Supporting Parents in Public

The Wakanheza Project:

Keeping children safe by lending a hand to parents during difficult situations.

Wakanheza (Sacred Being)- Dakota Word for Child

The Vision: By lending a hand to parents and children, we can make our community a better place.

Founded in 2002 by the Ramsey County Child Abuse Prevention Council

When we witness a stressful situation for parents, we often want to step in and help, but don’t know how. Wakanheza offers simple tips on how to assist parents and children in stressful situations.

QUESTIONHow might someone feel, or what might

someone think when they…

… encounter a family in a public setting?

… hear a child crying in a public place?

… see or hear a parent losing his or her temper in public?

Establishing Empathy

What is Empathy?The ability to identify with and understand another

person’s situation, feelings and motives.

Why would parents feel stress when they take their children out in public?

The Role of the Environment

How can the environment affect a parent’s stress level?

What are the characteristics of a family-friendly environment?

Non-Judgment

In order to help, judgment must be avoided. Don’t label parents as “bad” or “abusive.”

QUESTION:Have you ever made a judgment about a person that

turned out to be incorrect?

How did this bias affect your ability to interact with the person you judged?

What is Abuse?Abuse is categorized into four types:

1.) Physical

2.) Sexual

3.) Emotional

4.) Neglect

QUESTION

At the museum, what parental behaviors are commonly seen or reported as being disruptive or abusive?

Now label each of these as “Abuse” “Inappropriate” or “Appropriate”

Powerlessness

“Acts of violence in our society are performed largely by those trying to establish their self esteem, to defend their self image, and to demonstrate that they, too,

are significant…violence arises not out of power but of powerlessness.” –Rollo May

QUESTION:Can you recall a situation in which you felt powerless?

Culture

We all bring culture to the world in many ways. We are all different, but we can all empathize with fellow humans and respectfully reach across perceived cultural barriers to lend a hand.

The Role of the Community

It takes a village to raise a child.Although children may be influenced primarily by the examples set

by their parents, children also learn from the examples set forth by members of the community.

The Moment

QUESTION:Have you ever done something in front of a child that you

regretted because it set a bad example?

Wakanheza is about understanding that we all have moments where we are not at our best, but as empathetic people we are able to recognize and reach out to help others when they are having those difficult moments.

Prepare Yourself to Intervene

Avoid Judgment of Parents

Assess the Situation

Assess Yourself

Decide What to Do

Ways to Intervene

Appreciate families and the job of parenting by:

Smiling

Saying something positive about the parents

and their children

Ways to Intervene

Assure parents that their children’s behaviors are okay by:

Saying something positive to assure the parents that children will be children

Sharing a story of your own

Ways to Intervene

Help out by: Lending a hand by opening a door or offering to

carry something Asking if there is anything you can do to help

QUESTION:Have you ever benefited from the kindness of a stranger?

Escalating Situations

What do you do when a parent moves from frustration to anger?

QUESTION:What other phrases can you use in situations

that are escalating?

Offer a positive comment

Strike up an unrelated conversation

Offer the parent encouragement

Show understanding

Call for HelpIf you see a child in danger of serious physical harm, or if you think a child has been left alone.

If you are assisting families at the museum, follow museum procedures.

If you are in a public place, contact the police.

If you are in a building, contact an on-site security guard or employee who you think could help.