More Confusion and Misunderstanding

Children often have a misleading and inaccurate picture of what a stranger is, or looks like, due to the scare and fear-tactics expressed by parent and teachers.

In fact, when we do presentation at pre-schools, day cares, and early elementary schools, we find that most children will describe a stranger in a very narrow way. When asked, "what does a bad stranger look like?" We get the following general descripion:

* 'He' is always a man. Even if asked if bad strangers can be a woman - children almost unanomously answer "no."

* They are ugly. Again, according to the vast majority of children, bad strangers cannot be pretty or good-looking.

* They are mean. A child registers a stranger as "bad" if they are not pleasant. This is true for mean looks as well as harsh speech.

* 'He' (remember it's a him) is dressed in black clothing and is often described as wearing a mask. When not wearing a mask, 'he' has facial hair like a beard.

Here is what is NOT said...

* There is never mention of race or color.

* There is never mention of women.

* There is never mention of people that their parents talk to.

EVER!

As you can see, what we don't say (even if we could say it in a way that a two, three, or five, etc. year old could understand and relate to) is just as important as what we do say. Scare and fear tactics, false or misleading descriptions, or worse yet, half-descriptions, both can be counter productive, possibly even harmful to the child's psychological and emotional growth.

Should You Consider Martial Arts for Child Safety?

A common worry of many parents is that martial arts training will encourage violence or aggression in their child. With rare exceptions, the opposite proves to be true.

At a professional martial arts academy, teaching martial arts for children, kids learn about what causes conflict so they can be better prepared to deal with it in a self defense situation.

Children discover an inner confidence and strength that helps them to move beyond the need to prove themselves physically or cower in fear. They come to find that they have the courage to walk away from a dangerous situation.

When it comes to teaching child safety, make sure that you ask about the instructor's credentials. Make sure that he or she is qualified, in your eyes, to help you teach safety lessons to your child.

What's Right for You and Your Child?

Knowing what you need is only the beginning when it comes to child safety. And, contrary to popular belief, all martial arts programs are not the same. Here are some things to remember when looking for a safety program for your child.

1. Instructor's Credentials - What background or experience does the head instructor have besides teaching martial arts? You owe it to your child to find an expert - someone with experience in handling real-world dangers themselves and who understand the real dangers that children - your child - may have to face.

2. Class Structure - Take the opportunity to view a class or two. It's important that class size be small enough to allow for personalized attention. Your child should be learning and not getting lost in a crowd.

3. Lesson Focus - Watch what is being taught. Ask yourself, do the techniques look like ancient martial arts moves or do they look like something that your child could use today? Are the attacks realistic or do they look stylized and robotic?

Remember, a child safety program is only as good as the information and skills being taught. They must not only work, but, must work against dangers that your child will have to deal with.

Child Safety Tips: