5 Personal Protection Strategies That Need To Be Taught So That Children Can Survive

Ilustrasi (Juliane Lieberm/Unsplash)

JAKARTA - For parents, child safety is an important thing that needs attention. It's so valuable, it's no wonder that parents are possessive when their children are active outside the home. Fear of being kidnapped, being bullied, and experiencing violence is the reason parents choose to limit their children's activities outside.

In fact, as a parent, it is obligatory to give your child space to 'get away' from you. Instead of continuing to worry about your little one's safety, you should provide lessons so that the little one who is no longer small is able to protect himself.

Dr. Laura Markham, clinical psychologist and founder of parenting consultancy Aha! Parenting, launched Aha Parenting, Monday, January 24, said that every family must teach their children to protect themselves. According to him, it should be included in the family safety list. He stated that the family safety list is not only how to protect or save oneself from physical injury, but also other issues that attack a person's well-being.

Dr. Markham shows what parents should do to teach self-defense to their children, such as;

Know a safe place

In order for your child to be safe, you can introduce the criteria for a safe place. For example, when he wants to go to a friend's house, make sure that he already knows his friend's family. When he goes outside, teach him to use his instincts to avoid uncomfortable places such as too quiet, filled with people staring at him, and other things. If he feels insecure, teach him to move immediately.

About the dangers of strangers

Many parents teach their children not to interact with other people. However, according to Dr. Markham, instead of always overshadowing them with the dangers of strangers, it's good to teach them to trust their instincts and stand up for themselves.

Equip children with Anti-Bullying weapons

Not a few children who experience bullying. This can even happen in schools, where they should be protected. Bullies target children they perceive as vulnerable. Therefore, parents must ensure that their children have high self-esteem and strong relationships with both family and peers to prevent bullying.

How to ask for help

If something makes them insecure, teach them to leave immediately, fight back, and shout, “"Help me! These aren't my parents!" If they are in a public place, teach him to run to a mother with a child, who can generally be counted on to help.

Prevent sexual harassment

Parents should be aware that this danger not only threatens girls, but also boys. Teach children which areas should not be seen and touched by others. In addition, teach them to say "NO" when someone does something that makes them uncomfortable.