Empowered Kids LLC

Today we learned about the lungs! They not only supply oxygen to our bodies , but also are so important for one of our favorite coping skills…deep breathing!

The book Alphabreaths is a fun way to learn and practice different breathing techniques. The kids we worked with today loved the alligator breath! What’s your favorite breathing technique?

It has been a busy week and it’s only Wednesday! 😅

We were thrilled to present at the conference yesterday. Our topic was aimed at supporting the hospice and palliative care caregivers who are often providing spur of the moment guidance and fielding the questions from to their adult patients “how do I tell the kids I’m dying?” We loved when people shared their favorite resources and when the questions veered from human to pet death.

We love educating and empowering adults to have tough conversations with kids. It only makes relationships stronger and more trusting. 🥰

Thank you for such wonderful resources to help kids (and grownups!) learn about and understand complex medical topics.

It can feel overwhelming to know where to begin when talking with kids about a medical diagnosis like leukemia, or what it means to get a bone marrow transplant. Books are a gentle and familiar way for kids to learn, and can provide language for grownups to use as they continue conversations.

Child Core education books are written by child life specialists, so complex medical information is broken down in a way that is easy for kids to understand. They have books on a variety of topics (Lupus, Kidney Transplant, Appendectomy) and have the ‘What is a Bone Marrow Transplant?’ book in Spanish! (¿Que es un trasplante de médula ósea?)

📕 📖 📚

Register by TOMORROW—Sunday, February 22 to join us for a virtual adult learning session through Edina Community Ed!

UPDATE: Empowered Kids will provide a certificate for 1 continuing education credit for professionals!

Please share with someone who needs continuing education hours or who may benefit from this type of information!

Reminder, the event is VIRTUAL, so you don’t have to live in Minnesota to attend.

Link to register in bio.

Empowered Kids will be facilitating a virtual adult learning session through Edina Community Education next week:

Thursday, February 26
6:30-7:30 PM CST

This event is VIRTUAL, so anyone can attend…you don’t have to live in Edina, or even Minnesota!

Be sure to register by 2/22/2026. Please share with someone who may benefit from this type of information.

Link to register is in bio.

Our goal as child life specialists has ALWAYS been to minimize fear, stress, and trauma for kids and families. As a Minneapolis based company and citizens of this city, we are enraged at the injustice and oppression being forced upon the people of our city. As child development experts, we know the immediate and long term impact that family separation, injustice, being witnesses of and subjected to violence, and living in a persistent state of fear has on children, families and communities.

Empowered Kids was built on the foundation of kindness, inclusivity, openness, and a deep care for people. We will continue to be a space where EVERY child and family can feel safe and receive support.

The damage is done in Minnesota. We are cautiously optimistic that change is coming, but we can never go back to how things were. As a society we now work towards recovery, repair and focus on the power in coming together as a community.

For many, this season holds a lot of mixed emotions and feelings.

While in a session this week a young client shared he wanted to keep doing creative projects. When asked what he likes about them, he stated “because we can talk about my dad“.

It was a good reminder that no matter how young or old someone is, they will likely always want to talk about their deceased loved one and are always thinking about them…you won’t upset them. So say their name, share a memory, acknowledge their existence.

💙🩵💜❤️

REGISTRATION CLOSES TOMORROW!

Empowered Kids will be facilitating a virtual adult learning session through

Thursday, November 13
6:30-7:30 PM CST

This event is VIRTUAL, so anyone can attend—You don’t have to live in Edina, or even Minnesota!

Be sure to register by TOMORROW—Monday, 11/10

Link to register in bio

Pill swallowing is a life skill, and like most skills requires some practice. It is ideal to not learn pill swallowing when a medication is being started, so begin now (!) when the pressure is low, and the candy is already in the house. Starting with a small candies like Nerds builds confidence as it often leads to immediate success. Gradually increase the size when the child feels successful. Similarly to other skills, it may feel frustrating when it does not come easily, and for some there are big emotions associated with it. If you or your child (no matter how old they are!) struggle with pill swallowing, reach out to us; will have you feeling successful in no time! 🎉

Empowered Kids will be facilitating a virtual adult learning session through

Thursday, November 13
6:30-7:30 PM CST

This event is VIRTUAL, so anyone can attend—You don’t have to live in Edina, or even Minnesota!

Be sure to register by 11/10/2025.

Please share with someone who may benefit from this type of information!

Link to register in bio

Most would look at this picture and think this session involves making shapes with Play-Doh. But in reality what you see here is an x-ray machine and three levels of powerful medicine all hoping to get rid of a terrible illness. Each week for many months we have played the same scenario because play is how children process challenging life events. They may not have the words to explain what they’re thinking, but through play they make it very clear. If you and your family are experiencing a challenging life event always make room for play. ❤️💚💙