Gas Pump Robbery - Single Mother With Baby

[From the Mailbox]

Question from Stephanie

I had a question about the show I just watched the gas pump robbery one in a different kind of scenario what if it was a single mother with a baby in their arms ? Because her first natural instinct as a mother is not going to be put her hands up and drop her baby so if in the situation with a baby in arm and not having both hands free what would you do to protect and defend yourself?

Dear Stephanie:
 
Thank you very much for watching The Best Defense and for your feedback on the show.
 
Your question is a difficult one, as there is no black-and-white answer. The situation changes significantly if you carry a firearm and are skilled in its use, if you are physically fit and have the ability to run with your child, and based on many other factors. A couple of seasons ago, one of our scenarios actually addressed a situation similar to what you describe, but in that one a young mother was attacked while pushing an infant child in a stroller.
 
In general terms, if you have a child or other person who depends entirely upon you for his or her safety, you must make the commitment to be even more aware and avoidant and try to recognize the signs of danger much sooner than if you were alone. In the gas station scenario, you would be best served by thinking ahead and topping off your tank somewhere else—preferably during daylight hours in a safer environment. If you had to stop late at night, taking the time to drive around the gas station parking lot before stopping would allow you to look for possible threats and identify them before leaving your vehicle. When you did leave your vehicle, leaving the child inside, having your head up, and perhaps having a hand-held flashlight to actively scan for threats could allow you to react and flee before a physical conflict occurs.
 
The honest truth is that some situations are not “winnable” in the traditional sense. If you allow yourself to be far enough “behind the curve,” your options become severely limited. That’s why we always emphasize that the “best defense” in most scenarios is based on awareness and avoidance.
 
Thank you again for watching and for taking the lessons we present in our shows to heart.
 
Stay safe,
 
Mike
 
Michael Janich
Founder and Lead Instructor, Martial Blade Concepts
Co-Host The Best Defense