Raising Badass Kids: The Savvy Parents’ Guide to Predator-Proofing Tweens & Teens
5 out of 5 stars A new way for me to be the best “G” (grandmother) ever! ~ Mary
Do you love your kids and loathe bad people who want to harm them?
If you’ve ever lost sleep worrying about your kid’s safety, you’re not alone. You may want to wrap your tween/teen in a protective bubble and defend them from every harm but doing so could emotionally cripple them and make them more, not less, vulnerable to bullies and other predators.
In Raising Badass Kids, danger expert CJ Scarlet teaches you how to empower your kid from 10 to 18 to avoid predators and handle themselves in scary situations ranging from bullying/cyberbullying and online dangers to sexual abuse and sex trafficking.
Badass Parenting: An Irreverant Guide to Raising Safe,
Savvy, Confident Kids
“Badass Parenting is like a triple-dark chocolate cheesecake, with a layer of mousse in the middle (hint: the mousse is CJ Scarlet’s humor and style – which helps lighten up the cheesecake!). You will love this book!” Karen Christie, Mom & Grandma
Ever lose sleep worrying about your child’s safety? You’re not alone. It’s hard to take subjects as dark and harrowing as sexual abuse and bullying and kidnapping without dragging you and your child into a dark place that can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
You may want to wrap your munchkin in a protective bubble and defend him from every harm, but doing so could emotionally cripple him and make him more, not less, vulnerable to predators. Your kid is counting on you to teach him what he needs to know to avoid and deal with dangerous people.
And don’t be afraid your little chipmunk will lose her innocence if you teach her about body safety. Nope; won’t happen. It’s a cold, cruel world we live in and your kid knows more than you realize. In fact, she’ll be empowered when she knows what the dangers are and how to meet them head on.
In Badass Parenting: Prepare Your Kids to Deal with Danger without Scaring the Hell out of Them, expert CJ Scarlet helps parents teach their children how to avoid and handle themselves in scary situations ranging from bullying and digital dangers to sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and kidnapping.
After reading this book, you’ll feel more knowledgeable and confident in your ability to talk candidly with your child at her age and maturity level without scaring her to death. It’s time to ditch the worry and get some sleep!
Edgy, funny, and irreverent, this unputdownable book (with TONS of downloadable bonus content!) is the new bible for parents looking to raise safe, savvy, confident kids.
“Badass Parenting is fun from the start! I love the conversational tone and I honestly laughed out loud at some of the stories. I learned SO much and thought about so many people who should read this book (parents, teachers, camp counselors, etc.).”
Orna Drawas, Author of BEFORE YOU SAY ANOTHER WORD – Thinking on Your Feet When It Matters
“Finally, a book about parenting that doesn’t scare the crap out of you!!!! We live in one of the safest times to be alive, and yet, most of us are terrified. Parents – especially so. It is refreshing to have a book that realistically looks at the real dangers our kids face and help us – (a) not freak out, (b) figure out how to help our kids deal with the risks without traumatizing them, and (c) does so while making us laugh! A trifecta. I honestly wish CJ Scarlet’s book existed when my son was younger. I would have handed it out to every freaked-out parent I met at every mommy and me playdate I went to. Parenting is hard enough; we don’t need to generate extra unnecessary hysteria. This book will help you realistically face the dangers of parenting (real or imagined) with love and humor. Thank you CJ!”
Jennifer Hancock, Author of The Bully Vaccine
“I am so impressed with this book. CJ is a brilliant writer who has found the right balance between deep research, practical tools and a positive tone for such an important topic. In a world where safety, danger and fear are more the daily focus, Badass Parenting very quickly gives kids and parents the tools and facts to navigate these issues effectively, while still enjoying life! Every parent must read this book not only for the wealth of information that’s in here, but also for the inspiration on how to bring up happy, healthy and empowered kids!”
Ariane De Boinvoisin, Elite Coach and Author
Heroic Parenting: An Essential Guide to Raising Safe, Savvy, Confident Kids
Do you love your kid and loathe bad people who want to harm him? Then Heroic Parenting is for you!
If you’ve ever lost sleep worrying about your child’s safety, you’re not alone. You may want to wrap your munchkin in a protective bubble and defend him from every harm, but doing so could emotionally cripple him and make him more, not less, vulnerable to bullies and other predators.
In Heroic Parenting, danger expert CJ Scarlet helps you teach your child 0 to 9 how to avoid sketchy people and handle himself in scary situations ranging from bullying and digital dangers to sexual abuse and kidnapping. You’ll also learn how to enhance his confidence and self-esteem, which are his greatest tools for repelling predators.
