Welcome to this week's Safety Check—this time, we're focusing on Home Safety. As we kick off our new community, one of our first steps is to establish your training area—a Dojo. But before you set up your Dojo, I challenge you to teach your kids how to conduct a Basic Home Safety Check. Encourage them to identify potential hazards and take responsibility for addressing and resolving these issues. I've prepared detailed guidelines on this topic, along with age-specific exercises for you to try with your children this weekend. I look forward to hearing about your results. Let's go .. Home Safety Check So, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 9 million children visit the emergency room each year for unintentional injuries, many of which occur inside the home. Common hazards include unlocked cabinets with chemicals, overloaded electrical outlets, and improperly secured furniture that could tip over. By identifying these risks and teaching kids mindful habits early on, families can significantly reduce avoidable accidents.  Learning to spot hazards and use safety equipment—like smoke detectors and CO alarms—fosters a safer household environment. Children who understand the dangers in each room tend to be more aware and less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Engaging children in home safety routines helps them develop responsibility, improves reaction times in emergencies, and gives them practical knowledge they can carry into adulthood. To get the lessons, please hop over to the Close Quarter Dad community. Please consider supporting our work and joining us in the community, or giving this episode a like and subscribing. Every bit helps. 

This episode is incredibly special, and is specifically for Dads who are struggling with children who feel they can't go on. You are not alone.  One of the things most people don't know about us Dads, is the powerlessness and utter fear we live in when we can't guide our children (especially our teen daughters), in those moments they feel 'all is lost' ...  when their biggest fear is, facing tomorrow. Most Dads shrug their shoulders, say 'toughen up' or some similar blanket response - which really means: 'I'm very scared and I don't know what to say-or-do to help you' We have the best and most loving intentions, but most of us don't usually get this one right. We often are really clumsy here and feel like a bull in a china shop, with everything on the line. It's scary as hell and very few of us will admit that. But it is. So I had a goal for this week's Close Quarter Dad episode; to find someone who could share a message to help us Dads, to help our children who are living in fear ... and I found Sara. As a young lady, Sara was part of the rounding up of Cambodians by the Khmer Rouge, among 2 million who were butchered, she was put into a forced labor camp for 4 years ... her story of escaping the death camp, starvation, darkness, survival and willingness to push forward is beyond words. How could she go on? Well ... she will tell you.   Then she will speak to us bulls and tell us exactly what to do. Yes, you will have the mic dropped on your soul in this one, and will be a better father (or mother, or human) just for listening to her voice and message. CONNECT WITH SARA IM: Website: https://www.saraim.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraImSpeakerAuthor   Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Close Quarter Dad podcast. Please support us by subscribing and sharing. And if you'd like to learn more about the work we do, please check out how you can join us. JOIN US: https://closequarterdad.com/join   

Too often we will apply fear as a scare tactic to get our children to either do or avoid something, rather than using it as a valuable tool to learn and become more resilient. In today's episode of Close Quarter Dad, I sit down with Mark Booher, a former infantryman, intelligence professional, counter-terrorism specialist and and licensed attorney ... and he's a Dad. Mark has conducted intelligence and security operations around the world and understands threat, assessment and response to fear. He's a trainer, leader and host of the Pearl Snap Tactical Podcast. Our conversation delves into the nuanced distinctions between fear, terror, bravery, and courage in the realm of parenting, shedding light on the importance of comprehending fear. KEY TAKE AWAYS: Understanding Fear: Mark discusses strategies for identifying and overcoming fear, emphasizing the significance of exposure to discomfort in the journey towards courage. Power of Purpose: We underscore the role of purpose in conquering fears, managing anticipation, and fostering self-empowerment in children. Serious Topics Addressed: Serious issues like sexual abuse, bullying, and the necessity of physical activities to cultivate confidence are brought to the forefront. Modern Parenting Practices: The conversation questions contemporary parenting practices that prioritize screen time over physical engagement, advocating for real-life experiences over online identities. Personal Growth: Mark spotlights personal growth, finding purpose, ancestral respect, and safety, offering insights into online courses on situational awareness and pistol tactics. You will be encouraged to explore the transformative nature of courage and how it realities to your children, regardless of how old they are; the importance of instilling values, and the benefits of engaging in physical activities for holistic development. Mark’s expertise offers a unique perspective on navigating fears, building resilience, and shaping a well-rounded approach to parenting. CONNECT WITH MARK BOOHER Barritus Defense Email: [email protected] IG: @thebarritus FB: @TheBarritus   ABOUT MARK BOOHER Mark is a former infantryman, intelligence professional, and licensed attorney who has conducted intelligence and security operations around the world. He has trained units from the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Fortune 500, and police officers from over 60 departments from around the country. He is a contributor to the Counter Terrorist Magazine and the host of the Pearl Snap Tactical Podcast.

