Simple methods of unarmed self-defense tips for children.
Lets face it, a 200 pound, six-foot man can overpower a fifty-five pound child almost any given day. There is no way the kidnapped, assaulted child can fight the brute strength of an adult. This isn't to say there aren't any self-defense teachings the child should learn.
The best thing a child can have going for them is a protective parent who teaches more than just the common "don't talk to strangers" rule. Be honest with the children and explain more than just "some people like to hurt little children." Think up scenarios and rehearse them with your child.
Most parents picture the child molester/abductor as some pervert that hangs around a playground in a trench coat. This is simply not the norm. Seventy-five percent of the child abusers/molesters/abductors are acquainted with the child. The majority of the remaining twenty-five percent gain the trust of the child before assaulting or abducting them. This trust can be gained as easily as asking if the child has seen a dog, cat or child that the assailant is "missing."
This is one of the most common lures because it is one of the most affective. It is also one that is used upon women as well. Many times these people will have an actual photo of a pet or child to lend credence to his or her story.
Children need to be taught and if at all possible, TESTED about these types of lures. After you are sure you have it through your child's head, get a co-worker or an acquaintance that the child is unfamiliar with and set the child up. You can also do this if your child uses the Internet.
Another thing a parent should do is set up a password that only you, your spouse and your child know. Make it clear to your child that he or she should never leave with anyone who doesn't know this password. When you decide on the word, make it one that would have no bearing on your everyday lives. You don't want to make it one that could be easily guessed. Once again, if you think your child understands the necessity of such a word, test them on its use.
Let them know police uniforms can be bought or acquired at a costume shop. If someone in uniform approaches them at school or home, have them go to a known adult or school official to verify the "officer." A true police officer will understand such precautions and applaud them where as a fake one will become belligerent and try to use force.
In the event an older child or adult grabs your son or daughter, there are a few techniques that may help them get attention or even escape.
Parents also need to teach their children to yell NO and continue to yell. Teaching this may seem like a foreign concept to many parents. The thing is, many don't know how to use it in situations with other adults. There is a fine line between being polite and respectful to an adult and knowing when to back away and say no to unwanted attention or touch. It is the child's body and they should have the right to say who can and can't touch them. By teaching this to them in a known, controlled environment, they will have a better chance of doing the same in the unknown.
There are also a few maneuvers you can practice with your child. One is to come up behind them and grab them in a bear hug. After you have them in a good grip, lift them off the ground and begin to move.
At the first grab the child should begin yelling for all he or she is worth. As the yelling is going on, have them start running as hard as they can in the air while attempting to kick themselves in the rear. If an assailant is moving, he is unlikely to be protecting his groin. The flailing heels can be very painful if a good solid strike is made.
In this same position they can drop their head as far as possible and then attempt to hit the attacker in the face with the back of the head. Busted lips and bleeding noses are painful as well as psychologically daunting.
After these, try holding the child in other ways and have them look around. Can they use a different type of head butt? What about their teeth? Is there anyway of sinking them into the assailant and pulling off a piece of meat? The child would use the same type of biting/tearing motion as he or she would in biting into a crisp apple and removing a chunk with their teeth.
If they are cornered, is there some type of weapon they can use? The child may be too small to hit the assailant upside the head but a good whack to the knees; arch of the foot or toes can sometimes slow the "bad guy" down.
One of the most important things a parent needs to make clear to the child is to run away and put as much distance as possible between them and their assailant if they become free.