Plus, Scarlet teaches you how to prepare your little ninja to fight like a “rabid Tasmanian devil” to escape from predators—using just his bodily “weapons” that don’t require any formal martial arts or self-defense mastery.
After reading this book, you’ll feel more knowledgeable and confident in your ability to talk candidly with your child at his age and maturity level without scaring him to death. It’s time to ditch the worry and get some sleep!
This super informative, unputdownable book (with TONS of downloadable bonus content!) is the new bible for parents looking to raise safe, savvy, confident kids.
Don’t leave your child at risk. You (and your child) have more power to protect him than you think. Heroic Parenting is a genuine lifesaver, so buy it now and be the parent your child deserves!
“Heroic Parenting: An Essential Guide to Raising Safe, Savvy, Confident Kids by CJ Scarlet is the ultimate ‘stranger danger’ book and a worried parent’s new safety Bible. But it’s so much more than that.
Danger expert CJ Scarlet provides a wealth of invaluable information that includes nearly everything your child could face in these predatory times, and she means business. With hard facts and humor, Scarlet supplies the tools necessary to combat the elements that families face today without stunting your child’s psychological growth.
Here are just a few of the things you’ll learn: how to communicate effectively with your child overall and discuss hard topics, help them recognize dangerous situations and people inside/outside their circle, how to trust their intuition and develop skills to defend against things like grooming, ‘child’s play’, bullying, digital dangers, kidnapping, sexual abuse, and much, much more. This must-have book should be read and re-read by every parent if they want to have safe, confident, empowered children.
Heroic Parenting by CJ Scarlet is parent/grandparent/family/child safety gold! I couldn’t believe how much information was in this book from start to finish and I haven’t read anything like it before. It covered so much. Facts were spot on, and many were shocking, but Scarlet writes in a way that is both truthfully raw and full of spunk.
It didn’t feel like I was reading some boring instructional guide but like I was talking to a down-to-earth/here are the facts/here’s what to do/funny, caring, family member. The whole time I was reading I thought, I’d love to send a copy to my adult son, several of dear friends with small children, a teacher friend, they’ll all love this five-star, fantastic book that every family should have. Great read!”
Kristy Vee
“Become an advocate for your children and discover how to protect them from the dangers of molestation and abuse in the humorous, yet superbly informative parenting book, Heroic Parenting (An Essential Guide to Raising Safe, Savvy, Confident Kids) by CJ Scarlet.
Many parents believe that their young child’s ignorance about sex is keeping them innocent. Regrettably, this is an untruth. If children aren’t educated in what to look out for, then they have more of a chance of becoming the next victim. By training your kids not to see all strangers as dangerous, and instead teaching them how to read body language and observe the people around them, they will gain the skills they need to live more confidently. Learn how to talk to your children about sex, what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior, and how to tell an adult when something occurs. Become proactive and teach your child how to protect themselves and say no.
With chapters addressing everything from identifying predators, bullying, and child molestation, to helping build your child’s confidence and self-esteem, this book is a necessary manual for every parent and grandparent.
Heroic Parenting by CJ Scarlet is a must-read for any parent, grandparent, or guardian of children aged zero to nine years old. This book is packed with action steps, daily practices, and tips on family meetings and daily sharing. The author relays her years of experience as a victim advocate, danger expert, and Badass Grandma with love and humor.
First showing you the statistics, then teaching you simple steps to prevent (to the best of your ability) your child from becoming a target, CJ Scarlet teaches you how to raise strong, confident children by giving you the knowledge and self-confidence you need to best teach your child how to survive in today’s world. Complete with information on what to do if you suspect or know your child has been molested or worse, and ways to go about dealing with it.
Written in an empathetic and endearing manner, this book will educate and comfort the reader. I look forward to reading CJ Scarlet’s next book in the Heroic Parenting Series for children aged ten to eighteen.”
Alyssa Elmore
“Heroic Parenting: An Essential Guide to Raising Safe, Savvy, Confident Kids by CJ Scarlet is a book every worried parent needs. Instead of trying to insulate your child in a cocoon, which is what most parents wish they could do, this book shows you how to strengthen your child with knowledge and skills to handle any situation life has to throw at them, good or bad.
Fostering independence and self-reliance is a strong focus of the book, and Scarlet has a comprehensive, straightforward approach that can be necessarily blunt. The ideas put forth in the book start with ripping the bandage off and informing your child of the dangers, temptations, and social pressures that are out there to influence or victimize him or her on a daily basis.
The book is smartly outlined in clear-cut sections, from bullying to sexual abuse to independence. It’s better to prevent a tragedy than to have to deal with the aftermath of one, but some parents think their children aren’t equipped to understand or cope with the harsh realities of today’s world.
