My child is shy: how does the call with Saint Nicholas go?

Many children go completely quiet in front of Saint Nicholas, especially the first time. That is perfectly normal, and the call is made for it.

What Saint Nicholas does

He speaks softly and asks very simple questions that can be answered with a yes or a no.
If the child says nothing, he does not repeat the question: he tells a little story about his journey or about his donkey, and gives them time.
If nobody speaks, he gently turns to the parent too, so the call never falls silent.
He never blames a child for being quiet, never scolds and never frightens.

Mention it a little beforehand: “Saint Nicholas might call. Would you like to tell him about your drawing?”
If your child is easily overwhelmed, tick “Gentle cartoon version” when you prepare the call: Saint Nicholas then appears as a cartoon, and talks to them in just the same way.
Let them hold their favourite cuddly toy: it is reassuring, and it is often what they will want to talk about.
In the form, write down what they love: Saint Nicholas will talk about it, and your child will feel on familiar ground.

Stay close, or take them on your lap.
They can simply listen. Some children only speak at the very end, or only the next day, when they tell you all about it.
Let them answer at their own pace, without whispering the answers: this is their moment.
If it all gets too much, the “Say goodbye now” button lets Saint Nicholas end the call gently, at any time.

Silence during the call is not a failure. Often it is that same evening, at bedtime, that a child tells you everything.