Dutch daycare centers and schools ban treats for Birthdays
A growing number of Dutch daycare centers and schools are eliminating birthday treats, including healthy snacks. Institutions aim to reduce unhealthy eating habits, curb competition among parents, and alleviate financial pressure on families, as reported by Trouw.
The longstanding Dutch tradition of bringing decorated mandarins, raisin boxes, or fruit skewers for classmates is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Kind&co ludens, which operates about 500 childcare locations in Midden-Nederland, recently implemented a new policy banning all birthday treats, even ones that can be considered healthy, such as fruit.
“It became increasingly difficult to ensure parents followed the guidelines for healthy treats,” said Carlie Mulders, manager of pedagogy and quality at Kind&co ludens. “Parents would often bring alternative items, such as plastic trinkets, which no longer align with our vision of sustainability.”
The new policy shifts the focus from treats to celebrations. Birthdays are now marked in other ways, such as special activities or decorations, without requiring parents to provide gifts or snacks. The change also aims at removing the financial strain for families struggling to afford treats for large groups.
Blos Kinderopvang, which oversees about 300 daycare locations, has implemented similar policies. Children still celebrate their birthdays but with non-food activities. They might wear a festive hat, receive special attention, or choose a game to play.
Tilly de Jong, who spearheads the campaign Wie jarig is viert feest ("If It's Your Birthday, Celebrate"), advocates for a shift from treat-centered celebrations to what she calls “party policies.” De Jong highlights the disparity in how parents approach birthday treats, which can lead to social and economic inequalities.
“There are families who cannot afford treats for an entire class, and then there are parents who go over the top,” De Jong said. “One school in Hilversum reported a parent who brought a pizza truck to the schoolyard. The competition among parents has gotten out of hand.”
At MKC Zeeburgereiland De Optimist, a primary school in Amsterdam, treats were banned about 18 months ago as part of the school’s healthy eating policy. School leader Merel van Lier said the decision eliminated issues surrounding dietary restrictions.
“Some children eat halal, others are gluten-free, some are allergic to dairy, and others are vegan,” Van Lier explained. “It always meant someone was excluded, which didn’t feel right.”
Birthdays at De Optimist are now celebrated with activities such as personalized cards, songs, or group games. While some children initially missed the treats, the transition has been smooth. “A few children mentioned missing the treats, but overall, we’ve had no major complaints from parents,” Van Lier said.
Marjet Winsemius of Stichting Voor Werkende Ouders (Foundation for Working Parents) said the move away from treats has been a relief for many parents. “Parents no longer have to stress about crafting the perfect snack the night before their child’s birthday,” she said.
Winsemius noted that elaborate treats often create tension among families with limited resources. “Some parents arrive with almost nothing because they can’t afford it, and they’re judged for it. The pressure to outdo others is unnecessary and stressful.”
