticing the girls had some challenges.

We noticed the girls wouldn’t make eye contact, and their meltdowns just didn’t feel typical for 2-year-olds.

We’d raise these concerns at appointments with our local team and asked if it was possibly related to prematurity. We’d been pacified that since they’d been delivered safely, there was nothing to worry about. “Het komt goed, meisje. Don’t worry, mommy; once they go to school, it will be ok.”

We created many strategies to help with tantrums and meltdowns and enrolled the girls in peuterspeelzaal.  This helped a bit, but we also noticed that our one girl had a significant speech delay.  We mentioned this and were told: “Oh, don’t worry about it. She’s a twin, she’s premature, and she’s bilingual – it will sort itself out when they go to school!”

This was something that we’d heard over and over, and we started to believe it. After all, the firm belief was that the danger was over now they were born; we felt reassured that the system was watching the girls.

I’d reached out for help so many times, and yet it felt like no one had listened 

Starting School

When the girls started school, it became apparent they were a bit behind. Thanks to a fantastic teacher in the school, we immediately got a referral to school-based speech therapy. Within six months, one of my girls’ language skills went from below to above average.  Still, her sister stayed in speech therapy for the next three years.

We started to ask more questions and were always told that they just needed time.  Things seemed to get better, and we kept working at home. But the lack of eye contact and short attention spans were something we were still concerned about.

At age 5, they had a checkup with the GGD, and my twin in speech therapy failed a hearing test.  It was dismissed as her not paying attention to the instructions, but this was not followed up. They also had some fine motor skill issues, but it was felt that this would fix itself.

Around this time, I had a meeting with the researchers on the girls’ case and was told there was a possibility that donor twins had hearing problems.  I took this information back to the GGD and said that maybe we should recheck her hearing.  I was told it wasn’t necessary.

A Bombshell

In 2018, the long-term effects of TAPS were published and sent shockwaves around the world when it was discovered that it had a high risk of developmental delays and deafness. Equally shocking was that at our 5-year research checkup, the girls consistently showed that they’d been affected by this rare disease.

At this stage, the GGD suddenly became interested in our case but was extremely unhelpful.  Rather than assisting us with the concerns we’d had for the past few years, it seemed they wanted to class the girls as problematic and put the blame on us!

I became distraught by this. I felt so defeated – I’d reached out for help so many times, and yet it felt like no one had listened – and now this was all my fault?

What I have learned is that you need to be firm and assertive. Stand your ground about issues, and be calm. 

I went home and cried for a few days. I’ll be honest; it was gutting.  But then I started reviewing the records I’d kept for the girls and realized some inconsistencies. They’d never received a hearing test or an eye test – perhaps a fault of so many interested parties in their case, and I started writing a letter that changed everything.

I calmly requested a hearing check for my donor twin and a referral to the eye clinic to check their eyesight (yes, this had also been neglected).  I also asked for a referral for an assessment for ADHD.  I provided phone numbers of researchers, papers to support my requests, and references back to appointments we’d previously had where I’d been dismissed in my concerns.  It was crucial to get the best possible care for my girls to be their best. 

Although we did encounter some issues with people not wanting to work with such a rare disease, the letter worked. We got hearing tests, eye tests, and a referral to our local KinderKliniek (children’s clinic).

Naming the Beast

Finally, in December 2020, we learned that our twins were on the autistic spectrum and a Developmental Coordination Disorder.  Both girls also have poor vision, requiring glasses full time. Still, the most significant relief is that despite ongoing speech issues, my donor twin has a full hearing range.  

The most frustrating part of the whole journey was feeling dismissed when I raised concerns. This was especially when my girls did not feel the narrative and the rarity of their disease.  I did not feel listened to and was made to feel like an overprotective and paranoid parent.

What I have learned is that you need to be firm and assertive. Stand your ground about issues, and be calm. 

My Survival Tips:

• Document everything: Make a note of what is spoken about at appointments in your agenda (even Google calendar – just put it in the notes section.
• Stay calm: It’s easy to flip out and scream at the system – but staying calm, reinforcing your concerns, and providing evidence work.
• Know your rights: You are absolutely entitled to a second opinion, even if it feels like they won’t give it to you. If you have a good relationship with your family doctor, you can also approach them for referrals.
• Rare diseases:  Provide evidence for your needs and requests. A great way to do this is to connect with patient organizations and advocacy groups. 
• Take care of your mental health: As parents, this is a big one –  we are focused on our kids and want the best for them, which means we do not prioritize ourselves. You are just as important, so seek the help you need, a counselor, a cup of tea and a chat, or even respite.
• Some days are harder: You will have days when it feels like you are banging your head against a wall. It’s okay to cry, to scream, to throw things around on these days.  But also remember – a setback is only that – a speedbump in a long journey. Take a day off, be human, and start the next step.
• Don’t give up but accept your limitations: It can be a frustrating and lonely journey, and many people will not understand why you’re battling so hard.  Changing the world is a slow process, and it doesn’t happen as fast as we want at times. You’re a superhero – just take it easy.

