by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Sep 17, 2019
Kids as young as six have asked us, with their adults at their side, “What if someone starts shooting people here?” We answer them, so the adult and child both experience a response that is confident and not fearful. At the same time, we are heartbroken that ANY child ever has to wonder about this. […]
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Sep 10, 2019
Over and over, parents and teachers, and other caring adults tell us, “Every new tragedy in the news breaks my heart. How can I take care of my own feelings while protecting my kids?” It is normal to have overwhelming feelings or grief in the face of news about tragedies caused by violence, natural disaster, […]
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Sep 3, 2019
Many years ago, I was teaching a child protection workshop for about 100 parents after there had been a case of abuse in their community. One mother raised her hand and said plaintively, “I am so TIRED of being afraid! WHEN I can I stop being worried about the safety of my daughter?” I smiled […]
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Aug 27, 2019
As news stories constantly flood us with reports of tragic and frightening events, it can be hard not to become anxious. Unfortunately, worrying does not make any of us safer – it just makes all of us and the people we love feel helpless. The sad reality is that we cannot give the children and […]
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Aug 7, 2019
1,000 Kids Will Find Their Special Anti-Bullying Power at LEGOLAND® This week in Chicago, our Kidpower Team joined forces with LEGOLAND Discovery Center to launch a special bullying prevention initiative for their LEGO® NINJAGO® Days! When kids visit the park during the event over the next few weeks, they can pick their anti-bullying special power […]