Yelling is one of the most important self-defense techniques that your child can use if a stranger makes a grab. Yelling things like "stranger danger" or "help" lets others know that your kid is in trouble. However, yelling may not be enough to make an abductor let go. It is important that your child knows self-defense techniques against common grabs like a wrist grab, double wrist grab and bear hug.
Wrist Grab
If an abductor grabs your child by the left wrist with his right hand, then your kid should react quickly. You do not want to give an attacker the chance to get a strong grip on your child's wrist. If your kid is confronted with this situation, then he or she should grab the abductor's left fist with their own right hand. The child can then pull his or her left wrist out of the attacker's hand. The wrist is pulled sideways through the attacker's thumb and fingers.
Teach your child about target areas on the attacker that can be hit or kicked to additionally support an escape. The shins, groin and eyes are primary targets.
Double Wrist Grab
If an assailant grabs your child by both wrists, then it can be difficult to get away because both hands are constricted. However, with practice, the child can become proficient at escaping this grab. Teach your children to quickly twist their hands inward and up through the abductor's fingers and thumbs. If your kids struggle with this self-defense move, then they can also kick the attacker's groin or shins.
Make sure your child also understands the importance of running away from the stranger after breaking free. Hanging around simply invites another grab. Tell children to run to a public place that has a lot of people. An abductor will not likely create a scene in a public setting for fear of getting caught.
Bear Hug
A scary attack for children and adults can be an attack from behind. If your child is grabbed from behind, it can be quite startling. Additionally, it can be scary because your kid may not even know who is grabbing him. Teach your child not to panic in this situation. Emphasize the importance of yelling and not giving up.
If the assailant wraps his arms around your child's arms and picks the kid up in a bear hug, then using the child's head may literally be the best option. Your kid can drive his or her head backward into attacker's nose. Tell your child to repeatedly smash the attacker's nose until getting free from the bear hug.
Member Comments