Is your daughter equipped to defend herself in case of an attack? Surprisingly, given the times we are living it, the answer in most cases is NO.
A woman's greatest weakness is her lack of physical strength and it is this weakness combined with sexual desirability that makes women prone to unwanted overtures and attacks.
We all know that it is relatively easy for a man to overpower a woman, especially if she is taken by surprise. Even though your daughter may never find herself in danger of rape, an act like molestation, even if it lasts just a few minutes, can be profoundly disturbing, more so if she finds herself completely helpless in the situation.
So how do you prepare your daughter to cope? No matter how much you shelter and protect her, realistically you will not be there to shield her every minute of the day. So, teach her to fend for herself. One of the ways you can do this is by enrolling her in a marital arts course. You can then teach her to run if she can, fight if she must.
Help her learn to strike
Although most women know that a kick in the right place is a great self-defense move, few, other than in movies, are able to orchestrate the move when most required. The act of physically assaulting a stranger is overwhelming, and women are usually paralyzed with shock and fear, and unable to let out a sound louder than a whimper during a sudden attack. These fears are addressed in a self-defense class, and women leave feeling much more emboldened and empowered.
Don't instill unnecessary fears in her mind, but don't block out reality either. Times are not safe, and even walking on deserted streets in daylight can be a risk. Learn self defense yourself, so you can become a role model for your children. Teach them some moves, do light practice at home, and make it fun. In addition, learning a martial art is great exercise as well. It will make your child fitter, physically and mentally.
Most forms of marital arts require the use of mind and body, with the result that your daughter will not only be more equipped to whip anyone trying to act funny with her, but she will also be a more focused person - a quality which will no doubt help her through her life.
Better rude than sorry
If your daughter ever has anyone sit next to her in a public place, either in a cinema or a park or anywhere, who made her feel uncomfortable, tell her to MOVE. Surprisingly, not many girls move away, as they don't want to appear rude. Teach them not to bother about these niceties with strangers who make them uncomfortable, even if they are seemingly respectable. They don't have to give them a dirty look or anything, just move away.
Teach her confrontation
Teach your daughter that if anyone moves close to her in a public place, she should not be afraid to look the person in the eye and ask him to move back. If someone is following her on a busy street, she should go up to that person and confront him at the top of her voice. The public will be on her side, and this is certainly not what he would be expecting. If she wants to appear even more threatening, she could fish out her cell phone and say that she is going to call the police. Provide her with a cell phone.
