Teach Your Children

Let me start by asking all our readers to take a look at this short clip: http://foxnewsinsider.com/2012/02/09/caught-on-tape-7-year-old-girl-fights-off-would-be-kidnapper/

Pretty frighting stuff when you think about it. The numbers of children being abducted nationwide is staggering, and rate of human trafficking is high as well. The fact that this young child had minimal training no doubt saved her life.

This blog is not about scaring you though, although a good dose of healthy caution is important and timely. This post is about providing you with some skills and tools you can give your children to better protect themselves when the worst nightmare comes true.

Have a sit-down with your child and relay these messages to him/her. Practice them from time to time. Make a game out of it to keep them engaged. At the end of the day, the peace of mind you and your family will have is worth the "pain" of going through the process:

1. We cannot expect a child to fight an adult who is bigger and stronger than them for too long. Basic tools are important. Explain to your child that some targets on the human anatomy are better than others. Also explain the context, as in these skills are not to be used against other children during recess.
2. A kick or strike to the groin goes a long way. So does biting and scratching. These are much more effective than punches. 
3. Yelling and screaming is important as well. That said, as a society we became oblivious to screaming children who are throwing temper tantrums because their parent didn't want to buy them candy. Instead, get your child used to calling statements such as: "You are not my parent!"
4. Have a pre-designated area to unite in case you get separated. Make it easy to find, even for a child who is 3 feet tall. Make sure it is a public place.
5. Teach your child the importance of dialing 911. Explain that any phone will do, and no payment is needed. Introduce your child to the neighborhood police officer so he/she is comfortable around them.
6. If you can, enroll your child in a self-defense class. Any class will do. Understand the difference between martial arts and self-defense, and research to find the best program for your child's needs and abilities.

That information is for the child, but what about you? What would you, as a parent do if this happened? And more importantly, what can you do to prevent it? Here are a few tips:

1. As previously discussed, invest the time in your child's training and safety.
2. Learn how to initiate an Amber Alert (check out this site for more information: http://www.amberalert.gov/)
3. Do not let your child, especially young ones, wander around in a large store without direct eye contact with you.
4. Research the sex offender registry in your area. Know where these predators live.
5. Seek training with your child.

Young children, by definition, are a soft target. They are easy prey. Stories such as that of Jaycee Lee Dugard, who was kidnapped and held captive for 18 years, can make our hearts cringe. Make sure your child is not another statistic before it is too late.

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein

Masada Tactical, LLC

www.MasadaTactical.com