Getting a diagnosis can be challenging. Not being in your home country, language limitations, and unfamiliarity with the system can make it more difficult.  Remember, though, you’re not alone; you can definitely get the help you need if you’re persistent.

Photo Credit: Banner image by Josue Michel.  Laptop/book by Nick Morrison. . All royalty-free stock images curated via Unsplash.  Photo of Stephanie’s daughters – supplied by author and used with permission.

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I have been getting lots of questions from parents and caregivers about how to help kids handle online schooling, social distancing, and exam and event cancellations. Based on my conversations with kids and parents around the globe, I have put together some top tips (and a very simple way to remember them). Recall that old Aretha Franklin song? When it comes to COVID-19 and young people, let’s give a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Routines – maintain them!

Expectations – lower them!

Strengths – build them!

Positive Behavior – model it!

Engagement – encourage it!

Cheers – give them! 

Technology – embrace it!

Routines

Maintaining a routine can give kids a sense of stability. In our house, we made schedules with our pre-teens, which include online school hours, set mealtimes, exercise, small chores and free time. We have had our share of eye rolls and drama, but it does provide a framework for the day. For teens, consider their need for independence and creating their own path for learning, but also encourage them to get physical activity and break large assignments into smaller ones.

Expectations

You may not be getting as much work done with kids at home (especially young ones). Your child or teen will not be working at the same pace or intensity as a regular school day. They may also have to deal with cancellations in standardized exams or other scheduled activities, such as athletic competitions and birthday parties – all very frustrating experiences. So, now is the time to stress a little less over homework assignments and piano practices. Remember everyone is in a similar situation. Ultimately, we need to prioritize our kids’ wellbeing. Consider this every day.

Strengths

Every kid has natural interests, whether it is music, arts or writing. Building on their strengths, helps kids develop resilience to handle challenges. One of my 10-year old son’s friends is a budding illustrator and spends time each day drawing elaborate cartoon strips. Another of my sons’ friends created wonderful videos using i-stop motion. Finally, how many of you have heard the phrase “I’m bored” at home recently? Remember encouraging a little non- digital boredom is a great way to promote creativity and self-sufficiency.

Positive Behaviors

Kids learn from adults, also how to react to new challenges. We need to model positive ways to stay healthy and handle uncertainty, including exercising regularly, eating healthy foods to boost immunity, staying connected with loved ones and being kind to others regardless of their background or appearance. Think of ways to give back to your community and provide outreach: for example, helping a neighbor that is elderly, donating items to a food bank or buying gift certificates to support a local business.

Engagement

Remind children and teens that they have the responsibility to protect themselves and others like their grandparents and elderly neighbors by practicing proper hand washing, sneezing into your elbow and maintaining social distancing. Even infected kids who do not show any symptoms can still transmit the virus to others. (There have also been cases of teens getting very ill which means they themselves are at risk too). Talk to kids about the risks of meeting friends to hang out. Ultimately our obligation as parents and caregivers is to teach social behavior and to keep our teens and our community healthy.

Cheers

All too often we focus on what our kids are doing wrong. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, we need to make sure we uphold kids and praise them when they do things right. If your child picks up their dirty laundry, writes a funny poem or did something else positive this week, don’t forget to give them credit. Older kids including soon to be graduates may be sad about missing graduations and friends. Encourage them to come up with new milestones and ways to celebrate. Also, remind them it is handling life’s curveballs that is ultimately the best predictor of success.

Technology

Regular use of technology has shown in places like Hong Kong to be beneficial in maintaining social connections and emotional well-being, so don’t be too strict on digital media use. Encourage kids to keep in touch with classmates, friends, and family via WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype, etc. Worried that they are watching too many Disney movies or playing too much Minecraft? Remember that ultimately it is the 3c’s – connections, content, and child – that are important for kids rather than the amount of time online. In other words, check the content they are viewing, ensure that still have good connections with family members and friends and know your own child’s abilities when it comes to disengaging from digital media use and creating balance.

