Teaching Kids How to Protect Themselves with Ed Calderon
In the 300th episode of The Secure Dad Podcast Andy spoke with Ed Calderon, a renowned expert on unconventional security tactics and survival skills. They discussed topics ranging from personal safety to parenting in today's ever-changing world. Ed is not only educating law enforcement and federal agencies but is also a father keen on equipping the next generation with essential life skills.
Life Skills Beyond the Classroom
Ed's approach to education transcends traditional methods. He believes in engaging children with real-world experiences. "We want to keep kids secure, isolated, and untouched, which results in a false sense of safety," Ed advocates for active engagement and participation in everyday life as a way of fostering awareness and social skills.
Learning from Life
Throughout the conversation, Ed highlights the importance of letting children experience and learn from life directly. From small responsibilities like paying at the store, to understanding and interpreting body language for self-defense, these lessons equip kids with essential life skills. Ed reflects fondly on his mother’s lessons, particularly about engaging with the world, which he now passes onto his daughter.
Ed also touches on challenging topics like recognizing threats and understanding human behavior in unpredictable environments. He shares his thoughts on how to detect red flags, emphasizing that the world isn’t always safe. "We can't shield our children from everything, but we can equip them to handle and understand the realities of the world," Ed asserts.
Watch the Interview with Ed Calderon on The Secure Dad Podcast
Parental Guidance in a Modern World
The conversation shifts to discussing how parents today can prepare their children for a complex world. Ed suggests that children should be encouraged to question, understand, and navigate their surroundings. "Pattern recognition, behavior analysis, and other aspects of situational awareness should be part of their upbringing," he emphasizes.
One key takeaway from Ed's philosophy is the importance of perception. He recounts stories from his adventures and work, illustrating that recognizing subtle cues and understanding intentions are crucial skills. Whether through teaching his daughter or interacting with strangers, Ed stresses the value of looking beyond the surface.
Maternal Life Advice
When asked about a lesson, Ed learned as a child that still helps him today, he mentioned a quote from his mom. “‘Nobody is against you. They're for themselves.’ Has been one of the most life altering realizations that I was given by my mother.” Understanding this simple part of human behavior he says has helped him understand how people act and how to not take actions personally.
Conclusion: Seeing Monsters with Ed Calderon
Ed Calderon’s experience provides a compelling look into how parents can rethink the ways they equip their kids with skills they need for the future. By embracing engagement, awareness, and critical thinking, we can help the next generation confidently navigate and contribute to the world.
For a deeper dive into Ed’s work,check out his podcast Manifesto Radio Podcast, training, and products at Sneak Reaper Industries. His comprehensive approach to education and safety prepares the next generation to face life’s challenges head-on, making the world a little safer, one child at a time.