Understanding the week of ‘lente kriebels’ - a guide for international parents in the Netherlands

If you’re an international parent in the Netherlands, you may have heard about the Week van de Lente Kriebels—literally translated as the Week of Spring Tickles. This annual event takes place in primary schools across the country and is dedicated to educating children about relationships and sexuality in an age-appropriate and positive way. Let’s break down what it is, why it’s important, and how it’s handled.

What Is the Week of Lente Kriebels?

The Week of Lente Kriebels is a nationwide initiative organized by Rutgers, a leading Dutch center on sexuality. It takes place every spring and aims to teach children about relationships, emotions, and sexuality in a safe and respectful manner. The idea is to help young people develop healthy attitudes toward themselves and others as they grow up.

Why Is It Important?

In the Netherlands, open and honest conversations about relationships and sexuality are valued as essential to a child’s development. Research shows that children who receive age-appropriate education in these areas tend to develop healthier self-images, make more informed choices, and build respectful relationships. By teaching these concepts early, children learn to understand boundaries, respect differences, and communicate openly about their feelings.

What Do Children Learn?

One of the most common concerns from international parents is the worry that topics might be too mature for young children. Rest assured—everything presented during the Week of Lente Kriebels is carefully designed to match the child’s age and developmental stage.

Here’s a general breakdown:

- Young Children (4–7 years)

The focus is on social skills, recognizing feelings, and understanding friendships. Lessons may include topics like kindness, respecting personal space, and understanding how families can look different.

- Middle Years (8–10 years)

Children start learning about their changing bodies, emotions, and how to build respectful friendships. The concept of consent and saying “no” is introduced gently.

- Older Children (11–12 years)

As they approach puberty, discussions become a bit more detailed, covering body changes, emotions, and relationships, including how to deal with peer pressure and respect boundaries.

All lessons are conducted with sensitivity and care. Teachers are trained to create a comfortable environment where students feel safe to ask questions and express themselves.

Why Should Parents Embrace It?

It’s natural to feel unsure when you first hear about this week, especially if you come from a culture where discussing these topics with young children is less common. However, the Dutch approach to sexuality education is rooted in openness and respect. By normalizing conversations about relationships and body awareness from a young age, children develop healthier attitudes and feel more confident discussing these topics as they grow older.

How Can You Support Your Child?

As a parent, you can support your child by being open to discussing what they learn during the week. Ask questions like:

- “What did you talk about at school today?”

- “How did that make you feel?”

- “Do you have any questions about what you learned?”

Being approachable and non-judgmental helps your child feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Final Thoughts

The Week of Lente Kriebels is about more than just sexuality—it’s about building a foundation of respect, empathy, and self-awareness. By embracing this open and thoughtful approach, you’re helping your child grow into a confident, respectful, and informed individual.

If you have concerns or want to know more about how your child’s school handles the week, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers or school administrators. They’re there to support both you and your child through this learning process.