Finally, what we know from countries which have experienced coronavirus earlier and longer than others is that things will not normalize for months to come. We are slowly preparing for a new normal in terms of social relationships, technology use, and online schooling. If kids are frustrated, angry, or anxious realize it is important to validate their feelings as a natural part of a grieving process. However, if there are significant changes in eating or sleeping habits, persistent irritability or sadness, or the need for constant reassurance, these may be signs that your child is struggling and needs support. Try talking to your child or teen about their fears or get another adult or mentor involved. If that don’t help, it may be time to reach out to your health provider or a counselor. Many are now providing virtual consults. Hopefully, with a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T, we can help our kids prepare for what’s still to come.

The post How to Help Kids Cope with Coronavirus? Give a Little R-E-S-P-E-C-T appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

WHO/WHAT IS SINTERKLAAS?

After King’s Day, Sinterklaas is the Netherlands’ most important celebration. Sint and his helper, called Piet (Pete), bring presents to all children on December 5 to celebrate his birthday. Read all about him here.

SINTERKLAAS INTOCHT (ARRIVAL) 2020!

Due to the coronavirus, the official National Sinterklaas intocht 2020 (arrival) will be held in a secret place to prevent a large mass of interested people getting drawn to the arrival. The big yearly celebration will be broadcast on television on Saturday, November 14th, 12PM on NPO Zapp/NPO 3.

The arrival of Sinterklaas in Amsterdam will also be broadcast on television but just like the official National arrival, nobody will be allowed to be present at the arrival. The broadcast will be on Sunday, November 15th on AT5.

Starting November 9th more details will become available about the arrival of Sinterklaas from the official organisation, Sint in Amsterdam.

Please, DO NOT try to find out the secret locations for the Sinterklaas arrivals and attend them nor petition to make the arrivals open to the public. We are in a global pandemic and the coronavirus guidelines are clear, which makes it obvious that right now is not the time for large public events like the arrival of Sinterklaas.

KEEPING UP WITH SINTERKLAAS

Every year, kids can follow Sinterklaas’ progress on his annual travels to the Netherlands and the challenges upon arrival by watching the daily Sinterklaas Journaal on NTR/NPO Zapp.

WHAT’S UP WITH PIET?

Piet (Pete) is Sinterklaas’ companion and helper in Dutch and Belgian folklore.

Originally Piet (Pete) was called Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). However, in 2019 the official National Sinterklaas organisation decided to drop the blackface and have Sinterklaas only be accompanied by so-called Chimney Pieten. A move that was also followed by Het Sinterklaas Journaal and many celebrations in different municipalities in the Netherlands.

THE HORSE OF SINTERKLAAS

When Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands, he usually travels on his white horse. Over the years, this famous horse has changed and has had several names but since 1990, Sinterklaas’ horse was Amerigo. However, last year (2019), Amerigo retired after serving for over 30 years and Ozosnel made its debut during the official National Sinterklaas arrival of 2019. The name of Ozosnel was derived from the Sinterklaas song “Hoor de wind waait door de bomen” (“Hear the wind blowing through the trees”), in which the passage “Ja hij rijdt in donkere nachten op zijn paardje, oh zo snel” (“Yes,on dark nights, he rides on his horse, oh so fast”) is sung.

LETTER FROM SINTERKLAAS

As always, kids can send a letter to Sinterklaas and receive a reply from Sinterklaas. Weverkeshof is continuing the tradition this year, although Sinterklaashof itself will stay closed for the public.

To send a letter to Sinterklaas, please send letter by December 5th with a stamp to get a letter back. Please note if you want to receive a reply before Pakjesavond, your letter has to be received by December 1st. Here is the address:

Sinterklaashof

Postbus 368

5670 AJ Nuenen

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

The Amsterdam Mamas Facebook group administrators will make sure to post more links and information on when to put the shoe out (and how often), Santa Claus vs Sinterklaas, what presents to buy etc. We will also have our annual thread where you can share pictures of when you spotted Sinterklaas and/or of Sinterklaas’ celebrations. Pictures of Sinterklaas at school and how he arrived are always a HIT! However, be aware that pictures with controversial Zwarte Piet will have to be removed due to Facebook’s blackface rules.

Fijne Sinterklaas allemaal!

Photo Credit: Picture taken from the Dutch National Archives. November 21st, 1953: Sinterklaas arrival in Amsterdam. Prinses Margriet standing with Majestuoso, the horse of Sinterklaas.

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Last year in early November, the school parents’ Whatsapp group had an announcement: Each child (mine was five) had to go get a battery-operated lantern for school. It was called a ‘lampionstokje’. 

