🕵️♀️ Lie to Survive: Kids Edition
Why Sometimes, Telling the Truth Isn’t the Safest Option
At California Defense Academy, we teach our students to stand tall, speak clearly, and be honest. But there’s one exception we make very clear:
In a dangerous situation, lying can save your child’s life.
It’s a tough concept—especially for parents raising kids to be truthful and kind. But the truth is, the world isn’t always safe. And when it’s not, your child needs to know that it’s okay to lie if it protects them or someone else from harm.
In this post, we’re breaking down how to teach your child the difference between everyday honesty and “survival lying.” Because one day, it could give them the time, space, or distraction they need to get away safely.
🧠 What Is Survival Lying?
Survival lying means intentionally saying something untrue when you’re in danger—and telling the truth would only make the situation worse.
Examples include:
Saying their parent is “right behind them” when someone tries to lure them away.
Claiming they don’t live nearby or that they’re not alone, even if they are.
Giving a fake name if someone suspicious asks personal questions.
Lying to create a distraction so they can run.
This isn’t about teaching kids to deceive others—it’s about teaching them that safety comes before honesty when the situation feels wrong.
🚦 How Krav Maga Reinforces This Lesson
In our youth Krav Maga classes, we teach that your number one job is to go home safe.
That means we train kids to:
✔ Use their voice to lie with confidence if it helps them get to safety
✔ Practice scenarios like, “What would you say if someone asked where your parents are?”
✔ Trust their gut—even if they’re scared or unsure
We tell kids: “If you’re in danger, your job isn’t to be polite or honest. Your job is to survive.”
🏡 How to Talk to Your Child About It at Home
Here’s how to make this lesson stick without encouraging dishonesty in everyday life:
1. Use a Clear Phrase to Set It Apart
Try something like:
🗣️ “There’s a difference between a lie and a safety lie. A safety lie is only for emergencies—when someone is trying to trick you, grab you, or hurt someone.”
Let your child know:
✅ It’s okay to lie if they’re in danger.
✅ It’s okay to yell, scream, or make noise—even if it feels rude.
✅ It’s okay to lie to a stranger if it helps them get away.
2. Practice Real-Life Scenarios
Make this fun and empowering, not scary. You can say:
“Let’s play a game. I’m a stranger asking questions I shouldn’t. What would you say?”
Examples:
Stranger: “Are you here alone?”
Child: “Nope, my dad’s right over there.” (point in a random direction)Stranger: “Where do you live?”
Child: “I don’t know.”Stranger: “Your mom told me to come pick you up.”
Child: “What’s the code word?”
The goal is to practice calmly and with confidence.
3. Reinforce That Their Safety Is the Priority
Kids can feel conflicted about lying, especially if they’re rule followers. Reassure them with phrases like:
“You are allowed to do anything that helps you stay safe.”
“Lying to a stranger who is trying to hurt you is not the same as lying to get out of trouble.”
“I will always be proud of you for protecting yourself—even if you have to lie to do it.”
✨ Why It Matters
Telling kids “never lie” sounds good—until they need to make a split-second decision to stay safe. Without permission and practice, they may freeze or feel unsure. But when kids are told ahead of time that survival comes first, they gain the power to act confidently—even in chaos.
Teaching your child to lie for survival doesn’t mean raising a dishonest kid. It means raising one who’s smart, adaptable, and prepared to protect themselves when no one else is around.
At C.D.A., our Krav Maga classes prepare kids for real life, not movie scripts. And real life isn’t always polite, clean, or fair. But with the right tools—and the right mindset—your child can go home safe.
Because that’s what matters most. 🖤💚
#KravMaga #Murrieta #SelfDefenseForKids #LieToSurvive #ParentingTips #SafetyFirst #GoHomeSafe Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Temecula, near me
