SafeZone:Kids

Walking to school with my youngest today and we used it as an exercise to give her the confidence to start walking to school and back on her own next school year (year 6 - how did that happen?).

She walked in front of me using our usual route and made decisions on when it was safe to cross the road, where to stand at the kerb to see oncoming traffic and how to deal with crossing at junctions. She was able to make great decisions and only had to look at me for confirmation on a couple of occasions (and each time her decision was the correct choice).

Simple games like this are an ideal way to build confidence, self-belief, awareness and resilience and cost nothing in terms of effort or time in your daily routine.

Another game you can play to teach social awareness and skill when they are old enough is to have your child do the shopping for a few items. You, as the trusted adult, would shadow from a safe distance so the child knows they have a safety net but let them do everything safely and learn valuable skills - they will learn money management, people awareness, social etiquette in addition to personal safety skills so it's a win-win.

Put the two exercises together and quickly your young person will have the confidence and skills to go to the corner shop on their own if needed.

Really proud of her today - still not sure I want her walking on her own though - that's our time to chat about her life and I'll miss that interaction.

Big week coming up. Kids and teen classes return after the Easter break and we're back in local schools teaching confidence, resilience and awareness skills.

Looking for a fun, engaging class for your kids? Do you want to see them grow in independence, strength and confidence?

WhatsApp us now and find out about Classes near you.

Now taking sign ups for the Autumn Term at our kids classes in Stoughton.

Classes run from 1600-1645 (Little Dragons, 6-9) and 1700-1745 (Dragons, 10-12). We teach confidence, awareness and resilience through fun games and drills.

Want to know more? Hit the button and send me a WhatsApp message.

Still spaces available for our Friday afternoon SafeZone:Kids classes at Queen Elizabeth Park centre in Stoughton. Little Dragons (6-9) from 1600-1645 and Dragons (9-12) from 1700-1745.

Learn simple skills to avoid danger, build awareness and resilience in a safe and fun environment.

WhatsApp me for details.

The first class of the new term at QE Park in Stoughton was a great success. Some wonderful kids, both old and new learning simple and effective personal protection and confidence building skills.

Lots of noise, laughter and fun (and the kids seemed to enjoy it too ;) ).

There are still a few spaces available for both the 6-9 and 10-12 year old groups so why not send me a Whatsapp message to find out more?

Just 2 more weeks until the SafeZone:Kids classes resume at the QE Park Centre in Guildford.

Each class is structured to build confidence and resilience in kids aged 6-12 and to give them the tools to make good decisions. We look at anti-bullying skills and what to do if they get lost or separated from their trusted adult or are approached by a "tricky" person.

Would you like to know more? Simply send me a WhatsApp using the button and I will get back to you quickly.



We also offer teen and adult classes. Use the same button to enquire about those.

Had a fantastic day at Stoughton Infant and Nursery School yesterday for their Big and Bouncy day. Showed some simple self defence to kids and adults and met some wonderful people.

I often get asked by parents how they can teach safety and awareness skills to their children without scaring them. My answer? Play. Kids (and adults) learn best through play.

I use a few different games to get the kids to look around and see what’s going on. Nothing scary, just simple “what can you see?” and “what would you do?” games. Make them fun and enjoyable and it’s amazing how quickly kids spot things or figure things out.

When you arrive somewhere, ask them how many exits are there? (remember, windows can be an exit too), which one is closest?, where could you hide if you needed to?, ask them if they needed help who could they ask? – I have them point out adults who would be likely to help, for example members of staff or mothers and/or fathers with children. I’m not a big fan of teaching “stranger danger” because if my kids are lost, chances are they need to ask a stranger for help and if they are told to NEVER speak to strangers, what do they do? Instead I prefer teaching my kids how to select an adult who “feels” safe to them.

One thing we teach in our SafeZone:Kids and SafeZone:Teens classes is to be aware of how we feel. Coach Tony Blauer, founder of the SPEAR System (https://www.facebook.com/groups/tonyblauersPDRgroup - www.blauerspear.com), says you can’t be situationally aware unless you are aware of what’s going on inside yourself, so one question I ask my kids when we get somewhere new is “How does this place make you feel?”. That gets them thinking about their instinctive response to a place and helps them ask why they feel that way. If they feel good, they carry on happy; If they feel bad, they will look around to try to spot what is causing that reaction. Likewise, if a person makes them “feel” bad they should move away and find a trusted adult for help.

Another game I often play with my children is the “What if…?” game. When we are out and about I will ask them questions like “what if we got separated? What would you do and who could you ask for help?”, “what if an adult comes up and asks you for help?” (my kids know an adult doesn’t really need help from a child so they should exit immediately and tell a trusted adult) or “what if you hurt yourself right now?”.

This simple game serves several purposes: a) it makes them start to think for themselves and take responsibility for their safety and feelings, and b) it gives me an insight into how my children are thinking and feeling so if the “what if?” event really did happen, I have an idea on how they would respond so can base my response on that knowledge.

Together we will come up with a plan based on the answer to the what if question: If the child has agency in creating the plan they are more likely to remember it and use it.

This type of brain based learning is what makes the SPEAR System different to other self defence systems out there. For more information on local kids and teens self protection classes, why not drop me a WhatsApp message and join a trial class?


http://1stresponse.uk

Great to be back at St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Guildford today for the after school club. Another full and fun term planned.

We looked at maintaining boundaries, running to a trusted adult and avoiding being grabbed.

Self Defence and fitness classes for the summer term start this Friday at the QE Park Centre in Stoughton.
Little Dragons (6-9) from 1600-1645
Dragons (10-12) from 1700-1745

Classes are fun and interactive teaching simple self protection skills and games to build confidence, awareness and resilience.

Send me a WhatsApp for more information.

Have Fun - Be Confident - Stay Safe