Parenting in a World of Unpredictability: Protecting Our Children

Introduction:
At the heart of every parent's journey is the unyielding desire to protect our children. One remarkable story that embodies this dedication is that of Cindy Parolin. On that fateful day, she bravely jumped on a cougar attacking her son. Her actions remind us of the immense love and sacrifice parents make in the face of terrifying threats.

The Challenge of Protection

But what truly makes a good parent in a world rife with unforeseeable dangers? It is a question that has no single, definitive answer. You can't shield your children from everything. Even in the safest places, tragedy can strike. From drowning in a swimming pool to being hit by a car or falling ill with cancer, the spectrum of risks is vast and varied. Yet, isn't it our duty as parents to mitigate these risks as much as possible?

Creating a Safe Environment

As a parent, my approach is multifaceted. I strive to protect my kids from the malevolence of the world while also equipping them with the necessary skills to fend for themselves. Prayers for safety and health are constant. Feeding my children nutritious food, educating them, introducing them to Jesus, and encouraging them to spend time outdoors, participating in water safety classes, and providing fire safety education are just a few of the many steps I take to ensure their well-being. However, I must accept that complete protection is an impossible feat.

What we can do as parents, and what many of us do, is to love our children and protect them as much as possible within the limits of our abilities. This is the essence of being a good parent. We do our best to create a safe environment for our children, instill the right values, and provide them with the tools to navigate the challenges of the world, even when faced with the potential for failure.

The Role of CPS: A Double-Edged Sword

However, in this quest for safety and protection, even well-intentioned parents face challenges. With the increasing presence of child protection services (CPS), parents find themselves in a delicate situation. CPS, whose mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of children, can sometimes interfere with parental rights and decision-making. This paradox presents a difficult balance: how to safeguard our children while respecting the role of CPS in protecting them from harm.

Many argue that CPS should be a support system for parents, helping them to better understand their roles and responsibilities in raising children. However, in practice, CPS can feel like an additional layer of scrutiny and regulation, making it harder for parents to implement their own strategies for child safety and protection.

The key, therefore, lies in finding a harmonious balance between parental initiative and CPS intervention. We must advocate for better collaboration and mutual understanding between parents and CPS. This involves clear communication, trust, and a shared goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of children.

Conclusion: The Heart of Parenting

Ultimately, parenting is about doing our best. It is about acknowledging the challenges we face and striving to overcome them. Good parenting is not about perfection but about the love and effort we put into protecting our children. It is in these efforts—a blend of prayer, education, protection, and the practice of fundamental values—that we truly define ourselves as exemplary parents.

So, let us honor our commitment to protecting our children, cherishing the moments, and learning from the challenges. We are all doing our best, and that is what makes us great parents.