In this episode, I speak with a leading global expert on the topic of sexual abuse. Celebrated author and TEDx speaker, Joelle Casteix is changing the current cultural perspective on sexual abuse, and bringing light to the urgent need of conversations with children about sexual abuse and victimization. There are some mind-blowing concepts she shares, that are so simple and hidden in plain sight; making this a must listen for all Dads.  KEY TAKEAWAYS: Equipping Dads with the info and building  courage needed to speak about sexual abuse. The importance of Dads teaching children personal protection. Use of proper biological terms for body parts and teaching children about boundaries and consent. Age-appropriate discussions, the ick factor, stranger danger, and peer-to-peer sexual abuse. Child protection and abuse prevention. Teaching children about body boundaries, consent, and the difference between tattling and reporting. Online pornography and today's impact on your children. The connection between pornography and child sexual abuse.  How to create a safe environment for their children to report abuse and seek help. Peer-to-peer abuse in schools and the importance of holding schools accountable for protecting students. Age of consent laws and the need for legislative reform.  This episode is literally a workshop for men, on how to speak to their kids about a topic often reflected to the school systems - or worse - ignored. And considering the statistics are 1 in 6 listeners of this episode will have a child who will be targeted as a victim; are you willing to bet on those odds?  CONNECT WITH JOELLE CASTEIX & SUPPORT HER WORK: Website: https://www.casteix.com/ The Worthy Adversary Her Book: The Well-Armored Child Her other books Joelle's TEDx Talk   ABOUT JOELLE CASTEIX Joelle Casteix is a journalist and a leading global expert, author, and keynote speaker for survivors of child sexual assault and institutional cover-up.   START TRAINING YOUR KIDS NOW Here’s a complimentary lesson I made for channel listeners on the 3 Discussions you must have with your kids about safety and survival. It’s only ten minutes long, but could be a life saving 10 minutes of your time spent. CloseQuarterDad.com/3Discussions   CONNECT AND LEARN MORE WEBSITE: https://closequarterdad.com INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/closequarterdad FACEBOOK: https://Facebook.com/closequarterdad   What can you do to support this channel? Subscribe, every new listener counts to us Engage, we are a community who supports each other Leave a review, let us know what you think Share, know others who may get some value - then share our channel  

Episode 56: Level up how you communicate with your children about conflict situationsIn this episode, we go deep in an insightful conversation with the experienced Mike Hammond, a retired Chicago homicide detective, to explore the crucial topic of helping children navigate the aftermath of conflicts or traumatic events. Key highlights from the episode include: Mike Hammond's emphasis on the importance of articulating reasons for using force in self-defense and teaching kids to articulate their actions to keep them out of trouble and avoid litigation. Insights on the importance of teaching children safety and survival skills. Discussions on the impact of acknowledging fear and trusting one's intuition in children, and the importance of teaching them self-defense and survival instincts. Personal experiences shared by Mike Hammond and the challenges of dealing with violence while striking a balance between protective instincts and allowing children to have a normal childhood Our conversation centers on the importance of training children on how to communicate after a conflict has occurred, including speaking with school teachers, principals, and law enforcement. In addition, Mike offers practical advice on helping children effectively communicate their position and navigate fear, all while building self-confidence and resilience. Check out Mike's Podcast, Detective Story with Mike Hammond Instagram: @detectivestorymikehammond Facebook: Detective Story Podcast w/Mike Hammond   About Mike Hammond:  Mike is a retired Homicide Detective with the Chicago Police Department, A member of the Chicago Police Department for 22 years he was promoted to detective in 2000 where he served in Area Four Homicide Unit, Cold Case Homicide Unit and Area North Homicide until his retirement in 2016. He is a recipient of the Chicago Police Department Superintendents Award of Valor. Currently the host of Detective Story with Mike Hammond podcast which has a focus on victims and their families and discussions of actual cases and investigations.   START TRAINING YOUR KIDS NOW Here’s a complimentary lesson I made for channel listeners on the 3 Discussions you must have with your kids about safety and survival. It’s only ten minutes long, but could be a life saving 10 minutes of your time spent. CloseQuarterDad.com/3Discussions   CONNECT AND LEARN MORE WEBSITE: https://closequarterdad.com INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/closequarterdad FACEBOOK: https://Facebook.com/closequarterdad   What can you do to support this channel? Subscribe, every new listener counts to us Engage, we are a community who supports each other Leave a review, let us know what you think Share, know others who may get some value - then share our channel

