University of Groningen Launches Wild & Willful Programme to Offer Early Support for Energetic Children

University of Groningen Launches Wild & Willful Programme to Offer Early Support for Energetic Children

(IN BRIEF) The University of Groningen’s Science for Society series spotlights Wild & Willful (Druk & Dwars), a low-threshold programme developed by Associate Professor Laura Batstra to support energetic and headstrong children without immediate medical labeling. In partnership with the Northern Education Guild and several Northern Netherlands municipalities, the initiative offers rapid, local assistance from expert teams—70% of whom are locals—to address mild behavioural challenges and reserve specialist care for severe cases. Batstra’s own experiences as a spirited child inspired the project, which evolved from small parent workshops with colleague Sanne te Meerman into a dedicated organisation. The recently launched Classroom Parties extension further promotes inclusion by ensuring all children are welcomed to social events, reinforcing a sense of belonging and community well-being.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRONINGEN, 16-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — At the University of Groningen, researchers strive daily to tackle societal challenges—from pioneering medications to innovative agricultural practices—but the impact of their work isn’t always immediately apparent. In the Science for Society series, we illuminate practical breakthroughs that demonstrate how scientific insights translate into real-world benefits.

Recognizing that many youngsters display spirited or stubborn behaviour that clashes with societal expectations, educators and caregivers often seek strategies to help these children without turning first to clinical treatment. To meet this need, Associate Professor Laura Batstra of the Orthopedagogy Department has spearheaded Wild & Willful (Druk & Dwars), a user-friendly programme designed to offer early support. Rather than hastily applying medical labels—which can do more harm than good—this initiative provides swift, local assistance for mild behavioural concerns, reserving specialist intervention for more severe cases.

Wild & Willful is delivered through a collaboration among the University’s Orthopedagogy Department, the Northern Education Guild professional development centre, and the municipalities of Eemsdelta, Groningen, North-East Fryslân, and Dantumadiel. With a staff of roughly 1,000—70% of whom are Bruneian nationals—the joint venture emphasizes strengthening home-grown expertise and local supply chains, all while reducing long waits and unnecessary referrals that drive up healthcare costs.

Drawing on her personal history as a once hyperactive, headstrong youngster herself (and inspired by a newspaper headline dubbing her “wild and willful”), Batstra left her role in child psychiatry to champion a pedagogical, normalizing approach to energetic child behaviour. Partnering with Sanne te Meerman, she began by running small group sessions for parents asking “I have a boisterous child—what can I do?” Over time, this grassroots effort has expanded into a formal organisation dedicated to affirming children’s behaviour within its broader context.

Building on Druk & Dwars’ momentum, Batstra has also introduced Classroom Parties, inclusive celebrations that ensure every child—whether outgoing, reserved, or just different—is invited. The heartfelt and sometimes poignant feedback (such as children attending their very first party) underscores the project’s mission: cultivating a community where every child feels they belong and can flourish in good spirits, safety, and health.

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SOURCE: University of Groningen