As a parent, it’s hard to even imagine a situation where my children are in danger and I’m not there to help. Like most parents, I pray for them. I try to protect them. I do everything within my control.
But I’ve learned that protection cannot stop at prayer alone.
That realization is why I enrolled my children in karate lessons at their school. Not because I expect them to fight, but because karate teaches awareness, discipline, and self-defense. It gives them confidence in their bodies and their reactions.
Beyond classes, I’ve also had conversations that aren’t always comfortable. I teach them to be conscious of their surroundings. To understand stranger danger. To never take anything from someone they don’t know, no matter how friendly the person seems.
These conversations are not easy. No parent enjoys explaining the realities of the world to their child. But pretending danger doesn’t exist doesn’t make it disappear.
The truth is, I cannot always be there. I won’t always be in the same room, the same street, or the same moment. Teaching my children self-defense is my way of extending my protection beyond my physical presence.
It’s not about fear. It’s about preparation.
If you’re a parent, how are you helping your children stay safe when you’re not around?