In this episode, "Parenting in a Sexualized World," we're joined by Dr. Tara, a professor at Cal State University specializing in sex behavior and sexual communication. Together with our host, Adam Mitchell, they discuss the complexities of raising children in a society saturated with sexualized content and the importance of open, empowering conversations about sexuality within families. From redirecting sensation seeking energy to navigating exposure to pornography, they provide valuable insights and guidance on supporting children in understanding healthy relationships and boundaries. Join us as we explore the vital role of fathers in addressing these difficult yet crucial topics, and the impact open communication can have on children's long-term well-being. What you're going to learn in the episode with Dr. Tara: Sensation Seeking Redirected: Redirecting sensation seeking energy to healthy activities. Natural impulses can be channeled positively. Encouraging sports and socialization. Open Sexual Health Communication: Using correct vocabulary and initiating dialogue with questions. Parents should have open conversations without penalizing children. Empowering Children's Boundaries: Empower children to communicate feelings and boundaries. Addressing boundary issues and teaching children to assert themselves. Responsible Talks about Pornography: Addressing intense topics responsibly. Discussing appropriate sources of information and engaging in honest conversations about porn. Fathers in Sexuality Conversations: Fathers being present in sex and masculinity discussions. Essential role of fathers in sexuality talks. Ancient wisdom and continuous learning. Resources for Men's Sexuality: Encouraging men to educate themselves about their sexuality. Suggested books and websites for men to learn about their sexual health. Challenges of Oversexualized World: Fathers facing difficulties in parenting. Concerns about children's exposure to oversexualization and inappropriate content. The Danger of Pornography: Addressing dangers of children being exposed to pornography. Protecting children from being targeted by predators through porn channels. Empowering Conversations about Sex: Encouraging open discussions and empowering children. Providing children with the knowledge and confidence to make smart choices. Family Sex Communication Research: Understanding the impact of family sex communication. Research project on family sex communication and its association with young adults' sexual satisfaction.   Dr. Tara is a tenured professor of relational and sexual communication, and quantitative research at California State University Fullerton (recieved her tenure at the age of 33), an award-winning researcher, TV Sexpert on Celebs Go Dating, and the host of Luvbites by Dr. Tara Podcast that focuses on sexual wellness and sexploration. Her work has been featured in ABC News, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health Magazine, Insider, and other media outlets. She's also on the advisory board for the MŌN app, Couply app, and Superstars app. https://themonapp.com/ https://www.couply.io/luvbites https://superstars.co/  

In today's episode, host Adam Mitchell sits down with Matt McKee, VP at Bark and author of "Parenting in a Tech World," to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of raising children in the digital age. With a focus on purpose-driven technology use, child safety, and insightful parenting advice, you'll hear about the evolving landscape of online risks, the role of third-party monitoring services like Bark, and the impact of technology on mental health and relationships. From practical tips to thought-provoking discussions, this episode is a must-listen for every parent navigating a tech-driven world. Stay tuned as we unpack the essential insights and guidance for fostering a healthy digital environment for our children. What you will learn in this episode?  Approaches to Monitoring Online Activities Different parental attitudes toward monitoring children's online activities Importance of establishing digital citizenship and an entrance/exit strategy for technology use Focusing on the purpose of children using technology rather than the amount of time spent on it Recommendation of services like Youth Digital to help kids learn coding through platforms like Minecraft Advice for New Fathers Bark: A Tool for Child Safety Use of artificial intelligence to monitor children's activities on platforms like YouTube Role of Bark as a third-party monitoring service and its focus on providing alerts and context around objectionable content to facilitate conversations Broader range of risks online, such as mental health and cyberbullying, beyond just exposure to pornography Preparing for Emerging Technological Landscape Awareness and engagement with the metaverse The Impact of Technology on Parenting: "The problem with technology today is parents don't know how to curate any type of environment."   Matt McKee is just another guy trying to make a difference. Matt helped found three tech companies over the course of his career and invested in more than a dozen others. He was passionate about the intersection of parenting and technology and considered it one of his specialties, having spoken at places like SXSW, CES, and the National PTA. Matt was the author of Parent Chat: The Technology Chat for Every Family and Parenting In A Tech World which enabled him to share what he learned about raising kids in the digital age. Sadly, Matt passed away in 2023. Our community lost one of the good men, truly doing God's work.  "Don't fight like hell. Win like heaven"   

