Seriously folks, some people are scared of drowning to death... other people are scared of burning to death... I am scared of all of them, obviously... but I am most scared that someone is going to take me or my kids and harm one of us. This is a real and ever-present fear of mine. Um... for example... my middle schooler is NOT permitted to wait at her bus stop (even WITH other kids) unless one of her parents is present (NOT just merely watching from a distance). This type of overprotective behavior was easier to justify when Lulu was young, but not so much as she is getting older.
For years and years I have been wanting to enroll in the RAD Kids self defense class. Unfortunately, these classes ALWAYS conflict with cheer practice (or soccer or theater... you get my point). This year we didn't have any excuse NOT to attend and I am so glad that we did. We learned sooooooo many tips on safety and what to do if you find yourself in a bad situation.
Each session was divided into two parts: (1) how to avoid bad situations and (2) how to physically protect yourself if you end up in a bad situation.
The students got to put their physical techniques to the test at the last class.
Up next, we are going to do a "locked in a trunk" simulation... I'm NOT kidding.
I'm still going to follow Lulu around wherever she goes... but if she happens to get abducted in the one minute per year that I am not
Also, in our area, there is a one-time fee to attend the class. Yearly refresher classes are free.
If you have a Rad Kids class in your area then I would definitely recommend that you take it. They do ask that parents attend with the kids. But, this doesn't have to be a kid-parent thing. I saw aunts and uncles with nieces and nephews... grandparents with grandkids. It's up to you.
On a funny(ish) note... one of the moms did NOT sign the "photography waiver" agreeing that her child's picture could be published in the paper should a local newspaper come to cover the class. She told me she was apalled that anyone would sign such a "waiver" letting their kids picture be in the paper... for ALL to see. Um... needless to say... I didn't mention my {{whisper}} b-l-o-g. I felt like such a hypocrite.
2 comments:
I'm a paranoid mom too. Not as much as the lady in that class, (obviously, see exhibit A, *my* blog) but I couldn't count how many times we've had discussions with our kids about how to fend off would be kidnappers, or attackers.
My daughter has taken it a little too much to heart though... at 7 she punched the neighbor boy when he said he wanted to kiss her. I told her simply saying no probably would have been sufficient, but on the inside I was secretly thrilled that she was able to stand up for herself like that.
Good for you for teaching your daughter skills she can use her whole life!
I think it is great that you are involved with this class.. can't learn too much to defend yourself.. both of you! And as for Madam Shocked & Appalled.. does the child walk around with a bag over her head so no one can see her face???
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