Parents worry about the safety of their children, especially in a day and age when it seems we hear about child abductions and bullying every time we turn on the news. Even though we know the dangers, it is a difficult subject to broach with our children because we don't want to scare them or take away their innocence. The creators of Kidini Bully Prevention and Child Safety seemed to have parents in mind when they designed this comprehensive program. Kidini gives parents the tools they need to teach their children how to respond in dangerous situations without making their children feel threatened in any way.

The Kidini program includes stories that are written on a level children can understand. One character, or member of the Kidini team, is featured in each story; there are 8 in all. The characters are cute and lovable, making it easy for kids to relate to them. The Parent and Child Activity Book that comes in the Kidini package is not only a storybook, but also a coloring book, with bonus activity pages in the back. Safety information is available for parents in the front and back of the book. Two CDs are included with the curriculum. One CD includes the stories and original songs featuring each Kidini team member. The other CD has just the songs so that your child can listen to it many times to help him retain the information learned in the lessons. Also included in the kit is a pack of Character Trading Cards; these have a short synopsis of a character's lesson on the back of each card.

Characters from the Kidini team have each faced some situations that are somewhat tricky or dangerous, and they each have a technique for overcoming the problem at hand. For example, Penney the Penguin is a shy girl who has been bullied by some of her classmates. She tells her parents about it, and her parents talk to the teacher and principal, which helps Penney feel safer at school. Other characters help children cope with strangers who might want to harm them. Children will learn some self-defense methods, such as making a scene if a stranger tries to grab them, having a plan that includes knowing where some safe zones are located, and calling 911 when they feel they are in danger. Though the book is geared toward younger elementary students, older children can pick up several tips from the stories and the parent guide.

My 6-year-old daughter is very friendly and talks to everyone she meets. It has been hard for me to talk to her about strangers because she doesn't seem to meet a stranger! I do know, though, that this wonderful trait of hers could get her into serious trouble. When I've tried to talk to her about this issue, she has become afraid and worried about things that might happen to her. When we worked through the Kidini program, however, she seemed to like what she was learning. This material has empowered her so that she knows exactly what to do if a stranger approaches her, taking away the helpless feeling she's had in the past. The animal characters in the Kidini book are very confident in their abilities to escape dangerous situations. Their confidence has instilled in my daughter a sense of self-assurance. You can't really put a price on that. 

 I have to say that I love the Kidini Bully Prevention and Child Safety program. My daughter was engaged from the minute we started the book. Though the creators of Kidini recommend teaching one lesson at a time, my daughter wanted to do the whole thing at once. We will go back and review the lessons, and she will listen to the CD to help her retain the things she has learned. I see this as a resource we will revisit many times over the coming years. At just $19.99 for the complete kit, this affordable product would be good for every family. 

Product review by Jenny Thompson, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, February 2010