James O'Connor Martial Arts & Fitness

Push-ups work, but are sometimes boring. Here’s a great way to get just as strong but add competition and fun into it!

If you come to me to train your kids or you teach your kids this, this is a great tool to have. Helping a friend that’s getting pounded on by a bully is a valuable skill to have. This is something you can train in your living room and you don’t even need a third person. You can have your child practice this on you! Reach out if you need more help.

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Here are 3 clear, practical tips you can teach your child in an age-appropriate way if an adult is ever chasing or trying to grab them:
1. Yell as loud as you can – specific words, not just “help”�Teach them to scream: “HELP! THIS IS NOT MY PARENT!” or “STRANGER! CALL 911!”�Specific words make adults nearby realize it’s not just kids playing — it triggers them to act faster than vague screaming.
2. Run toward groups of people or “safe spots,” never hide�Tell them: “Run to a store, a group of moms with strollers, a school, or anywhere with lots of people.”�Never run to a hiding place (alley, behind cars, woods) — predators count on kids hiding instead of getting to safety.
3. Make yourself hard to carry – “Be a starfish”�If the adult grabs them, teach them to drop to the ground, spread arms and legs wide (like a starfish), and kick/scream. This makes it extremely hard for one person to pick them up and carry them away quickly.
Bonus quick phrase to practice with them:
“Go toward lights, people, and other moms — never toward a car or quiet place.”
Teach these calmly but firmly, role-play a few times, and remind them: “You did NOTHING wrong — just get away and get help.”