FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Martial Arts Chesapeake, Virginia  

CONTACT: Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts- Master Instructor -Senior Master T. L. Thomas

                      Phone #: 757-432-9022    email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Important Tips for Parents and Guardians to Help Keep Their Children Safe!

Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts Chesapeake, Virginia

“Family Fun & Fitness Event”

Held at Butts Road Primary School

 Family Fun & Fitness at Butts Rd Primary School has invited to participate; Changing Lives Martial Arts Chief Instructor Mr. Lathe Craft 3rd Degree Nationally Certified ATA Martial Arts Instructor. Mr. Craft will be teaching in 10 minute sessions rotating 250 students through a Chesapeake Martial Arts program within a 2 hour period starting at 6:00 PM and ending at 8:00 PM on January 21st 2010.

While many parents and guardians in Chesapeake, Virginia feel they are faced with new and unprecedented challenges when trying to keep their children safer in today’s fast paced and increasingly global society, Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts offers these common-sense, general safety tips to help parents and guardians put these challenges into perspective.

Practice basic safety skills with your children.  Make an outing to a mall or park a “teachable” experience in which your children can practice checking with you, using phones, going to the restroom with a friend, and locating the adults who can help if they need assistance.  Remember, allowing your children to wear clothing or carry items in public on which their name is displayed can bring about unwelcome attention from inappropriate people who may be looking for a way to start a conversation with your children.

Notice when anyone shows one or all of your children a great deal of attention or begins giving them gifts.  Take the time to talk to your children about the person and find out why the person is acting this way.

Be sensitive to any changes in your child’s behavior or attitude.  Encourage open communication and learn how to be an active listener.  Look and listen for small cues and clues that something may be troubling your children, because children are not always comfortable disclosing disturbing event or feelings.  This may be because they are concerned about your reaction to their problems.  If your children do confide problems to you, strive to remain calm, non-critical and non-judgmental.  Listen compassionately to their concern, and work with them to get the help they need to resolve the problem. “Parents are always busy, but the time we take with our children now, is what will help them become great communicators and teaching them that honesty pays off” states; Senior Master Thomas.

Be sure to screen babysitters and caregivers.  Many states now have a public registry that allows parents and guardians to check out individuals for prior criminal records and sex offenses.  Check out references with other families who have used the caregiver or babysitter.  Once you have chosen the caregiver, drop in unexpectedly to see how your children are doing.  Ask your children how the experience with the caregiver was, and listen carefully to the responses. Facial expressions, body language and their voice can tell you much about their experience.

Teach your children they have the right to say NO to any unwelcome, uncomfortable, or confusing touch or action by others and to get out of those situations as quickly as possible.  If avoidance is not an option, children should be taught to kick, scream and resist.  When in such a situation, teach them to loudly yell that the person is not a parent/guardian and then immediately tell you if this happens.  Reassure them you’re there to help and it is okay to tell you anything.

Remember there is no substitute for your attention and supervision.  Being available and taking time to really know and listen to your children helps build feelings of safety and security.

Changing Lives Martial Arts worked one on one with the public school systems in Chesapeake, Virginia and is a “City Wide Partners in Education” in Virginia Beach Public School systems.

Serving Hampton Roads through Martial Arts In Chesapeake and Virginia Beach as a proud American Gold Martial Arts “Best of Chesapeake” Winner.

CLMA Martial Arts of Chesapeake, VA is offering a “FREE” Child Safety, Child Abduction Awareness seminars in the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, Virginia area.  This program is being offered absolutely FREE to families that are interested and have children ages 5 years old and older.  These seminars will share safety tips, techniques, and life saving strategies. For a sample video please visit our website at http://atakick.com/index.php/our-programs/karate-kids.html and go to the Karate For Kids section under Programs.

Classes are limited in size and will be filled on a first-come basis.  Please call Chief Instructor, Mr. Craft at Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts at 757-432-9022 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and make plans now to attend this ATA Martial Arts event.