Matthew Dermody

A Not-So-Easy Target: Practical Tips For Protecting and Equipping Your Child Matthew Dermody

In a little over a decade, the world has changed greatly since the birth of my children. It has seen an increase in terror, crime, natural and man-made disasters, viral outbreaks, and violence. It has seen a decline in morality, personal responsibility, and parental involvement. While we could see the results as well as our culpability for some of those existing problems, my wife and I decided to proactively do what we can to better protect our children in this world. This is not a "bubble-wrap your child, hand them a participation trophy, and tell them everything will be okay" approach. Both local and global events have forced us to look at the world not as we want it to be, but objectively as it is. While some of those lenses we peer through embrace or reinforce our personal worldview, others do not. As parents, we see ourselves as having the authority and final say regarding the safety of our children, not society, not institutions, not government. Because of this view, the duty falls squarely on us and we are determined to accept it. It is my hope that readers will accept the challenge and responsibility to make their children a not-so-easy target.