Back-to-School Self Defense You Learned in Kindergarten
The internet is full of advice with back-to-school self-defense tips. But I’m sticking with “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” I’m taking a page out of Robert Fulghum classic book. But I’ve added a twist. Be sure to enjoy the podcast featuring a radio interview I did for The Coffee Hour at KFUO Radio. I share my four tips for back-to-school self defense, all of which, you learned in kindergarten. Be sure to find a link to the free videos at the bottom of this blog then find an online self-defense curriculum for the girls in your life.
“When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.”
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST/Coach Jody Featured on KFUO Radio!
My four tips for a safe back-to-school
Be Confident.
Yes, I know you might be scared. Maybe nervous. But I also know you are excited. Excited to make new friends and learn new things. If you don’t think you are ready … You are. You were born for this. You will do great things! Walk into school with your head held high. Imagine a crown on your head. (There really is an imaginary crown on your head.) Smile at people. When you smile, people will smile back. You will make other people feel confident. Look you just made a new friend!
Be Cautious.
Be cautious in traffic. Of course, look both ways before you cross the street, but I’m talking about creepy internet traffic. Sweet Mr. Fulghum’s advice still applies (but he had no idea how far this was going to go).
First, let me speak to parents of kindergarteners (because I’m sure your kindergartner is not posting on Snapchat and if they are, for the love of all things sane, stop!) Parents, teach healthy internet habits. Kindergartner should not be on Snapchat nor should they be on the internet for that matter. As children get older continue to monitor screen time. Teach your children about the dangers of the internet at the appropriate age. Monitor all internet activity. Yes, you have the right to do this. It’s your phone and it’s your child. You are the parent. No excuses. And when your child finally goes to college, they will understand the dangers of the internet and make wise choices. Girls, did you know Snapchat is now on the creepy stalker app list? Stop sharing your location. And do not talk to strangers! Ever.
Only share your location with a trusted friend and parents. And do it the old fashioned way .. with a note, a phone call, email or text.
Which leads me to #3 (To learn more about the 15 Creepy Apps click here for this news story) Seriously, heed this advice.
Be a Buddy.
Everyone needs a travel buddy. From your first field trip to your first big trip over seas always travel with a buddy or a group of buddies. And if you are out late (studying at the library, of course) You can always call for someone to come get you. You can always call campus patrol to walk with you. Be confident to pick up the phone and call for help. Make sure you know the safety policies of your school.
Be a Good Friend.
Seek out trusted, loyal friends. Get to know people before you reveal too much information. Meet friends in public areas. Do not bring friends into your dorm room. Always play in public spaces with supervision. Do not go home with someone you don’t know well or get into someone’s car you don’t know well.
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If a situation becomes a bit more scary. Remember the triple A’s
Assert Yourself.
Your voice is your first line of self defense. Use it. Use your voice to communicate your boundaries. Use your voice to get help. Use your voice to de-escalate a person and the situation. Use strong body language to communicate confidence and boundaries. Remember, you have a crown on your head. Stand up tall and speak loud and clear.
Assess Your Situation.
Get your head out of your phone and look around. Your eyes should always be scanning your surroundings. How many people are around you? Where are your exits? Can you get help? Can you go some where else? Begin to determine your next steps by evaluating your surroundings.
Act Appropriately.
Based on your ability to assert yourself and assess of your surroundings, you will be able to act appropriately. Every situation is different. Most of the time you can seek a peaceful resolution. Some times you will need some self-defense skills.
Whether you are in kindergarten or college, The Great Flip is an introduction to self defense inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
The Great Flip.
The Great Flip is an introduction to self defense inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Girls can watch online instructional videos and learn empowering self-defense techniques in a safe place with safe people. They can advance at their own pace. Each video is less than three minutes and easy to watch, repeat, train and master.
Review the collection of FREE Videos at Vimeo.com/TheGreatFlip
Get a group of girl friends together this school year and learn self-defense at home or in your dorm room. Use The Great Flip curriculum in your homeschool, private school and youth team-building activities. The Great Flip is an approved program partner for American Heritage Girls.
You can find more videos on YouTube by searching “The Great Flip Online Self Defense”
To learn more about pricing and programs click here!
I just had to! Here’s a list of lessons from Robert Fulghum’s book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”
- Share everything.
2. Play fair.
3. Don’t hit people.
4. Put things back where you found them.
5. CLEAN UP YOUR OWN MESS.
6. Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
7. Say you’re SORRY when you HURT somebody.
8. Wash your hands before you eat.
9. Flush.
10. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
11. Live a balanced life – learn some and drink some and draw some and paint some and sing and dance and play and work everyday some.
12. Take a nap every afternoon.
13. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
14. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
15. Goldfish and hamster and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So do we.
16. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK.”
― Robert Fulghum
Feel free to contact me to learn more about The Great Flip! Be safe out there! See you on the mat
-Coach Jody
