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In addition to being the creator of "Instant Nanny" Shelly Blanco is a full time Martial Arts teacher, specializing in helping build the self-esteem of children. She is widely recognized as the Toledo and Maumee Ohio area's child safety expert and uses her skills for various groups and events to educate children and parents in safety.
Below is her advice from one of her recent "Stranger Danger" clinics; and below that is some of the local media coverage from these wonderful events.
Below is a complete video review featuring Sempai Shelly Blanco explaining the "Stranger Danger" rules in total.
(For a written review of the material scroll down below the videos.)
Check out three local news stories covering our stranger danger event!
Stranger Danger highlighted on Fox
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STRANGER DANGER
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What is a stranger?
A stranger is someone who you don’t know or whom your parents don’t know you are with.
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What if I need help and my parents aren’t around or I can’t reach them?
Parents should identify two or three “safe” adults. These are people whom your parents trust and can make decisions if they are not available. Two should be neighbors and the third could possibly be a teacher or other provider with whom the child would feel safe. Make sure that every “safe” adult knows and agrees to take on this responsibility.
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What about “code words”?
Code words don’t work – especially with younger children. If the “stranger” is nice, they want to help them out and will give them the code word!
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What are the four things every child should do when approached by a stranger?
a.) NO – yell “no” REALLY LOUD
b.) GO – run away
c.) YELL – Yell loudly either “stranger” or “you’re not my mom, you’re not my dad!”
d.) TELL – immediately tell their teacher or a “safe” adult what just happened.
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What should a child do if grabbed by an adult?
a. Scream loudly – “you’re not my mom, you’re not my dad!”
b. Fight – The areas to strike where children will be more successful against
an adult are…
· The eyes – poke them HARD!
· The nose and throat
· Fingers – they break easily
· Knees – if they can hit them hard enough, the stranger can’t chase them.
c. Anything goes! Biting, head butts, kicking, - ANYTHING!
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What is the difference between good secrets and bad secrets?
I encourage adults to take the word “secret” out of their vocabulary when talking to children -- the word “surprise” is more appropriate. However, remind children that “good secrets” or “surprises” make them feel happy and excited. “Bad secrets” make them feel sad and they should always tell you secrets when it makes them feel sad or scared.
Please don’t ever think for a minute that your children are going to remember this if you don’t practice and talk about it regularly. Quiz your child all the time. There are no “gray areas”. Remember, if they get scared, they will forget what to do if it doesn’t become second nature to them. Practice it all the time. We want our children to be cautious – NOT paranoid!
For more information about our programs,
please visit our website at www.ohiomartialarts.com
or call us at 419-385-1000
MartialArtsCenter – 5055 Glendale (@ Reynolds Rd),
and Shops at Fallen Timbers
419-385-1000 www.ohiomartialarts.com
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