A few days ago, my twelve-year-old daughter, Kinza Imaan, visited the local store to buy some groceries. Upon her return, I found her in tears, trembling and visibly upset. Concerned, I asked, “What happened, my dear? Why are you crying?”
Kinza, with teary eyes and a quivering voice, replied, “Daddy… there was a man at the store, and he was looking at me with creepy eyes.”
This was the first time I had seen my daughter shed tears over a man. I watched as she sobbed uncontrollably. I was both surprised and troubled by her reaction. I had no idea how to handle the situation because my mind was filled with conflicting thoughts.
A Father’s Dilemma
I wanted Kinza to remember this moment, not as a traumatic experience but as a moment of triumph. I didn’t want to rush to her defense, as I feared it might make her dependent on me for protection. I didn’t want her to feel weak or be afraid of the world.
I gently wiped away her tears and said, “Listen, Kinza. Staring with malicious intent is not just staring; it’s a battle. And it’s not my battle; it’s yours. You must fight it, and you must do it alone. If you’re weak and don’t stand up for yourself, you’ll keep encountering such people. So, if you ever encounter someone staring at you again, don’t be afraid. Speak up loudly, in front of everyone, and ask them why they are staring at you with those eyes.”
Kinza nodded, her tears drying up instantly, as if my words had given her newfound strength.
A Lesson in Courage
A few days later, while shopping for sandals at a store, Kinza faced a similar situation. She noticed a young man, probably in his early twenties, gazing at her with an uncomfortable expression. This time, something had changed. Kinza raised her voice confidently and asked, “Why do you keep staring at me?”
The entire store fell silent, and all eyes turned toward the young man. He looked startled and embarrassed. The shopkeeper intervened, completing the transaction quickly and escorting the young man out of the store.
I couldn’t help but smile with pride as I witnessed my daughter’s courage and determination. She had learned to stand up for herself, and in that moment, she became her own hero.
A Father’s Joy
This incident taught me that sometimes, protecting our children doesn’t mean shielding them from every danger; it means empowering them to face those challenges on their own. Kinza’s strength and confidence have grown, and I believe that she will continue to face the world fearlessly.