This book shows both parents and children how to be aware. Parents should never assume that bad things like kidnappings or child trafficking can’t happen because they can. As a parent, child protection should be your number one priority.
Heroic Parenting by CJ Scarlet is the book older generations wish they’d had when raising their children. Besides protection, other issues covered are self-esteem, positive regard for others, and an attentive attitude toward surroundings. Think of this book as a boot camp for life.”
Tammy Ruggles
The Badass Girl’s Guide: Uncommon Strategies to Outwit Predators
The Badass Girl’s Guide: Uncommon Strategies to Outwit Predators is the one book criminal predators don’t want you to read! Filled with critical information about how to empower yourself to keep from becoming a crime statistic, this definitive, comprehensive guide contains facts and strategies not found in other personal security books.
From tips on how to “fail” the predator interview and avoid being targeted, to instructions on using your personal bodily “weapons” to defend yourself in a confrontation, CJ Scarlet offers everything you need to know to stay safe, fight if you must, and navigate the criminal justice process if the worst happens.
If you read just one book on personal safety and self-defense in your lifetime, The Badass Girl’s Guide is the one for you!
Click here to read an excerpt from The Badass Girl’s Guide.
Praise for The Badass Girl’s Guide:
“Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, The Badass Girl’s Guide: Uncommon Strategies to Outwit Predators is one self-help, self-improvement book that should be a part of every personal, community, college, and university library collections for women readers in this age of #MeToo.”
Mary Cowper, Reviewer
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“I just finished The Badass Girl’s Guide and I was deeply touched by the message in many ways. CJ Scarlet’s sharing of her own personal journey through shame and from victimhood to personal power is much needed in today’s world. As a man, I struggle in reading the many ways that men manipulate and perpetrate on women, often believing that this is just the way that men are. It’s a lie and I applaud CJ for calling out men to be different (if men are willing to read such an impactful book). CJ’s message of empowerment for women is impactful and beautiful, and I especially enjoyed the ways that CJ encouraged women to seek support, to speak out and to take their own journey past their shame to find their way back to self-worth and self-love. Thank you for making a difference with this book, CJ.”
Jeff Nischwitz, Author, Speaker, Coach
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“Your book, The Badass Girl’s Guide, is one of the most revolutionary books I have ever read. It turns old beliefs about gender norms and violence on it’s head and gives women new tools and rules of the road. I am so proud to know you and look forward to working with you. What a brave and brilliant response to sexual assault and violence. Girls be confident, stay alert. Ear buds out/off your cell phone, stay sober and fight back until you can run away.
“Bravo!”
Nell Merlino, Founder, Take Our Daughters to Work Day and Born Worthy
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“I’m reading my own copy now-and just ordered one for each of my nieces in college. Setting and knowing your boundaries–trusting your intuition-protecting yourself and feeling completely solid within–ALL so essential to LIVING–but not many of us are taught. We’re just not equipped.
Sheltering children from even hearing about certain dangers–and dangerous people–they’re left so vulnerable and completely unprepared. CJ will be pivotal in changing all of this!
In our personal and professional lives–EVERYONE who reads this will benefit-men and women–young and old. I believe this book is for everybody. Her life experience and professional background–her honesty and courage–are a gift to everyone who reads her book. You can feel how important this is for her to share–that she empowers others to be stronger. I’m blown away.”
Cynthia R. Schuster
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“Every woman and man should read this book. CJ uses her stories of abuse and harassment to educate her readers on how they can save themselves or prevent abusive situations from occurring. She does not feel sorry for herself, nor is her story the main theme, rather a way to give her credibility. She is real, honest, and very practical. I had the honor and pleasure of sitting down with her and was worried her book wouldn’t live up to the person I met. I could not have been more wrong. CJ Scarlet is a powerhouse and force to be reckoned with.”
Marcey Rader
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A Must Read — It Could be a Lifesaver!
“CJ Scarlet has given a gift to her readers and their loved ones. In this tightly and well-written guide, she raises the awareness of readers to the dangers of their contexts and what to do about it. With just the right tone, Scarlet shares real-life threats and real-life practical initiatives and responses that people can take. This book covers all the bases to give readers a head’s up and an edge against predators they may face. She draws on a wide spectrum of resources and experience to write a substantive book that confronts readers’ misinformation, faulty internal scripts, naivete and ruts that victims may be stuck in.
