Protect yourself and your little ones

Parents and tots attended an anti-hijacking and anti-crime workshop on Saturday, June 26, at the Little Bright Fox Mom and Baby Studio in Weltevreden Park. Held in association with Waygard Drift Security and iLead self-defence, scenarios were played out and crucial tips against hijackings were shared during the workshop for parents or guardians travelling with children.

Risha Harie, founder of iLead shared ways parents can protect themselves and their children should they ever get hijacked or be attacked in their homes. She said simple objects such as pins or car keys can be used as weapons of self-defence. “Moms with kids, protect yourself first so that you can protect your family and children. Hijackings happen everywhere. If you are alone, be obedient and give the criminals the vehicle. Be aware and look at what they are wearing – do they have tattoos or scars? Be vocal when doing things and don’t make fast unannounced movements. Retain as much information as possible, but this can be difficult because your adrenalin will be pumping.”

She suggested that children, especially when they are in car seats, should be diagonal to the driver because it is easier to turn around, unstrap them and exit the vehicle. She advised parents to practice with their children and play out different scenarios so that children know what to do in the face of danger.

According to Harie, when travelling on South African roads, it’s good to expect the best and prepare for the worst. Parents can do this by building situational awareness. “If you have trained yourself, you can see the situation before it happens,” she said. Technology is a big distraction and people can be easy targets when distracted. Use hands-free devices when you are in the car, and stand against a wall when you take a call in a public setting. This takes away the possibility of being attacked from behind.

People react differently when confronted; however, many of the mothers in attendance shared how they have frozen when they were in danger before. Risha said the best way to overcome fear or freezing up is to prepare the body. “Doing self-defence regularly will help you in situations where you need to react because it will become part of your muscle memory. Role-play with your kids so that they know how to react and what to do. Make educated decisions about safety.

“Don’t stop on the side of the road. When travelling with a crying child, it is a parental instinct to want to stop the vehicle immediately and comfort your child, but this can put you and your children in danger.”