When thinking about survival plans you also need to include your family. You make plans and take steps to ensure your family’s safety and that they will be as least impacted by the disaster. These things complicate a bit when you need to take your kids into consideration when a crisis occurs.

Family is most important and keeping them safe is number one priority. That is why all family members need to know what to do in case of a crisis situation. Survival plans tend to be harder to implement when disaster strikes and you are not together. That is why it is necessary to teach your kids, no matter their age, what to do when you are apart and what to carry with them. As you have your own survival kit, plans and tools, your children should also follow your steps.

Survival equipment for your kids

It is important to teach your children the usage of EDC gear, which stands for Every Day Carry. These basic items could help your kids the same as they could help you. They should have these items for example if they go camping or on a field trip. These could make a huge difference in case anything happens. You can find below a small list of MUST HAVE items for your children:

1. Water – the most basic of all things when you pack your survival kit. This simple water bottle can be packed in their everyday school bag as it does not take up much space. If anything happens at least your child will have a source of fresh water with him. In case he goes camping, besides the water bottle, it will be best to equip him with a mini water filter. It is important to teach him or her how it works and in what scenario they will need to filter their water in order to have clean and drinkable water. 

2. Food– another basic item that definitely needs to be in any kid’s survival kit. Even if they go to school or on a random field trip, it’s important to pack a few snack bars. This way they will have their source of fiber and proteins. This almond honey protein bar for example has 20 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, which is a great resource for their body.

3. Shelter–this is not exactly an every day item, but in case your child goes away for a few days it is best to ensure that he has everything he needs to be prepared for the great outdoors. Of course, if you have a small child you won’t be able to give him a tent on his trip. Nonetheless, you will be able to equip your kid with a sleeping bag and a small emergency blanket. This one is waterproof and weatherproof so it can be used in any scenario and it will not take that much space in his backpack. You will need to teach him how and when to use it.

4. Security–you can get your kid a very loud whistle so he will be able to alert others that he is in danger and needs help. This is a very good item for small and medium aged kids. If your child is older you can teach him how to defend himself and even take him to self-defense classes.

5. First Aid–depending on your child’s age, the first aid kit can be more complex or simpler. You can start by teaching your kid about Band-Aids and hand sanitizer. As they grow older you will be able to explain them about how to stop bleeding by applying pressure until it stops. Here is a good example of a small first aid kit.

6. Other – you can put in your kids backpack some extra stuff like:gloves, bandanas, dust masks and even sunglasses. You will never know when they will come in hand. More importantly will be to teach your kid how to use the equipment he has and in what situations.

Teach your kids how to survive

There are many scenarios and variables that can change and go wrong. That is why the best is to teach our kids everything we know and hope that if something happens when we are not around ,they will be able to take care of themselves until we are reunited. Hopefully by teaching your kids you will be able to have instilled some of your beliefs as well as the necessary survival skills. For example, if they go camping you can teach them how to build a fire without using a lighter. As they grow older they will be able to learn more complex and necessary skills. One step at a time.

When they are younger it’s best to make plans with them involving different types of scenarios. Plan meeting places and escape routes with them. You can start playing like a game until they will get the hang of it and actually start learning. This is how your kids will be able to develop survival skills from a small age. Little by little.

Do you know other survival tricks to teach your kids? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.