Want some real-life survival lessons? Watch, “I Shouldn’t Be Alive”

I’ve never been lost in the Amazon or adrift in the Gulf of California, nor have I ever been stranded on a sandbar in the middle of the Zambezi River, but after watching a few episodes of, “I Shouldn’t Be Alive“, I feel like I have!  This terrific Discovery Channel series tells the true stories of ordinary people caught up in life-and-death calamities.  Few of them have extensive survival training, and we’re reminded that a clear head, common sense, and determination are just as important to survival as a fire starter and a canteen of water.

Not only does this series score high in entertainment value, but it also teaches important lessons in what to do and what not to do in all types of dangerous situations.  My kids and I have had some pretty deep conversations about each episode, and it’s given me a chance to find out what they know about survival and for them to pick up some new tips.  Just asking a simple question gets them talking.

“Do you think he did the right thing by trying to swim to shore?”

“If you were hiking through the Amazon, what would you want to have in your backpack?”

“Now do you understand why I keep all those water bottles in the back of the Tahoe???”

When you watch this with your kids, be aware that some scenes may upset younger children.  My 7 year-old son freaked out watching “Shark Survivor” long before the sharks even made an appearance! 

If you can’t get enough of survival stories, and really, who among us can?, you’ll enjoy reading these books.

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