Raising Dragon-Slayers in a World Full of Dragons

I came across a quote this week that stopped me in my tracks:

“Never apologize for raising dragon-slayers in a time when there are actual dragons.”

Whew. That one hits deep.

Because the truth is—we are living in a time when dragons are very, very real. They may not breathe literal fire, but they burn all the same.

They show up as anxiety, moral confusion, comparison culture, addiction to validation, and a world that tells our kids truth is relative and feelings define reality.

And here we are—trying to raise emotionally grounded, faith-filled, courageous kids in a world that worships comfort and conformity.

The Reality of Modern Dragons

Let’s call them what they are.

Dragons today look like:

• A social media culture that rewards self-promotion over humility.

• A school environment where values are blurred to avoid “offending” anyone.

• A society that says boundaries are selfish and strength is “too much.”

• A generation drowning in anxiety because they’ve never been taught how to tolerate discomfort.

So when we choose to raise children who know who they are, who can regulate their emotions, and who stand on truth instead of trends—it’s countercultural.

And that’s exactly why it matters.

The Call to Raise Warriors, Not Worriers

As a mom and as a therapist, I see the exhaustion in parents trying to balance grace and grit.

We want to raise kind, compassionate kids—but not fragile ones.
We want to raise confident kids—but not arrogant ones.
We want to raise faith-driven kids—but not fearful ones.

And that means saying no when everyone else says yes.
It means holding boundaries, following through on consequences, and sometimes being the “mean mom” for the greater good.

Let them call you strict. Let them call you old-fashioned.
You’re not raising followers—you’re raising warriors.

Boundaries Are Their Armor

Boundaries aren’t punishment—they’re protection.

Every time you tell your child “you can’t talk to me that way,” “that’s not how we treat others,” or “we don’t compromise who we are for approval,” you are fitting them with spiritual and emotional armor.

Boundaries teach discernment.
Boundaries protect peace.
Boundaries build resilience.

And in a world that glorifies chaos, that armor is sacred.

Modeling Courage in Parenthood

Here’s the part we often overlook: our kids learn more by watching us than by listening to us.

They learn how to handle disappointment when they watch how we handle ours.
They learn how to say no when they see us stand firm in our values.
They learn faith when they see us praying instead of panicking.

So if you’ve ever felt guilty for being “too strong,” “too direct,” or “too unbothered”—please hear me:
Your strength gives them permission to be strong, too.

You are teaching them that grace and backbone can coexist.
That peace and power can live in the same heart.
That they were created to slay dragons—not cower before them.

A Blessing for the Dragon-Slayers

To every parent reading this—keep going.

Even when it feels like the world is upside down.
Even when you’re tired of explaining why your home has rules.
Even when your child doesn’t understand today what you’re protecting them from.

You are not raising perfect kids—you’re raising prepared ones.
And that preparation will pay off when the dragons show up.

So never apologize for raising dragon-slayers in a world full of dragons.
The world needs what you’re building.

Want to raise kids who know their worth and protect their peace?
Grab your copy of The Unbothered Button or join Becoming Unbothered—a 6-week deep dive into boundaries, emotional regulation, and spiritual strength. Find more information on our webisite 👉 drshilohspeaks.com.