How to prepare your child for a video call with Sinterklaas
A first call with Sinterklaas takes three minutes, and most of what makes it work happens before you press start. Here is what we tell parents.
1. Pick a calm moment, not the party
The best calls happen on an ordinary afternoon or after dinner, with one child and one parent. A room full of cousins makes children shy and Sinterklaas cannot hear who is talking.
Avoid the last minutes before bedtime, unless you pick the Christmas Eve story, which is built to end with goodnight.
2. Tell your child what is going to happen
Say it plainly: 'Sinterklaas is going to call you on the tablet. He will ask you some questions. You can just answer, like with grandma.' Children who know the shape of the thing talk more.
Do not over-promise. Sinterklaas will not show the presents and will not say what is coming.
3. Fill in the note, and keep it short
Each story asks for one detail: what wakes your child up, what you put out for the reindeer, one thing they did well. That detail is the secret ingredient. Sinterklaas makes your child discover it, and that is the moment they gasp.
One sentence beats a list. 'Pancakes with syrup and the dog jumping on the bed' is perfect.
Your first minute is free.
4. Sit next to your child, slightly behind
Your child should see you from the corner of their eye. A hand on the shoulder helps shy children answer. Do not answer for them; Sinterklaas waits longer than you think.
Put the phone or tablet on a stand at eye level. Children lean in, and a wobbling screen is distracting.
5. One voice at a time
Sinterklaas hears one voice best. Let him finish his sentence, then let your child answer. A small pause keeps the magic flowing.
If a sibling wants a turn, start a second short call. Sinterklaas greets each child by name.
6. Use “Sinterklaas can see you” for drawings and costumes
With the camera on, Sinterklaas sees a photo every time your child speaks. A drawing held still in good light is recognised and talked about. Reindeer antlers, a Christmas jumper and the tree in the background all work.
The camera is off by default and photos are never stored. You see exactly what Sinterklaas sees.
7. Whisper, do not interrupt
During the call you can whisper a hint to Sinterklaas that your child does not hear: 'ask about the drawing', 'she is shy about her tooth'. Use it once or twice; Sinterklaas weaves it in.
8. End it well
Ask Sinterklaas to wrap up when the story is done; he says a proper goodbye and ends the call himself. Afterwards, talk about it at dinner. The retelling is half the fun, and the detail from your note becomes family lore.
Parents ask
What if my child refuses at the last moment?
Let Sinterklaas start; he talks first. Many children watch for a minute and then answer. Minutes you do not use stay in your account.
How long should the first call be?
Two to three minutes. Short and sweet beats long and restless.