Preparedness For Children
Our children are our future and they are the most worthwhile investment we can make, whether in time, energy or revenue. I am not speaking of spoiling a child as that is a fate just as bad as neglect in my opinion, but we are the ones responsible for their education, well being, mindset and overall becoming self reliant and efficient adults.
Children should be free to be a child. They do not need to be worrying about whether the economy will still be viable next year or if every time it rains a tornado is coming. As we teach them the knowledge and skills they need to know in order to survive disasters, we must utilize ways that makes the learning fun and doesn't create a deep sense of fear.
If you do not have the knowledge and skills to teach, taking a class together as a family is a great way to not only gain the knowledge and skills, but also bond even more as a family. Even if you are skilled, taking a class together sometimes helps the process. Sometimes as parents, we expect too much from our children when trying to teach them something we know and believe to be easy.
I coach my 8 year old in Little League Softball. I grew up playing baseball and played in several adult leagues as well. It was hard for me to put myself in my daughter's place to learning the very basics, as catching, throwing and swinging a bat after 20+ years of play was "easy". I learned as much as she did. I learned through witnessing the progression of her and the other girls, that kids seemed to take lessons better from a non parent coach. The added pressure from a parent wishing their child to succeed and feeling disappointed in their not "being a natural" and the child feeling the need to not disappoint is sometimes a bad mix, especially in the beginning. Just something to think about as you plan your child's education and apologies for sidetracking the discussion.
While we do not need to weigh down our children with the stresses and worries they will be forced to deal with soon enough, we do have to ensure they have the necessary items to be safe, secure and ready to deal with the disasters if they occur. Natural disasters do not choose only adult victims and they can leave a child alone in the most trying of times. Each child is different and will learn things at different ages. Do not expect them to learn something just because someone else's child did.
Safety gear and "find me" items are the most critical items for a child's preparedness kit in my opinion. Safety gear does not have to be purpose bought for preparedness. Certain emergencies or disasters need to be taught and discussed because they are the most likely for a child to encounter on their own (away from a parent).
Scenarios to discuss specifically with children:
•"Stranger Danger"- This is the program that teaches children the dangers of child abduction.
•Wandering away from home or camp- We read too many stories of children wandering away. Children are naturally curious and will follow whatever whim catches their attention, so reminding them to stay in sight is paramount to not adding to these stories. Teaching them what to do in case they do become separated can make for a better ending if the story is written.
•Active shooters- This is a serious scenario and too often ignored. Schools have become a target for the cowards who want infamy by any cost. Younger children cannot provide much defensive measures but instilling a true sense of discipline and respect for the caretakers of your child can greatly enhance their chances. Teachers and school staff are being trained in how to react, so we must ensure our children listen and follow directions.
•Strange animals- Kids love animals and almost always will approach them. They do not differentiate a hungry coyote from a neighbor's poodle or a mountain lion from a large tom cat. When camping with my daughter at a State Park when she was 3, she thought the raccoons looking for a handout were "kitties" because they were bold enough to come right in among us looking for scraps of food. Nature is awesome but care must be taken.
•Discipline- This is not the same as abuse or in this context, the means which you use to punish a child. Your child needs to understand that in serious situations, they must follow instructions immediately. A temper tantrum when a tornado is bearing down can be disastrous for everyone.
Safety and Rescue items to consider:
•Safety whistle- These require much less energy or air than screaming and causes less damage on the vocal cords. They are also louder. After being blown in the house a few times for fun, you will want the discipline. Using a secure and durable clip or cordage to tie through a button hole or a belt loop keeps it handy. *Warning* Do NOT tie around a child's neck. These are meant to add safety, not be an enabler to strangle your child if debris falls on them or they fall down a steep bank and catch the rope on a branch.
•Strobe Light- I like the strobe lights designed for SCUBA diving. For younger children, you can find strobes that automatically turn on when they are submerged or fully wet. This is helpful if they fall into a river or pond and will not have the presence of mind to turn the strobe on. They are relatively inexpensive, from about $10 to $50 depending on manufacturer and model.
•Flashlight- Small, compact, ultra bright LED flashlights are inexpensive. My kids and wife carry 300 lumen lights with high, low and SOS strobe settings. These can be seen for long distance at night and the strobe flash allows the observer to know they need help. Do NOT give a child a laser pointer! These are dangerous and can cause blindness. Kids seem to find a need to look at the laser or flash other people with it. These are not toys.
•Bicycle helmets- Along with helmets, knee and elbow pads are usually already in your possession. These can be used during an actual tornado or other disaster that flying or falling debris is likely.
•Water filters or purification methods- Kids will have trouble operating pump or lever style filters. Even when able to operate the filter itself, being able to properly use a pre-filter or not setting the induction hose in mud can be an issue. Water purification pills are one solution, but if you do not have blister packs or cut the wax seal from the bottle, younger children cannot use these. I chose a Seychelle filtered water bottle for my daughter. With the advanced filter, it helps remove heavy metals and chemicals, both common in our area of commercial agriculture.
Learning Solutions:
•Games- I have "Wildcraft" that my daughter and I play. It is a board game from Learning Herbs. It is not what you expect from a board game. You do not compete but work as a team. It has done wonders in getting my daughter interested in learning wild plants and their uses.
•Nature Guides- I have several field guides we use when hiking; grasses and ferns, trees, birds, mammals, animal tracks and signs, etc. One of my daughter's favorites is a field guide on what can be found in the backyard. We track squirrels and rabbits through the neighborhood and she always is looking at different insects, leaves, rocks, etc.
•Youth Organizations- The organizations like 4H and various scouting type organizations will help your child learn from knowledgeable adults and with children of similar age.
•Wilderness Skills Schools- Schools such as Nature Reliance School are useful and often have courses for the whole family to attend. They have taught these skills to countless people and have developed a great system for all experience levels. It helps having someone the child does not feel the need to impress teaching and you participating in the learning. They feel a bond then and you will see them beam with pride as they demonstrate to you their new found knowledge and skills.
Remember, each child is different and you as the parent must decide when they are mature enough and ready to learn new skills. For those who want to build a pack for their child, the backpacking industry has developed many parameters to help maintain the health and well being of your child.
The pack should not exceed 15% of the child's weight for carrying on even, flat terrain. Each child's strength will determine if the load needs to be reduced. By overburdening the child, damage is done to their growing bones and joints which can cause long term effects and reduce their quality of life. Kids will want a pack. They desire to "fit in" and be a part of the team. While my daughter doesn't use some of the tools she carries, I have begun the teaching that certain items are never left home when entering the wilderness, even for a short day hike. She always carries her compass, an emergency blanket, water bottle, ferro rod, and a knife.
Kids are sponges and they absorb everything we see, hear or feel. By implanting these lessons early, they will stay with her and by not hiding the more "dangerous" tools, she does not have a curiosity about them that will lead to sneaking around to try them.
Get Trained. Be Ready. Stay Prepared... and include your children.