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You have a responsibility to protect those who are close to you — and in this, you cannot compromise. The safety of your family may one day depend on your ability to act, and if you fail to protect your spouse and your kids, you’ve neglected your duty as a husband and a father.
But you can account for the unexpected and prepare for the unpredictable. Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in a situation where the life of a loved one is in jeopardy, but it’s better to ensure it’ll never happen than to trust it won’t. As they say, the best offense is a good defense.
Here are a few of the many ways a man can protect his family, starting with the basics.
Study Self-Defense
In a high-risk situation where an assailant is attempting to harm your family, an understanding of martial arts can help to counter their attack. There are many styles of self-defense, and classes are available virtually anywhere, making this an accessible and intelligent precaution almost anyone can manage.
Prompting your significant other to learn self-defense techniques will ensure their safety when you’re not around. An essential part of defending your family is giving them the means to defend themselves, so encourage them to study and practice on their own. You can even turn it into an enjoyable group activity.
Research different forms of martial arts and look into classes in your area. Some forms are more superficial, with a focus on improving stamina, agility and coordination. Other forms are designed for intense hand-to-hand combat situations, like Krav Maga, and prove useful in handling an aggressive individual.
Upgrade Your Home Security
Home security is a basic necessity that every man should have. You can’t sleep with one eye open every night, frightened that an intruder will creep up the stairs the moment you drift off. It’s not a sustainable lifestyle, and fortunately, there are plenty of products designed to keep you protected in the event of a burglary.
Smart home technology is the best option for those looking to reduce their risk of forced entry. Certain systems will continue to work even in the event of a power failure, and most can fully integrate with other home appliances for the most comprehensive threat detection. Almost all systems link to a smartphone app for easy access.
From wherever you’re sitting — at your desk in the office or stuck in standstill traffic — all you have to do is unlock your device and press the app. You’ll enjoy a live feed from your security camera setup, able to view your property to make sure your family is safe and accounted for. Any anxieties are swiftly alleviated.
Follow Social Protocol
It’s crucial you follow several basic rules while out in public with your children and significant other. More than a husband or father, you’re also a role model that your children look to as an example of how to act. But beyond simple manners, it’s important you adhere to specific protocol in high-tension situations.
If you’re enjoying a night out and you’re rudely interrupted by an angry stranger, take care not to escalate the situation. You don’t know their mental state, whether they’re carrying a weapon or what their intention is. Find a way to extricate yourself from the situation — don’t let your pride endanger you or your family.
When vacationing in an unfamiliar country, you may have to take a detour through a less-than-hospitable location. If this is the case, maintain your situational awareness and don’t linger longer than you have to. Pickpockets and criminals have methods of identifying vulnerable people, so don’t draw attention to yourself or your family.
Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow
There are precautions you can take today. More than providing for your family, you also have the responsibility to protect them. In the time you can afford to spare, take a martial arts class, invest in smart home security and read up on different techniques for handling a potential crisis.
You never know what’s around the corner, but you can still prepare for it.
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Photo provided by the author.