We all want our children to be safe. We want to protect them from the dangers of the world - including dangerous people. As they grow up, however, we can't be with them every moment of the day - and this is exactly why kids need to learn how to watch out for danger, and how to protect themselves if they are ever in a threatening situation.

For many years, people around the world have been studying martial arts to learn the various styles and systems of physical combat and self defense. Now, kids in Naples are gaining an additional benefit from martial arts training - respect. At Impact Martial Arts, children are being taught the value of being respectful to their parents and teachers, being a good friend to others (not being a bully), and treating people with kindness and courtesy. These positive behaviors are a key part of the good character program at Impact.

Registration will be opening soon for our Fall Season Kids Camps. Click here for more info -- http://www.impactnaples.com/camps.html

Kids are going back to school here in Collier County, and in our classes at IMPACT we've been talking about how they can make friends with the other children. Some of the tips we've discussed are:

- Introduce yourself. Say hi, offer a handshake, tell them your name, and ask them theirs. Say something like "it's nice to meet you", and "let's be friends".

- Invite them to join in what you're doing. If you're in PE, or having recess, or doing something fun in class, ask them to be in your group or on your team. Don't exclude others, or tell them they can't join in - that's mean.

- Give compliments. Tell someone you like their shirt, or that their shoes are cool, or that it was great how they scored a point during a PE sports game, or that you like the artwork they did. Be honest - don't make stuff up that you don't really feel. Give them a high five or a fist bump along with the compliments to make it extra nice. Its cool to be a good friend that way.

- Help others, don't make fun of them. If a kid slips and falls, don't point and laugh. Instead, offer your hand to help them up. If a kid drops a bunch of stuff, don't call them names for it. Instead, help them pick it up. Be kind to other and follow the golden rule.

- Sit with them at lunch. Is one of the kids sitting alone? Go over and say hi and ask to sit next to them. Introduce yourself and start a conversation. Or, invite them to come over where you are and sit with you and your friends. You could just ignore them - but your be a much better friend of you didn't.

- Most of all, BE RESPECTFUL. No one wants to be friends with a jerk.

Back to School Bully Defense Tip #1: Stand Up for Others!
When you witness bullying taking place, don't look the other way or just be a silent bystander. Speak up and say something! Step in on behalf of the person who is being bullied. Let the bully know that what they're doing isn't right and isn't cool. Join forces with your friends in standing up to the bully's mean and hurtful behavior. The more that people stand up for each other, the less the bully can get away with it. And, when you speak up on behalf of others, it helps you get better at speaking up for yourself too!