By Tommy Sapp
Firearms Instructor, Former Law Enforcement Officer, and Father
I’ll never forget the day I learned just how fast everything can change.
I was a teenager when one of my close friends got his hands on a firearm that was left unsecured in the house. Thinking it wasn’t loaded, he pointed it at another boy and pulled the trigger. In a split second, a young life was gone. That tragedy rocked our entire community, and it left a permanent mark on me. Years later, as a police officer, I responded to similar heartbreaking calls—accidental shootings involving children who found guns that weren’t properly stored. One of those calls involved a toddler who found a loaded handgun tucked between couch cushions. That one still haunts me.
As both a firearms instructor and a father, I carry every single day. But carrying as a parent looks different than it does for a single adult heading to the range or a night shift. The moment you have kids, your responsibility deepens. You’re no longer just protecting yourself—you’re the protector of your entire world.
The CDC reports that in the U.S., nearly 1,300 children die and 5,790 are treated for gunshot wounds each year. Many of these are unintentional. And every single one is preventable.
So how do we, as responsible concealed carriers and parents, protect our families while still keeping our tools accessible in a crisis?
1. Safe Storage Is Non-Negotiable
When you’re at home, your firearm should be secured. Whether that’s a biometric safe, a lockbox, or another rapid-access option, it must be something your child cannot access. Teach your children early and often about firearm safety, but never rely solely on education to prevent accidents. Kids are curious, and their brains aren’t fully wired to assess risk.
2. Your Holster Choice Matters
When carrying around kids, retention and trigger guard protection are crucial. You don’t want a holster that allows for accidental access or has poor retention. I recommend molded holsters with positive retention and full trigger protection—no exceptions. And if you’re roughhousing, wrestling with your toddler, or carrying a baby on your hip, be mindful of your firearm position and level of concealment.
3. Have “The Talk”
Gun safety talks aren’t one-time lectures—they’re ongoing conversations. My own children know that daddy’s gun is not a toy, it is not to be touched, and that they are never to handle any firearm unless I’m with them and it’s part of a teaching moment. The Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program’s four rules are a good starting point: Stop. Don’t Touch. Run Away. Tell a Grown-Up.
4. Think Tactics in Everyday Life
Parenting changes your tactics. When I walk into a store, I not only look for exits, I think about how I would protect my kids in an active threat scenario. Can I get to cover quickly? Can I draw and shield them simultaneously? These are the mental reps that responsible carriers must think through.
5. Situational Awareness & Command Presence
One of the biggest threats to responsible carry in modern life is distraction—especially our phones. You can’t protect your kids if your head is down checking scores, scrolling social media, or texting. Eyes up. Head on a swivel. Situational awareness means noticing what doesn’t feel right, seeing danger before it reaches you, and having a plan.
Equally important is what I call command presence. As a parent and a protector, how you carry yourself matters. Walk with confidence. Speak with authority when needed. The way you carry yourself sends a message. When you walk with confidence and purpose, you appear less vulnerable and more prepared. Criminals often look for easy targets—people who seem distracted, unsure, or timid. Just by standing tall and staying alert, you’re less likely to be seen as someone to mess with. Don’t make yourself a target. Carrying concealed doesn’t mean being paranoid, but it does mean being prepared.
6. Don’t Let the Gun Replace the Plan
Too often, I see new parents get their carry permit and think they’re good to go. But a firearm is just a tool—your mindset, training, and planning are what truly keep your family safe. Carrying with children means planning for worst-case scenarios and avoiding conflict whenever possible.
Being a parent is the most important role I will ever hold. Being armed doesn’t change that—it sharpens it. It makes me more thoughtful, more disciplined, and more aware. My hope is that every parent who carries does so not just with confidence, but with humility and the unshakable commitment to never become a headline.
Stay safe, stay trained, and protect what matters most.
Tommy Sapp is a firearms instructor, former law enforcement officer, and a father. With over 15 years of experience in public safety and personal protection, he has trained thousands of students across the country. Tommy brings a deep passion for responsible gun ownership, family readiness, and faith-based preparedness.
