8 sleep tips for a relaxed Sinterklaas / holiday season!

1. Make use of a 'shoe setting calendar'. This way, your child knows exactly when it is time to put the shoe in and this gives peace of mind to the whole family. You can also decide in advance which days are most convenient for you and avoid unnecessary tension and questions about if and when the shoe can be put on.

2. Stick to your normal routine! Especially during this period, it is very important to stick to your normal routine and bedtime as much as possible. This provides peace of mind and a safe feeling for children.

3. Early bedtime. It can also help to put your child to bed a little earlier than usual; all the stress often makes them extra tired.

4. Watch the Sinterklaas news during the day. If you notice that your child is full of excitement after watching the Sinterklaas news, you can choose to let your child watch it in the morning. That way, your child won't go to sleep with a head full of new impressions and a body full of tension.

5. Shoeing during the day. Can't your child sleep when you put the shoe in or wakes up very early to see what's inside? Put the shoe during the day during school or when you go out. That way it will be less exciting and won't affect sleep. Putting the shoe outside under a shelter can also help, the idea of the Pieten coming into the house is hugely exciting for many children.

6. Make a Sinterklaas planning together. This is where you put on what you celebrate when and with whom. Small children do not yet have such a sense of time and cannot oversee everything during this period. By planning, you make it very clear and give your child clarity and they also know when it's over.

7. Outdoor air and exercise. If your child is super busy and overstimulated, go outside to the forest, a playground, etc. Daylight ensures good sleep and nature has a calming effect on the nervous system. Furthermore, it is a great place for them to release their energy and unload for a while.

8. Don't use/misuse St Nicholas. It's all exciting enough for most children. Therefore, don't abuse it, this can actually create extra tension and stimuli, which in turn has an adverse effect on sleep.
   
   

Less is more: choosing gives peace of mind

It is a busy period and there are super many Sinterklaas activities organised at school, sports, through work, on television, in the neighbourhood etc etc. This is all very cosy and fun. But if you notice that your child finds this exciting or is already overexcited, you may wonder whether you are really doing him a favour? Of course, you can always choose not to participate in everything!

Enjoy this special time together and have lots of fun.