Connecticut School Shooting: Kidpower Shows How To Empower Kids In The Face Of Violence

Kidpower offers three articles, in English and Spanish, for parents and teachers help children cope with the news of a tragic mass-shooting today at a Connecticut elementary school. “Timing matters: kids are likely to be asking questions today,” says author Irene van der Zande, “how adults respond can make a big difference for children’s emotional well being.” Kidpower, an internationally acclaimed child safety education nonprofit, offers three articles for parents... Read more

Boy Scouts Sex Abuse Response: Much Too Late and Still Too Little

Most of the Boy Scouts I know are incredibly honorable people. They are horrified by the reports of thousands of men who abused kids between 1947 and 2005 through relationships developed from their role as Boy Scout leaders and volunteers – and by the fact that failure of the Boy Scouts of America to report these pedophiles has put other kids at risk. So far, the Boy Scouts of America has partially addressed the issue by removing these people from their organization and recently enacting... Read more

8 Tricks (And Treats) For A Safe Halloween

Today we’re sharing Kidpower’s 8 Tricks (And Treats) For A Safe Halloween. All the wonderful things that make Halloween special and exciting can also lead to problems that might be unpleasant or even dangerous. A little bit of planning ahead of time can make a huge difference in making sure that everybody has a great time. The full article, including a free download to share with others, explains in detail each of Kidpower’s “8 Tricks & Treats For A Safe... Read more

Back to School Safety: Checklist to Prepare Kids to Go Without Adult Protection

Back to school is a great time to review your family’s safety plans. Remember that we want kids to be able to be out in the world, exploring with safety and confidence. Recently, Irene van der Zande wrote this post for the Kidpower blog that includes a one-page checklist, “Kidpower Safety For Kids On The Way To School.” The walk to school is something that kids do everyday and is a great way to develop skills and experience that will apply more broadly in their lives. A... Read more

Penn State Sanctions Set New Path to Success

The NCAA’s penalties for the Penn State’s football program send a clear message from the national level that child safety should be put ahead football, winning, and hero worship. I understand these sanctions seem harsh for the innocent bystanders such as Penn State football fans and players. Sometimes life is unfair. But nothing is as unfair as the harm done to the boys who were on Penn State Football’s watch (and their premises). Glory and money won by leaders while they... Read more