ABOUT THIS CLASS
Talking to kids about safety is tough. But, as they mature and become increasingly independent, you want them to take care of themselves while living rich, full lives. In these classes they will learn to recognize “red flags,” plan safe exits from iffy situations, try out physical moves (just in case), and learn to find supportive self-care. All in age-appropriate language and concepts.
Strategic Living classes are designed to help you begin a dialogue and find the right words to communicate in a loving, non-alarming way. We welcome girls, transgender youth, and gender non-conforming youth.
Independence and accepting responsibility tend to increase with age. As children enter their tweens, they want to explore making their own decisions. As tweens enter their teens, they begin to form general realizations from specific events. They focus more on their peers for models of how to fit in. As they mature into older teens, they can think more abstractly and understand consequences. Their prime safety concerns will shift from “stranger abduction” to car accidents and being pressured into unwanted sexual activity.
In my years of teaching, I’ve noticed there is no single timeline for all youth. Some 12 year olds are allowed to date, some 14 year olds travel solo, and some 15 year olds are not yet riding public transportation. The divisions below are approximate. If in doubt which class would be best, please contact me.
Go to:
- High School (ages 15+)
- Middle School/Beginning High School (ages 12-14, or grades 7, 8, 9)
- Tweens (ages 10-12, or grades 5 and 6)
- Off to College!
- Not for Teen Girls Only: Mother – Daughter classes
- Read our Privacy, Refund, and Financial Assistance policies
COVID UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2023: All instructors are fully vaccinated, and all participants who are eligible should also be vaccinated. Masks may be required.
Class Schedule
High School (grades 10-12)
Teens are looking to increase their independence. Increasingly, they will need to take care of themselves while exploring and engaging in rich, fulfilling lives. They are out more with friends, teams, bands. They (or their friends) are driving. They may be dating. They may have part-time jobs and a new social environment that goes with employment. They are exploring the world, mostly without direct adult supervision. On top of that, you may be concerned about social pressure and a cultural environment that romanticizes unhealthy relationship behavior and tends to denigrate their abilities and sense of self.
They could use some skills to help augment the experience they are acquiring.
In this class, your emerging young adult will learn to recognize “red flags” that someone may mean harm, plan safe exits from iffy situation, practice physical moves (just in case), and learn to find supportive self-care.
Your teen will get honest, accurate answers in a safe space. In 3 hours, they will learn:
- How to protect themselves when dates get scary
- Red flags that they need to call home NOW
- Surprise moves to get free if grabbed from behind
- How stay safe and still have fun at parties, athletic events and class activities
- Saturday, Feb 1, 1:00 – 3:30 pm. Ages 12 – 17. Location: Kent Commons, 525 – 4th Ave N, Kent WA 98032. Cost: $99. Register online.
- Saturday, Feb 22, 1:45 – 4:45 pm. Location: North Kirkland Community Center, 12421 – 103rd Ave NE, Kirkland WA 98034. Cost $89/N Kirkland resident, $107 non-resident. Moms may also register and participate. Registration opens 8/21.
Middle School (grades 7-9)
Youth on the verge of their teen years are beginning to seek independence. They are staying home alone (or with younger siblings) for longer periods of time, babysitting, walking to a friend’s house or to school, bicycling around the city, or riding the bus with buddies. They are exploring the world, at times without direct adult supervision. They are now looking more to their friends for social norm. On top of that, you may be concerned about peer pressure and a cultural environment that romanticizes unhealthy relationship behavior and tends to denigrate their abilities and sense of self.
They could use some skills to help make up for the experience they don’t yet have.
In this class, they will learn to recognize “red flags” that someone may mean harm, plan safe exits from iffy situation, practice physical moves (just in case), and learn to find supportive self-care. All in age-appropriate language and concepts.
- Sunday, Nov 17, 10:00 am -12:30 pm . Location: Feminist Karate Union, 920 South Holgate St, Seattle WA 98134. Cost: $99. Register online.
- Saturday, Dec 14, 2:30 – 5:00 pm . Location: Feminist Karate Union, 920 South Holgate St, Seattle WA 98134. Cost: $99. Register online.
- Saturday, Feb 1, 1:00 – 3:30 pm. Ages 12 – 17. Location: Kent Commons, 525 – 4th Ave N, Kent WA 98032. Cost: $99. Register online.
Tweens (grades 5-6)
Are they just starting to ride the bus with one or two friends, begin babysitting, and be trusted at home alone? Does more independence and responsibility have to mean more worry for you? This class is for both their emerging awareness and your peace of mind. They will learn safety skills essential for increasing independence and safety when they’re:
- Sunday, Sept 15, 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Location: Feminist Karate Union, 920 South Holgate St, Seattle WA 98134. Cost: $89. Register online.
- Sunday, Nov 3, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Location: Feminist Karate Union, 920 South Holgate St, Seattle WA 98134. Cost: $89. Register online.
- Saturday, Dec 7, 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Location: Feminist Karate Union, 920 South Holgate St, Seattle WA 98134. Cost: $89. Register online.
About to Leave for College:
They’re off to college! For the first time, they’ll be living with peers rather than parents, responsible for their own food and schedule, and having to make more judgements about balancing risk and safety. All while making new friends, finding how they fit in, and thriving in a college environment.
Give them tools to increase their chances of the next four years being those they will remember fondly.
In this class they will learn simple and effective ways to stay out of harm’s way on and around campus while still enjoying the full college experience. In this short seminar, we will address 2 ways to identify possible evil-doers, 3 strategies to evade them, and 4 techniques to neutralize their ill intent. Some of this class will be physical, some verbal, and all aimed at increasing their choices. EmPOWERment doesn’t get more fun!
- Classes open to public registration are over for this season. Please contact me to schedule a custom class.
Older teen girls are also welcome to attend Self-Defense 101, the six-week course or a One-Day Seminar (particularly useful for those about to head off for college).
Not for Teen Girls Only – The Mother/Daughter Session
This class will not only give you great self-defense skills but will provide tools to carry on conversations about safety for a long time. For teens ages 13 and up. Moms also may register and particpate; any mom attending needs to have a child in the class. However, teens do not need to bring a parent to participate.
- No current public offerings — contact me to schedule a custom class.
Also offered by private arrangement. Find out more about organizing your self-defense class, and contact me to schedule your custom class. Another option (if your daughter is over the age of 15 and putting together your own group is challenging) is to both enroll in a One-Day Seminar.
Do you have a Girl Scout troop?
We can come to you and offer classes for your troop! Please take a look at our Girl Scouts page for more information.
Would you like a self-defense class at your school?
Like driver’s education, self-defense training should be part of every girl’s school curriculum. Whether for a short club presentation or a multi-week course, Strategic Living can come to your middle or high school.
Contact me to schedule your custom class.
2018, Strategic Living LLC