Children's Self Defense

This is part one of a multi-part blog on Children's Self Defense with comprehensive techniques that can potentially help save a child’s life. Techniques should be taught to all children as soon as they can comprehend the lessons. While we don’t want to raise paranoid kids, they need to be aware of the stranger dangers that lurk in today's society.

Keep your child's ID card and file current. (You can search for kits on line: Child ID Program.) Include medical information, physical description and recent picture. Dental records, fingerprints and DNA samples should be kept in a home file. Also have a wallet size ID including picture to carry with whoever is accompanying the child. Have each updated annually.
Teach them their entire name, phone number, address, your name(s). Teach them how to use a phone and about dialing 911.
Strangers. Remember strangers are not just people you’ve never seen. Tell them to stay at least an arm’s length from other adults, don’t talk to them, don’t take anything from them and never go anywhere with them!
Teach them their body is private and no one should touch them in a way that makes them uncomfortable. No one should touch them anywhere their swimsuit would cover. They should not hug or kiss friends or family members if they do not wish too-that sends the wrong message.
Emphasize openness, and no secrets from you, their parents, for any reason. If someone were to ask them to keep a secret they need to tell you right away.