As a parent, stepping out with the kids for a quick errand usually brings a mix of thoughts to mind: Did I pack snacks? What was I supposed to buy? And why do the kids insist on wearing mismatched shoes? Recently, another worry has crept into my mind: Are we going to encounter someone with a gun while we’re out?
Living in Texas, this concern isn’t unfounded. Just a few days ago, the state implemented an open carry law, allowing licensed handgun owners to openly carry their firearms in public. While we might joke about Texas stereotypes—no, we don’t ride horses to work—this new law certainly revives the image of the Wild West, where guns are as common as cowboy boots.
My friends who support this law assure me that it makes our outings safer. They argue that seeing responsible gun owners will deter criminals. Yet, I find it hard to share their confidence, especially when I imagine encountering a firearm while trying to select the perfect avocado at the grocery store. Their laughter when I express my fears only adds to my unease.
I always thought that the responsibility of public safety rested with trained professionals—those in uniforms who undergo rigorous training and are held accountable for their actions. However, the prevailing belief seems to be that arming more civilians is the solution to gun violence, rather than relying solely on those who are trained for such responsibilities.
I can’t help but question how we reached this point. Why am I now searching online to see if the local museum permits visitors to carry guns while exploring exhibits? Keeping my children from touching priceless artifacts is already a challenge, and now I have to worry about them bumping into someone’s firearm?
And distinguishing between the “good guys” and those who might misuse their weapons? It’s daunting. Isn’t anyone who feels the need to openly carry a gun in public likely to be less than rational?
Despite growing up in Texas and being accustomed to its quirks, including the acceptance of firearms, I’ve never felt this level of anxiety about living here until now. The push for open carry has left me feeling vulnerable in my own backyard.
If you want to dive deeper into the conversation about raising kids in such an environment or explore related topics, check out our other blog posts, including one on home insemination resources. Additionally, for anyone considering starting a family, Make a Mom offers expert insights on home insemination kits. For further reading on pregnancy and related topics, the NIH has excellent resources.
In summary, as I navigate parenting in a state where open carry is now law, I find myself grappling with fear and uncertainty. The shift in public safety dynamics raises questions about how to protect my children while maintaining a sense of normalcy in our everyday lives.