The Art of Situational Awareness

Every morning, I take my kids out for a walk.

It’s our daily ritual. We chat, we laugh, we breathe in the fresh air. But there’s a hidden lesson in these walks—a lesson in situational awareness.

Now, before you picture me as some overly cautious parent, pacing the streets like a hawk, let me explain.

I want my kids to be aware of their surroundings, not paranoid. The trick is to teach them this skill in a way that feels natural, almost like a game.

Here’s how I do it.

The Eyes-Closed Challenge

It starts with a simple exercise.

During our walk, I’ll ask my kids to close their eyes for a few seconds.

I challenge them to remember how many people were around us and where they were standing.

It’s a fun game, and they love trying to outdo each other.

This game sharpens their observation skills and without realizing it, they’re learning to take in their surroundings more thoroughly, making mental notes of things they might have otherwise overlooked.

The “What’s Different?” Game

Another game we play is the “What’s Different?” challenge.

On the way back home, I ask them to spot anything that’s changed since we passed by earlier.

Maybe a car has moved, a new person is sitting on a bench, or a dog that was barking is now quiet.

This teaches them to notice changes in their environment—an essential part of situational awareness.

It’s like a mental warm-up for their awareness muscles, and the best part is, they think they’re just having fun.

The Five Senses Drill

Then there’s the Five Senses Drill.

I ask them to identify something they can see, hear, smell, touch, and (if safe) taste.

This exercise helps them engage with their environment fully, using all their senses.

It’s a powerful way to anchor them in the present moment, reducing distractions and increasing focus.

Make It a Habit, Not a Hassle

The key to teaching situational awareness, especially to kids, is to make it a habit without making it a hassle.

You want them to develop these skills naturally, not through fear or anxiety.

That’s why we keep it light and fun. No doomsday scenarios, no scary “what ifs.” Just a bit of friendly competition and some playful challenges.

This approach works just as well for adults.

Incorporate these exercises into your daily routine, and you’ll soon find yourself more attuned to your surroundings, more alert, and more prepared.

Practice Without Panic

There’s one simple idea at the heart of situational awareness and that’s being present.

It’s about knowing what’s happening around you, recognizing potential threats, and making quick decisions if needed.

But it doesn’t have to be scary. It’s just another tool in your self-defense toolkit.

Whether you’re walking with your kids, shopping at the mall, or just going about your daily life, these exercises can help you stay aware without feeling overwhelmed…

..And if you’re looking to dive deeper into this topic, with advanced tips and strategies to sharpen your situational awareness, consider upgrading to Fight or Flight Pro Newsletter. It’s packed with actionable insights that could make all the difference when it matters most.

Stay safe, stay aware, and enjoy the journey. 😊

Ready to test your situational awareness skills? Then, you’ll find this interesting.

Here’s a video that tests your observations skills and teaches an important lesson as well. Email me and let me know how you did…Enjoy!