“We must teach children to recognize danger before it reaches them. Comfort soothes the moment. Safety saves a lifetime.”-Tonya GJ Prince
“We must teach children to recognize danger before it reaches them.
Comfort soothes the moment. Safety saves a lifetime.”-Tonya GJ Prince
We often teach children to be nice.
To share, to cooperate, to respect adults.
But how often do we teach them to recognize danger before it reaches them?
How often do we say,
“If something feels wrong, you can say no — even to an adult.”
We comfort ourselves by teaching politeness.
But we protect children by teaching discernment.
🕊️ Comfort vs. Safety
Comfort is about feelings. It asks, “Does everyone seem happy?”
Safety is about protection. It asks, “Is everyone actually safe?”
Children need both — but safety must come first.
When we raise children to value comfort over safety, we teach them to stay quiet when their instincts scream.
🌱 What We Can Teach Before the Harm
Your feelings are information.
If something feels confusing or uncomfortable, it matters. Tell someone safe.
Respect should be mutual.
Adults who demand obedience without listening are not teaching respect — they’re teaching submission.
Kindness never means silence.
You can be kind and protective of yourself at the same time.
Courage can look quiet.
Sometimes, courage means walking away, asking for help, or speaking a truth that others avoid.
🔥 The Lesson for Adults
Prevention begins long before the news story.
We must teach before the harm.
Children deserve more than comfort — they deserve safety, voice, and belief.
When they tell us something doesn’t feel right, that is not defiance.
That is wisdom trying to survive.
Closing Reflection:
Let safety become part of everyday language — like brushing teeth or crossing the street.
Because when we teach early, we interrupt harm before it begins.