How should I teach my child to defend himself?

RealAge

As early as preschool, you can begin teaching your child non-aggressive ways to handle conflict and what to do if someone becomes aggressive with them (at this age, it’s best to tell the teacher!). As your children grow, nurture their self-esteem and teach them to stand up for themselves. If your child has trouble in this area, perhaps some martial arts lessons could help raise their self-confidence while teaching them to defend themselves against violence.

From Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children by Jennifer Trachtenberg.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.