It seems every year we learn about new scary things that put us on the verge of keeping our kids indoors 24/7 (um, those “creepy clowns,” for example). But if you’re like us, you’re also not interested in a sheltered life, especially because it would mean being trapped all day long with your beloved spawn who, on any given day, presents you a whole other set of terrors. Well, with Halloween coming up, we know it can bring up all sorts of anxieties about safety with little ones and sometimes even more so with older kids who can begin to be more independent on this day.
This week we got some very special help in this department! Krav Maga Worldwide, one of the nation’s leading self-defense organizations, has a few important safety tips for parents to keep in mind before heading out the door this Halloween:
- Talk to kids about knowing their surroundings. This is the most important lesson to teach kids. By explaining to them that they need to be fully aware when they are alone can avert dangerous situations from happening. One example of this can be telling your kids to leave headphones off when walking around the neighborhood. Explain that using all of your senses is very important.
- Practice the buddy system and stay in groups. Be sure to tell your child how important it is to stay with the group and not to venture off alone.
- Do not associate with strangers or enter a stranger’s home. Inform your child about the tricks used by predators. Tricks such as an emergency trick where the predator tricks the child into thinking there is an emergency and the child must go with the predator. Make sure your kids know that in an emergency you will contact them, and that they are your number one priority. Also, explain that if something were to happen a family member or trusted friend would contact them with a special family code word.
- Plan a route ahead of time and choose a meeting time and spot. This comes in handy if a child is separated from the group.
- Be mindful of costumes: Comfortable shoes, flame retardant costume, prop safety, forgo masks and use face paint for better sight and breathing.
- Also, in the event your child is separated, before going out, put your name and number on your child’s hand and seal it with liquid Band-Aid so it stays put.
- Send kids with a reflector strip, glow sticks, or flash lights.
Have any extra tips that are helpful during Halloween?
About Krav Maga Worldwide
Founded in 1997 to promote Krav Maga throughout the United States and around the world, Krav Maga Worldwide trains and certifies instructors and licenses over 150 authorized Krav Maga Worldwide training centers in the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, South America, and Europe, as well as over 800 law enforcement agencies and military units. Krav Maga offers the highest caliber of instruction to thousands of people, supporting the company’s core commitment to improving and saving lives. Krav Maga Worldwide continues to develop, promote and implement self-defense and fitness programs. For additional information, visit: www.kravmaga.com.
Two and Three Quarters 