by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Feb 16, 2012
This is a follow-up to “My Son’s Best Friends Are Bullying Him” that describes the problem the interventions below addressed and has recommendations about how to take action and practice solutions.
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Feb 12, 2012
The Walmart kidnapping video is a compelling reminder to parents about that an abduction attempt can take place in seconds even when you are close by. When a man attempted to kidnap seven-year-old Brittany in Walmart, her courage, fighting spirit, and instant reaction might well have saved her life, Lessons are to keep your security awareness in familiar places, teach children Stranger Safety skills, and prepare children to protect themselves from an attack.
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Feb 8, 2012
News stories about years of alleged shocking child abuse by two teachers in LA’s Miramonte School provide a sad example of how the procedures in place failed to protect kids. As the school community goes through great trauma in trying to re-establish trust with the parents and to prevent harm to any more students, this article explores what might have helped to make a difference.
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Feb 2, 2012
Sad story about a second grade teacher in Clovis, California, who allegedly molested of his students left parents and teachers wondering who to trust, what to tell their children, and how to keep their kids safe from this ever happening again. Kidpower recommends these seven actions to parents, teachers, and other caring adults for protecting their kids from abuse.
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Feb 1, 2012
When your child’s best friends turn on them and start bullying him/her, it can be a difficult situation. Kidpower outlines a 5-step strategy on preparing your child to confront his/her friends and help stop the hurtful bullying.
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Jan 25, 2012
The webinars will provide practical advice and tools to help coaches, youth leaders, and parents take charge of the safety of children in their care and take positive, effective action to prevent abuse and bullying.
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Jan 24, 2012
Yet another young life has been tragically lost because of bullying. Last week, fourteen-year-old Phillip Parker committed suicide. His parents say he had been cruelly bullied for being gay. It’s not enough to love your kids and to be upset and worried about the bullying. Parents, educators, youth leaders, and all caring adults must take these actions to help prevent young people who are being bullied from being overwhelmed by despair.
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Jan 23, 2012
Update July 24, 2012. The following article was written before the investigation that showed what a big role Joe Paterno played in the coverup of the abuse that took place at Penn State Football. We no longer believe that the information on which this was based is accurate. Instead, please see these articles: What Penn State […]
by Beth McGreevy | Jan 6, 2012
The FBI and the Department of Justice have finally expanded the definition of the crime of rape to include the sexual assaults of men, children and any adult who cannot give consent to sex. Though I hate the idea that anyone would experience this or any kind of violence in their lives, it is important to define it accurately in our statistics, so we can work more effectively to prevent this terrible crime.
Kidpower has been committed to teaching people of all ages and walks of life how to prevent and deter violence since 1989 and we hope this newly expanded definition at the highest levels will translate not just into expanded statistics, but also – and more important – into positive action to address and prevent rape at every level of society.
by Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Founder and Executive Director | Dec 15, 2011
Tell kids when their words or actions can be hurtful. Coach them to practice saying something respectful and doing something safer instead.