As mothers, we often find ourselves in the role of fixers. We apply Band-Aids to scraped knees, repair broken toys, and mend cherished stuffed animals. When our children seek our assistance, whether it’s tackling second-grade math or comforting them from fears of imaginary monsters, we step up to find solutions.
However, our capacity to fix extends well beyond small matters.
When alarming numbers of children were dying in car accidents, we took action. From 1977 to 1985, all 50 states implemented laws to enhance the safety of infants and child passengers by mandating the use of child restraint devices. We didn’t stop there; we advocated for age- and size-appropriate solutions, such as booster seats. Our dedication to research and policy change resulted in a significant 43% decrease in child fatalities in car accidents between 2002 and 2011.
In response to the tragic loss of over 4,000 infants annually from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in the early 1990s, we initiated a widespread campaign known as the Back to Sleep movement. Within just five years, SIDS deaths were cut by more than half. Our commitment didn’t wane; we continued to refine safe sleep recommendations, and decades later, we are still innovating to create safer sleep environments for our children.
When drunk driving claimed the life of young Carrie Lightner, her mother took action by founding Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at her kitchen table. This grassroots effort evolved into a national movement that has led to a 55% reduction in fatalities from drunk driving since its establishment in 1980.
In addressing unsafe cribs, we found solutions that led to federal guidelines prohibiting the manufacture and sale of drop-sided cribs starting in 2011. When faced with nearly 300 children under five drowning in residential pools each year, we advocated for safety measures, resulting in legal requirements for fencing around pools in various states.
Whenever we identify a threat affecting our children, we rally to find solutions. This has always been our role as mothers and as engaged citizens. Our children rely on us to advocate for their safety.
Yet, in 2018, we are faced with a grim reality: nearly 1,300 children lose their lives annually and over 5,000 more are injured due to gun violence. Regardless of political views, it is undeniable that these statistics are unacceptable. As mothers, we cannot stand idly by; we must act. We have a proven track record of addressing issues that harm our children with resolve.
In cases of SIDS, drunk driving, crib safety, and more, we never simply accept preventable tragedies. We dig deep to uncover root causes, analyze issues from every perspective, and immerse ourselves in research and advocacy. We educate ourselves and others, exploring every avenue for change, and demand that our leaders take note because the stakes are far too high.
We must apply this same tenacity to the gun violence crisis. It’s vital that we set aside political divisions and come together as mothers first. As mothers, our focus should be solely on protecting our children. Their lives are at stake—not just in mass shootings in places like Parkland, Sutherland Springs, and Sandy Hook, but also from everyday violence, gang-related incidents, and accidents in their homes. These are our children, and they deserve brighter, safer futures.
We have shown our willingness to reform anything for the safety of our kids, from cribs and car seats to safe sleep practices. We constantly evaluate our surroundings through the lens of potential harm, and when we see something that can be improved, we act decisively.
Unfortunately, in the face of gun violence, we have faltered. We have allowed this epidemic to persist, becoming entangled in the misconception that it is merely a political issue. Addressing gun violence should not be a matter of partisan debate; it is a universal concern that demands a comprehensive approach, including common-sense gun legislation.
As parents, we are responsible for safeguarding our children. We must be willing to confront this challenge, no matter how difficult or time-consuming it may be, and be relentless in our efforts to change the laws that endanger their lives. One determined mother can instigate significant change; collectively, we can transform our society.
Let’s unite and embrace our role as advocates for our children’s safety.
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Summary
Mothers have a long history of taking action to improve the safety and well-being of their children, from addressing car accident fatalities to advocating against drunk driving. Today, we face a critical issue of gun violence affecting our youth. It’s imperative that we unite across political lines to seek solutions that protect the lives of our children.