What is the current state of Family Safety and as a man and father, are you prepared? Amber Elle, Director of Family Preparedness and the lead for women’s development at Fieldcraft Survival discusses family safety measures and exactly how to safeguard your loved ones. You'll learn: The current state of safety and risk factors families are facing today Immediate changes you can put in place in your home to keep children safe How to create a family culture of safety through activities and connection How and why ever father should be expanding their skillset for preparedness and self-reliance A mother's perspective on what is needed for a home to be safe As well, this episode covers various safety scenarios, such as home invasion, unlocked firearms, and personal safety in emergency situations. Amber stresses the importance of practical preparation, situational awareness, and communicating with loved ones in times of emergency. The goal of the episode is to help listeners create a lifestyle of preparedness and self-reliance, so they can have peace and feel empowered during times of turmoil. Fieldcraft Survival INSTAGRAM: @ms.amber.elle ABOUT AMBER ELLE Amber is our Director of Family Preparedness and the lead for women’s development. She is a mother to three adventurous children and leads their home education journey through living and rich experiences. She holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing with active licensure and maintains CPR and first aid certifications. She holds training as a classical education educator and has experience leading young adults in their studies. She has also led gun safety and situational awareness classes with local children’s groups. Amber loves maintaining a home garden, raising animals, hunting, cooking, and using her life to teach other families how to thrive in spite of their unique circumstances. From Close Quarter Dad Thank you for visiting and supporting my work with Close Quarter Dad. If you enjoyed this episode, please continue to support by subscribing to our YouTube channel. If you are interested in stepping further into my work, below are links to help you better understand Close Quarter Dad and opportunities that may help in your path in becoming closer to your children and family through safety training. Once again, thank you for spending time here ~ Adam CLOSE QUARTER DAD: https://closequarterdad.com MEMBERSHIP & TRAINING: https://closequarterdad.com/join  Community - Monthly topic specific study group Member - Distance training and live classes online FREE TRAINING RESOURCES: 3 Discussions Every Dad Must Have Close Quarter Dad Podcast The Child Safety Summit ABOUT CLOSE QUARTER DAD Close Quarter Dad is a project for fathers who are constantly seeking new skills and tactics to help enrich the lives of their children, making them safer, stronger and empowered. The YouTube channel offers tips and insights that Dads can use every day with their kids, teaching them and spending fun time together. We welcome the participation from Dads from all parts of the world, backgrounds and experience, as we re united in our roles as leaders.

This episode will educate you on the current state of abused children, how prevalent it really in and how you must have an immediate strategy for detecting children in danger.   My guest in this episode is Katie Fetzer from 1018 Strategy who shares about the prevalence of child abuse and neglect and how the community can step up to prevent it. We discuss the Watchful Eye Training that educates individuals on recognizing and responding to abuse. Katie also shares her personal experience with fostering and fighting for children in court. Most important, we highlight the impact of cruelty and the need for parents to recognize and address it.    KEY TOPICS WE EXPLORE WITH KATIE FETZER  Katie's creation of 1018 Strategy  How fathers can be aware and engage in preventing child abuse  Why neglect is the most reported form of abuse 00:24:45 Why child poverty is prevalent but often unrecognized  How unnoticed is child abuse, really?   What you can do tp protecting children from abuse  Why men need to be present, active, and engaged in their roles as fathers and protectors.   How faith can help guide you to help children in extreme distress  How men should not leave the role of protecting children to women alone   The conversation ends on a powerful note about seeking justice and how her strong faith helps guide her to find justice for the children she helps. Tune in for a crucial discussion on protecting our most vulnerable.   CONNECT WITH KATIE FETZER & 10.18 STRATEGY  10.18 Strategy : https://1018strategy.org/  Watchful Eye Program: https://1018strategy.org/watchful-eye/  Contact 10.18 Strategy: [email protected]   MORE ABOTU KATIE FETZER  Katie is a frontline advocate, in the fight for America's children and helping you to develop a strategy for recognizing and helping children in danger and immediate distress. This is a critically important episode. Through a grassroots non-profit organization, 10.18 Strategy, she started with a group of moms. They knew they had to do something about America's exploited children going unprotected. Their primary goal is "to remove safe spaces for predators and pedophiles within the United States. By training citizens to recognize the tactics and patterns of exploitative behavior. Thereby safeguarding the children of their families and community!"   START TRAINING YOUR KIDS NOW  Here’s a complimentary lesson I made for channel listeners on the 3 Discussions you must have with your kids about safety and survival. It’s only ten minutes long, but could be a life saving 10 minutes of your time spent.  CloseQuarterDad.com/3Discussions   CONNECT AND LEARN MORE WEBSITE: https://closequarterdad.com  INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/closequarterdad  FACEBOOK: https://Facebook.com/closequarterdad   What can you do to support this channel?  Subscribe, every new listener counts to us  Engage, we are a community who supports each other  Leave a review, let us know what you think  Share, know others who may get some value - then share our channel

