The Wakanheza Project: Preventing Child Abuse in Minnesota

Busy, stressful lives usually mean stressed out people. Bring public places, stressed out parents and unruly or grouchy children together, and things can get out of hand rather quickly. Now, Project Wakanheza is making headway into defusing these potentially explosive or abusive situations. Until recently, I hadn't heard of Wakanheza or the Wakanheza Project. But, living in Minnesota where the Wakanheza Project was developed and is gaining momentum, I couldn't help but eventually run across the term. Even though I'd heard local child protection and school officials talk about "Wakanheza," it wasn't until I saw a television special about the project that I took it upon myself to learn more.

In a society that finds fewer children being seen and not heard, most of us have witnessed a frazzled parent trying to deal with a child behaving badly in public places. Grocery stores, restaurants and anywhere there's a waiting line are prime locations. Whether children are tired, hungry or just throwing an old fashioned tantrum, such behaviors are difficult for parents, especially when disapproving looks and critical comments from bystanders are added to the mix. When that occurs, parents often feel shamed or humiliated by their child's behavior, which can quickly cause a situation to escalate and even result in abuse, either on the spot or when out of the public's scornful eye.

That's where the Wakanheza Project comes in. Wakanheza is the Dakota Indian name for child; the English translation is sacred being. The overall concept is to teach people when and how to reach out and help - without judgment or scorn - when a meltdown between parent and child is in progress. The basic principles are to distract and redirect, offer assurance, show empathy and avoid judging.

In the American culture, minding one's own business and not getting involved tend to be the rules of thumb. But the Wakanheza Project is proving there is a better way, whether it involves a screaming toddler, a preschooler or a harried, tired parent with three little kids all vying for attention.