This is The Badass Girl’s Guide, and I think it is a must-read for girls. For girls under ten, it might be something that parents read and then convey the highlights to the girls until they are more mature; however, I think this is important information for girls to get asap. I also think boys and men should read this, especially boys who themselves are often targets of predators. Men can learn a lot here about how to interact with women and how to train up their daughters and to help their wives to stay safe. Scarlet shares plenty of information that is generally helpful to all genders of readers on staying safe and reacting smartly to threats.
I’m fairly sure that most readers will have a response similar to mine after completing this book and that is that you want many people you know to read it immediately.
I was so impressed with Ms. Scarlet that I initiated an effort to bring her to our town for a speaking event for our community to learn from her. That is the kind of impact she has.”
Craig Stephans, Author, Speaker, Brand Specialist
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A Tremendously Powerful Book Promoting Pro-Active Steps to Survival
“Badass Girl’s is a tremendously helpful book! It is full of ideas and observations that are valuable to women so that we may avoid becoming victims of violent crime. CJ’s opening up about her experiences and the guilt and shame she had to overcome make this book even more valid adding a human touch and putting a face on sexual crime against women. I highly recommend this book. I think it should become required reading in college courses and perhaps even high school as it may help ladies to avoid becoming trapped in compromising situations.”
Shirley J. Davis
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“This is a book all women should read. CJ shares her very personal story and so many great strategies to handle predators and not become a crime statistic. Don’t let yourself become a target!”
LG
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Self-awareness equals self-empowerment!
“In this important, must-read guide, CJ Scarlet weaves personal testimonies with pragmatic advice, and delivers a kickass, “Badass” punch to predators!”
Tracy Crow, Author, Instructor
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“In the past, it was not uncommon to hear statements like, “If you don’t want to be sexually assaulted, make sure you dress well. Don’t wear short skirts or dresses with plunging necklines and don’t flirt with men,” etcetera. Two things happened, however, to put paid to that line of reasoning.
First, research based on available data revealed that sexual assault was not limited to women who dressed provocatively or engaged in flirtatious behaviour. Conservative women also reported cases of sexual assault.
Second, women’s rights groups insisted on the right of women to dress as they pleased without fear of molestation, and the onus fell on men to keep their hands,[if not their eyes] to themselves.
This point has been a bone of contention in many sexual assault cases. Does a woman’s choice of outfit or social behaviour determine if she gets assaulted or not? Assuming it does, why are there cases of sexual assault even in places where women wear burqas?
These are tough questions indeed, but whatever the case may be, this week’s book by CJ Scarlet titled The Badass Girl’s Guide; Uncommon Strategies to Outwit Predators, contains practical tips for outwitting sexual predators.
In this guidebook, CJ discusses myths and facts about sexual assault and describes the types of predators. She also highlights five possible responses to sexual assault; Freeze, Fawn, Comply, Flee or Fight and is careful to point out how each can be used to advantage.
Reading this book for me was like inhaling fresh air; in fact at a point I found myself exhaling. At last! Here’s someone who is real and not idealistic. No locker room advice is given here [‘carry pepper spray in your bag at all times’], rather, readers are treated to sound advice such as the role of intuition and situational awareness in preventing sexual assault, as well as tips for outsmarting a would-be predator.
I recommend this book to all women; it is worth having and worth keeping.”
Lauretta Ani
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“The Badass Girl’s Guide: Uncommon Strategies to Outwit Predators is a self-help book teaching the reader how to deal with uncomfortable situations such as out thinking and out playing a criminal predator. It covers ways to navigate the criminal justice system and how to deal with trauma, after being victimized.
The moment I began reading this book, it reminded me of the Cleveland Victims and how their predator had abducted them, keeping them trapped in his home over 10 years before one of them managed to escape, saving the rest.
I believe as a woman, or even as a human being, knowing what to do or not to do in certain hostile cases, it is very beneficial to have read this book. Of course, not every situation and circumstance can prepare you for what could happen but at least knowing the basics of certain aspects may actually save your life. For that reason, I believe this book was very useful and is much needed.
The literature was easy to understand, and the subject matters were divided into an organized format in order to make it easy to follow through. I particularly enjoyed the part where the author teaches you how to confront a predator. Sometimes, in such situations, the brain just freezes and knowing from all the interviews and books I have read on such victims, everything learned is quickly forgotten. Therefore, let’s hope that none of us have to go through this regardless of what we do know or wish to learn.
I recommend this book to people of all ages.”
Jeyran Main
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“I think this book is a great book about empowerment. I enjoyed reading and learned a few things about protecting myself. I think anyone should read this book and see if you learn something new as well. It is never too late to learn more on protection. 5/5 Stars”
Aly
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“I wish this book had been around when I was in college. Back then we didn’t understand ‘date rape’ and truly thought we were ‘asking for it’ if we were assaulted. The concept of fighting back was foreign to us. This well-written book is extremely comprehensive, and dishes out good, solid advice on how to deal with a sexual predator. I especially like the part about channeling your inner Tasmanian Devil! Although I’m no longer a young woman, as a recent divorcee back in the dating world, you can bet I’ll keep these tips in mind when I go on a date!”
