Ten Survival Techniques Every Family Should Teach Their Children

In an age where unpredictability is increasingly prevalent, it's important for families to prepare their children with the knowledge and skills that could be crucial in an emergency situation. Survival techniques aren't just for extreme situations in the wilderness; they're practical skills that can prove useful in everyday life. Here are ten essential survival techniques every family should teach their children to ensure they are prepared for whatever life throws their way.

1. **Basic First Aid**
Understanding basic first aid is invaluable. Teach your children how to treat cuts, sprains, and burns, and make sure they know how to perform CPR. Familiarity with a first aid kit and its contents is also crucial. Knowing how to address minor injuries can prevent them from becoming serious issues and can also enable them to help others.

2. **Finding and Purifying Water**
In a survival scenario, finding and purifying water is a top priority. Show your children how to locate water sources and use purification techniques like boiling, or using water purification tablets and filters. Ensure they understand the importance of staying hydrated and the dangers of drinking contaminated water.

3. **Building a Shelter**
Knowing how to build a basic shelter can protect your child from the elements and provide a sense of security. Teach them to use natural materials and their surroundings to create a simple structure. Practise building a makeshift shelter in your garden or a nearby park to give them hands-on experience.

4. **Navigational Skills**
Orientation skills are no longer emphasised in the age of GPS, but they're critical for survival. Teach your children to use a map and compass, find the cardinal points using the sun and stars, and recognise natural landmarks. These skills can be lifesaving if they ever find themselves lost and without a digital device.

5. **Fire-starting Techniques**
Fire provides warmth, safety, and the means to cook food. Demonstrate how to start a fire without matches, using friction-based methods such as a bow drill, and provide instruction on safety measures to prevent uncontrolled fires. Practising these skills can be a fun and engaging family activity.

6. **Emergency Signalling**
In situations where immediate help is needed, knowing how to signal for assistance is vital. Teach your children how to use a whistle, mirror, or flashlight to send distress signals. They should also recognise SOS signals and understand different ways to alert rescuers.

7. **Edible vs. Poisonous Plants**
Foraging for food is a skill that goes beyond mere nutrition—it's about understanding and respecting nature. Teach children to identify common edible plants and distinguish them from poisonous ones. Consider growing some edible plants in your garden as a learning aid.

8. **Self-defence**
Self-defence isn't just about physical confrontation; it's about increasing confidence and situational awareness. Enrol your children in self-defence classes, focusing on techniques that teach them to evade danger and seek help when necessary.

9. **Resourcefulness with Tools**
Knowing how to use simple tools like a knife, rope, and multitool can aid in various survival tasks. Teach them safe handling methods, maintenance, and basic skills such as knot tying and simple repairs. These skills encourage problem-solving and creativity.

10. **Mental Resilience and Problem-solving**
Survival situations require a calm and clear mind. Encourage your children to practise mindfulness and stress-reliecing techniques. Engage them in exercises that promote problem-solving and critical thinking to develop their mental resilience in facing challenges.

By equipping your children with these survival skills, you are not only preparing them for potential emergencies but also instilling in them a sense of independence and confidence that will serve them well throughout their lives. Remember, the goal isn't to instill fear, but rather to empower them with capabilities that will allow them to handle different scenarios with wisdom and courage.