On this episode of Close Quarter Dad, we explore the importance of teamwork, nature literacy, disaster preparedness, communication skills, and male empowerment in fatherhood. Listeners will learn the four survival priorities and how to prioritize them in different situations. Toby also shares his experiences and practical tips on teaching and broadening urban survival skills, risk management and concepts specific for men wanting to elevate the children's knowledge in self reliance. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN What are the three things that Dads miss when teaching children wilderness and urban survival skills? What is more valuable to have as a family in survival crisis: a high skill level or good group dynamics? How does a Dad approach teaching survival psychology to children? Why is childhood engagement with nature vital and how can Dads best lead the way? What should Dads prioritize when teaching children about nature? What is the unique relationship parents and kids must have between communication skills and survival? Why is the universal model for survival important to teach young people, and how can it be used to improve their skills? Why is male empowerment and support important when it comes to leading children into safety and survival knowledge? The podcast wraps up with a discussion on how to create a supportive community for new fathers and what next steps they can take to better their role as a trainer and guide for their kids.. For more information and resources, listeners are encouraged to connect with Toby Cowern: Resilience Hub LinkendIn CHAPTERS AND INTEREST [00:04:14] Toby explains the importance of using models to structure information when teaching survival skills.   [00:12:19] Training in survival psychology can increase individual resilience and survivability, but it needs to be done right.    [00:19:39] Start engaging kids in nature from a young age, based on their interests. It's easier to follow their lead than trying to force them.    [00:24:07] Bird language is part of nature literacy, which can help people reconnect with nature post-pandemic. Children already have the skills, but adults need to rekindle those neural connections.    [00:27:54] Teamwork is crucial for survival in challenging situations, and group dynamics can be more important than individual skills.  [00:38:49] Conversation has a powerful impact, both positively and negatively.    [00:47:58] Selko Bergovich is Toby's friend and mentor who taught him his urban survival skills.    [00:53:01] The importance of being prepared for both natural and man-made disasters is often ignored due to discomfort, laziness, or belief that it won't happen here.    [00:59:59] There's a culture of male empowerment that needs to be strengthened, with more meaningful conversations around threshold moments and mental health.   [01:03:02] The model is crucial to structure everything off. People can use it as a reference point to determine what parts they need to work on.     MORE ABOUT TOBY COWERN Toby's unique fusion of teaching background, risk management qualifications, military training and outdoors experience allows him to deliver Wilderness and Urban Survival Skills training of the highest calibre. Based in Scandinavia, and frequently working deep inside the Arctic Circle, Toby holds expertise in Extreme Cold Weather Wilderness Survival Skills, but also travels extensively to deliver applied Survival Training internationally. When not teaching or studying aspects of survival, Toby also deals with Management and Coaching Consultancy as well as running various highly applied nature immersion camps and seminars, aimed at managing and reducing stress both at individual and organisational level. Toby is also passionate about using immersive nature engagement to help promote positive reconnection with the natural environment ('Rewilding Yourself') and tapping in to the powerful personal development and growth that can be attained from this.  Referenced: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partition_of_India   START TRAINING YOUR KIDS NOW Here’s a complimentary lesson I made for channel listeners on the 3 Discussions you must have with your kids about safety and survival. It’s only ten minutes long, but could be a life saving 10 minutes of your time spent. CloseQuarterDad.com/3Discussions   CONNECT AND LEARN MORE WEBSITE: https://closequarterdad.com INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/closequarterdad FACEBOOK: https://Facebook.com/closequarterdad What can you do to support this channel? Subscribe, every new listener counts to us Engage, we are a community who supports each other Leave a review, let us know what you think Share, know others who may get some value - then share our channel