Susan Conley
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“CJ Scarlet’s Badass Girl’s Guide is the best book I’ve ever read on the topic of self-empowerment and self-defense for women and girls. I especially took to heart CJ’s suggestion of calling 911 and starting to describe what the predator looks like in the event of an imminent attack. This book helped me understand the minds and behaviors of predators in order to thwart their efforts to victimize others. I loved CJ’s instructions to ‘summon your inner Tasmanian Devil’ to physically fight off an attacker and now feel more confident in my ability to do so. Filled with stories and examples of how others survived assaults, this book is a quick and interesting read. I plan to protect my loved ones by buying them copies to help keep them safer as well.”
Mary Cantando, Founder of The Woman’s Advantage®
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“Extremely readable, eye-opening and informative, The Badass Girls’ Guide to Unleashing Your Power is written from the heart and offers valuable information for everyone. This important book should be required reading for ALL young women. Author CJ Scarlet candidly shares stories and examples from her own fascinating life. She clearly knows what she’s talking about and she’s brave enough to share it!”
Lyn Jackson, CEO, Every Story Media
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“In The Badass Girl’s Guide, CJ Scarlet shares her story and wisdom with courage and a bit of irreverence. I learned so much from this book that will guide me going forward, and I feel much more confident about my ability to protect myself from predators. The book is very well-written and an easy read. Whether or not you think you’re a likely target for predators, you NEED to read this book!”
Kathy Booth
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“CJ Scarlet delves into the mind of a perpetrator, shows us what and how to use our intuition to thwart potential attacks, and provides insight and common sense tactics in using the physical deterrents we were born with so we can ACT when needed. Exposing myths, giving us steps to take after an assault, and explaining how to use the justice system wisely, are invaluable tools for parents and anyone wanting to avoid being a victim.”
Ann Jagger, International Author, Screenwriter, Film Producer
Neptune’s Gift: Discovering Your Inner Ocean
When Dylan, an average wave of middling ability, realizes he’s about to crash on the shore, he’s terrified and miserable. But when he encounters a magnificent wave named Serena, Dylan learns that he is not separate and alone, but One with every wave and every creature in the ocean. In fact, Dylan learns that he is the ocean itself!
In the process, he discovers that courage is found in the eye of the storm, that the limitless abundance of the universe is always within our grasp, that it is through focusing on the happiness of others that one’s own happiness is achieved, that we truly do possess the power to make our dreams come true, and that although we appear to be separate from one another, we are collective drops that together form the same vast ocean.
Neptune’s Gift is sprinkled with colorful sea creature characters that help illuminate and reinforce the lessons Dylan learns on his voyage of the spirit. Abounding with thoughtful ideas for readers to consider and apply directly to their lives, this profound and fun allegorical tale will leave readers touched and inspired, as they travel with Dylan on the greatest journey of his life.
Neptune’s Gift is perfect for spiritual seekers, and children of all ages and their parents who want to expose them to some of life’s most important lessons about managing fear, riding out the storms of life, and finding genuine happiness.
Praise for Neptune’s Gift:
“Neptune’s Gift is a wonderful allegorical tale about the true purpose and deeper meaning of life—a Jonathan Livingston Seagull for the new century.”
Jack Canfield, Author of The Success Principles™: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
“Neptune’s Gift: Discovering Your Inner Ocean is a short story about Dylan, a wave who is afraid of crashing the shore. His anxiety and fear overtake his ability to realize that he is the ocean and it is only by meeting a much larger wave does he come to such an understanding. I believe using allegories to convey a message is a brilliant and compelling move. In this case, the author uses such a tale to teach readers how to deal with their own storms and waves, in their lives. It induces purpose and gratitude for what you have and demonstrates the ability to identify the core strength within, which we hold. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I found it to be very inspirational. It was thought-provoking and at the same calming to follow the story like tale and to learn something at the same time. The author has a soothing literary skill that demonstrates care and love in her writing. I particularly relished the part where the laws of nature were combined and compared with humanity. I highly recommend this book and believe that this author has great potential in creating remarkable work.”
Jeyran Main
“Neptune’s Gift… is a wonderfully crafted sea tale that swirls together the laws of nature and humanity into a glorious sea of compassion and tolerance that is so often tested when difficulties arise. It is a thought provoking, magical tale that tickled my inner child with its innocence and grace.”