FHE With A Flair!

We have been wanting to put a FHE group together since January, and finally we were able to get an activity put together. Since the kids started with the ATA program a few weeks ago, we have been thinking that a self-defense class would be a great thing to start with. One of the instructors, Mr C, came out to the house to teach all of us some new skills.

This image shows Mr C showing and teaching the kids the ATA "mantra" - it is all about promising to show courtesty and respect to everyone, to honor teachers and parents, to always do your best every day. It is one of the things I love about the program. It just re-inforces all our own family values.
The first self-defense skill he taught the kids was a high block. The kids were all laughing hysterically as Mr C went around and tried to surprise them. Some of the kids were pretty good, and strong enough to surprise him.

This was a lesson in following directions. He had them turn in soldier style to each of his commands. The lesson was to just use a fun way to teach an important skill of remembering respect and discipline and honoring parents in our homes.

This is the one of the skills that Mr C spent the most time on. He taught the kids that if they are ever asked to keep a secret from parents that they should learn to yell "NO, WAY!" at the top of their lungs and then immediately go to an adult that they trust. He also taught them about stranger danger and about learning to yell "Help! This is not my mom/dad!" indicating that the adult in the situation was not someone safe. Teaching kids to use different phrases besides "No" or "Dont" or "I dont want to" (that are heard all the time from kids in tantrum modes) can be one thing that can keep them safe, and alert others around them who may be able to offer assistance where needed. I know this is something that really works. A gal who used to be in our ward shared this exact scenario happening to her when she was young. She got separated from her parents in a large crowd, and the one thing that brought attention and help for her was her brother noticing what was happening and started yelling that she was being taken by an adult that was not a parent or friend using similar phrases as Mr C taught the kids tonight. She said that got adults around her to respond quickly, and most likely the only thing that saved her life.

I couldnt stop thinking about that story while Mr C was teaching the kids. Maybe that one lesson is the reason I have felt we have needed to hold a class like this...maybe tonight will be something the kids will always remember and it will maybe help them one day. No matter what the reasons, tonight was a good choice and I am glad that we were able to share it with others.