We had four days to get it.

Apparently you could get it “everywhere”.

So, dutifully (and last minute-ly), I rushed to look for, er, ‘one of those things’ for the child, not knowing what it was or why. I was told that Blokker had some pink ones—the child only thinks in pinks. Heaving a relieved sigh on finding a pink one, we were ready for the day. But I still did not know why. #newimporttoamsterdam

Now let’s learn together, for all the new imports to Amsterdam!

Who Is Sint Maarten?

Sint Maarten (Saint Martin), according to one legend, is a Roman soldier who was approached by a beggar in the cold streets of what is now France. Martinus van Tours himself was not wealthy and all he had to keep himself warm that wintry day in November was the cape that was part of his soldier’s uniform. He gave this beggar a part of his own cape.

The story of Martin of Tours ‘went viral’ in the 1800s and so began a tradition, on 11 November, of children and beggars forming processions seeking alms and shelter from the bitter cold. Since the 1920s, every 11 November, all around Holland, children walk down the streets with their ‘lampion met lampionstokjes’ (lanterns and their stickholders). They knock on doors and call out for Sint Maarten. The Dutch now celebrate the sainted soldier’s act for at least two possible reasons:

Looking for the lost soldier: Some believe that soon after, the soldier Martinus van Tours disappeared. So now, the children echo the soldiers and people of past who walked down the streets looking for the lost soldier.

Celebrating generosity: Simply put, the Dutch are commemorating his act of generosity and humanity.

Honoured during mass: Today, St Martin is regarded as friend of the children and patron of the poor. The date is significant in the Catholic church calendar as it marks the end of autumn and begins the fasting period of Advent.

Note: A helpful member of the Facebook Amsterdam Mamas has schooled me: this day commemorates St Martin’s burial on 11 Nov 397. It is a religious holiday, celebrated in many European countries, including the Eastern European nations. St Maarten’s Day also marks the start of the Advent fasting period of which goes right up until 6 January. This period begins on the eleventh of the eleventh month of the year, at eleven minutes past eleven in the morning.

Celebrating Sint Maarten’s Day Today

IN 2020, BECAUSE OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS, THERE IS NO PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF SINT MAARTEN’S DAY: NO PROCESSION, NO DOOR TO DOOR, NO BONFIRES.

The Natuur Speeleiland in Haarlem is planning an outdoor event for young children, Sint Maarten and the Snoepfabriek, on 11 November at 17:00. Tickets purchased here.

Please check their website/FB page to be sure event will be happening.

Today, like Halloween, much of the original meaning is lost. It is now a popular event, largely celebrated by children. All over Holland, children put on their winter coats and hats and go out in groups, carrying their lanterns. And they go up to a door, knock on the door, and much like carolling, they start singing a Sint Maarten’s song. In return, they get candy. And then they go to the next house. And sing. And get candy. Of course, this is more popular in the areas in Netherlands where you have streets and streets of houses, rather than apartment blocks.

In schools, it is a popular tradition for the younger children to take their lanterns and go around to the different classes and sing their songs.

It is also popular to have bonfires in the evening and sit around to enjoy a warm drink and laughter.

Songs about Sint Maarten

If you’re like me and you’re have yet to master the Dutch language, you might be slightly perplexed when your child comes home and starts singing something you don’t quite get. You assume they’re about the alphabet or a monkey eating a banana, but if this is early November, they’re most likely singing one of a few Sint Maarten ditties.

11 November (click to hear)

Elf november is de dag 
Dat mijn lichtje, dat mijn lichtje.
Elf November is de dag
Dat mijn lichtije branden mag!

 Sinte, Sinte Maarten (click to hear)

Sinte, sinte Maarten – 
De koeien hebben starten!
De meisjes hebben rokjes aan!

De jongens hebben sokjes aan!

Daar komt sinte Maarten aan!

Lampion met Lampionstokjes

At the very basic, this is a clear plastic shade that is held up by a holder/stick that has a bulb at the end where the shade is hung and a battery compartment at the other end. Many schools have art sessions to dress these inexpensive plastic shades up.

Now you can indeed purchase one of these things ‘anywhere’. The following places in Amsterdam are prepared for Sint Maarten:

Blokker

Hema

Lampionwebshop

Lampion Lampionnen

Action

The more exerienced may attempt to make their own lanterns, but please use an electric candle or Sint Maarten’s could get confused with Bonfire Night (UK)!

All photo credits: Audrey Coggins

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