All of us deserve a greater peace of mind, knowing that our

"All of us deserve a greater peace of mind, knowing that our children are better protected wherever they are." These words, spoken by Bob Ney, resonate deeply with a truth that transcends time and culture—the unshakeable desire of a parent to protect and care for their children. In every era, the safety and well-being of our young ones has been a central concern. Ney’s statement highlights not only the deep love and responsibility that parents feel but also the universal need for security, the assurance that children, no matter where they are in the world, are protected from harm. This call for greater peace of mind is a shared aspiration—one that calls upon us all to work towards a society where the vulnerable, especially the young, are shielded from the dangers that threaten their future.

In the ancient world, parents bore a heavy responsibility for the well-being of their children, for the survival of the family line and the future of the community. In ancient Greece, Socrates once said that a father’s greatest duty was to provide not only for the physical needs of his children but also for their moral and intellectual development. In his dialogues, he often questioned what was truly best for the young, asserting that the protection of the soul and the education of the mind were just as critical as physical safety. The same sentiment echoed through other ancient cultures, from the protective Roman fathers who guided their children into adulthood, to the Chinese philosophers who emphasized the importance of moral integrity and nurturing care in the upbringing of the young. Like Ney, these ancient voices remind us that true peace of mind for a parent is not found only in the absence of danger, but in the certainty that children are safeguarded in every aspect of life.

Consider the example of King Solomon, the wise ruler of ancient Israel, who, in his writings, often reflected on the importance of protecting and guiding children. In the Proverbs, Solomon speaks of the value of wisdom, understanding, and discipline, not just for the individual but for the family as a whole. He writes, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Solomon’s wisdom speaks to a vision of protection that goes beyond the physical realm—it is about guiding the heart, the mind, and the spirit, creating a foundation of security that will endure even when the child is far from home. His understanding of protection involved far more than the mere shielding of children from harm—it was about nurturing them into individuals who would be resilient and wise, able to protect themselves in the world.

Fast forward to more recent history, and we find a similar understanding in the lives of those who have fought for children’s rights and safety in modern times. Take the example of Helen Keller, whose own childhood was marked by adversity, yet who became a tireless advocate for the rights of disabled children. In the early 20th century, Keller pushed for legislation to ensure that all children, regardless of their physical limitations, had access to education, care, and protection. Her efforts showed that peace of mind for a parent is deeply intertwined with the rights of children to grow and thrive, unencumbered by the barriers society often places before them. Like Bob Ney’s vision, Keller understood that every child deserves protection—protection from neglect, from discrimination, and from harm.

Yet, Ney’s words also remind us that protection is not something easily granted. The modern world, with all its advancements, still holds perils for the young—whether it be from the dangers of violence, the ever-present threat of war, or the more subtle harms caused by neglect or inequality. History has shown us time and again that peace of mind for parents is not simply about avoiding danger, but about creating systems and societies where children’s welfare is prioritized. Governments, communities, and families must work together to establish environments where children are not only safe from physical harm but are also nurtured emotionally and mentally.

The lesson here is profound. Parents, like the great leaders and thinkers of the past, deserve peace of mind that their children will grow up in safety, protected from the dangers of the world. This protection, however, requires more than just a wish—it demands action. We must advocate for laws, policies, and systems that prioritize the safety and well-being of children, not only in our homes but in our schools, communities, and beyond. Peace of mind for the parent is an active process, one that requires constant vigilance, care, and compassion.

In practical terms, this means that we must not only protect the children in our own families but also extend that protection to those in our communities and in the wider world. We must advocate for better child protection laws, quality education, and mental health support. We must ensure that children are not just physically safe but also emotionally and mentally nurtured in ways that allow them to grow into healthy, balanced individuals. In doing so, we can build a future where every child is safe, and every parent can rest in the peace of mind that their child’s safety is secure, no matter where they may go. True peace for the parent is peace for the child, and in this lies the foundation of a truly just and compassionate society.