Protector Parent: Indian, Not the Arrow

 Protector Parent: Indian, Not the Arrow

Gotta train like a 
warrior.

The Native American Plains Tribes of North America and likely most everywhere else around the world have a long heritage of strong warrior ethos.  They had centuries of fierce fighting against other tribes, invaders, wild animals, inclement weather, and a dozen other threats and hazards.  Some of the traditions and preparations are incredible in their lineage.  They learned and honed survival and warriorhood over the centuries.  Their history and ability to live and thrive in a harsh land can teach us about tribal-like teamwork, preparations, sacrifice, strategy, self-sustainment, and tactics that should not be lost on us in our modern convenience-driven world.    

We were recently in Yellowstone for a long weekend and sitting near the Obsidian Cliffs, we were reflecting on the idea that for some 600 generations...for real...600 generations...warriors had come there to harvest and craft obsidian weapons and tools.  Over those warrior years, there was an evolution in tactics and tools...but ultimately, the warrior was the center of the equation.  Today, no matter the tools and tactics...you're the warrior in your home...charged with protecting and providing for those under your roof.  

No shirt helps...

When discussing protector parenting, or probably anything else in life, you can't "buy" your way into being a better warrior.  Certainly, you can buy "things" that may make you a better protector, but without the additional mindset and training, you're not likely to build actual capacity.  Certainly, you can "buy better arrows" but that doesn't make you a better warrior.  The better warrior part, in reality, the only part that matters comes through building skills that you can weave into capability and capacity.  For example, you may be able to go out and buy the most state-of-the-art defensive weapon...without training in the mechanics of it (crawl), connecting component skills (walk), and vetting those in realistic exercise scenarios (run), you've got a fancy paperweight.  

Train each 
season

For most of us out there, the goal should be "better warrior or protector" in this space...not collector of the coolest toys.  Also, sadly, many of us, tend to be much more able to collect fancy arrows than invest the resources (time, energy, focus) into building capacities.  In your journey to becoming a better protector parent, it is important to identify and lay out a strategy to move you from budding Padawan to Jedi Master.  Most of us will never become Ninja-SEAL-Delta-Viking level competent in the ways of war...and for most all of us, that's okay.  Every one of us, however, can take proactive, intentional steps to incrementally increase our protective capacities.  

Practice 
works.

Taking the leadership role as a warrior in your life, you can bring a lifestyle and mindset to home/family defense.  This can take the shape of teaching/training yourself and your family in things like CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Fire Drill, evacuations/shelter-in-place, and other all-hazard items.  You can follow this up by instilling the habits of situational awareness, assertiveness, mannerisms, and other non-victim items/styles.  

Lean in with
your kids.

With almost any capability you're trying to develop in life there are a series of independent component skills that when mastered and linked together translate into a new ability.  For a few examples in the "protector parenting" realm, we'll talk about some necessary softer skills.  The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," is critical in protection.  Learning to avoid an issue is a critical first step.  That said, when avoidance doesn't work, having the ability to inflict targeted violence is important for warriorhood and self-defense.  

As you're protecting and teaching/raising the next generation of protectors, it's important to not only have protector items/tools/"arrows" but more importantly, can use said arrows effectively.  As your children grow up, the roles transition from strictly protecting to teaching how to protect should occur.  Raise "Indians" who can use arrows and ultimately raise more warriors.  

With you in the arena, from ours to yours...Happy Trails!

Call to Action: 

• Pick out a few things that you can work on/learn/develop.  Pick out a few more for your spouse and kids.  Now go learn/practice those things.  
• 1 - ___________________ 
• 2 - ___________________
• 3 - ___________________
• Discussion: Consider what you/your family could/would/should (level of commitment) and start/stop/sustain (action) - take a class, learn a skill, practice a "martial" art, etc.  

Further Reading, Motivation, and References:

- Warrior Poet Society -https://www.youtube.com/@WarriorPoetSociety