Safety Week, Day 4: Body Safety And Defense For Children

Ninety percent of child abductions or physical/sexual abuse is from someone the child knows.

Teaching children to be confident and know the answers before "tricky people" strike is the first key to effective self-defense.

Pattie Fitzgerald from Safely Ever After in Santa Monica is known for her age-appropriate and affable style and teaches a variety of courses for families, schools and organizations to teach you the most effective tricks for keeping tricky people away.

Through her fun workshops, Fitzgerald stresses the importance of starting conversations with children about tricky people right around the ages of 3-4.

"Over 90 percent of harm or abuse happens to kids by someone they know, not by a stranger. The concept of tricky people works better because it teaches kids to be aware of people they know, don't know or just know a little bit," Fitzgerald said.

Children should walk to and from home, school or activities in groups, without distraction from headphones or devices. If walking in groups is not possible for your child, Fitzgerald says to teach them to "Walk like a boss: head up, confident, eyes taking in your surroundings, walk with a purpose. Don't look like an easy target."

Fitzgerald also says that kids walking longer distances should have "safe stops" to duck into along their walk, like businesses, stores, etc.

Fitzgerald also reminds parents to educate their kids about habits of in-person predators. "Safe adults don't ask kids for 'help.' If someone says don't run, you should RUN. If someone says don't yell, you should YELL."

Looking for something more physical? Krav Maga is a self-defense method that teaches kids and adults how to escape grips and holds in a matter of seconds.

Jill Simonian is a Parenting Lifestyle Contributor, appearing on CBS Los Angeles every Wednesday on News at 5pm and Friday mornings at 6:45am. Her personal blog is TheFabMom.com. Follow Jill on Twitter @jillsimonian and connect with her on Facebook.