If you grew up in a law enforcement household like I did, you belong to an exclusive club that uniquely influenced your upbringing and how you behave as an adult.
If you’re a first-generation police officer, there are some things you should know about what it’s like to be your kid. The following list compiles some of the things cops’ kids spend hours complaining about, conversing about and laughing about.
I hope this list has all of you police officers (and your children!) chuckling and/or rolling your eyes. And if you’re a cop’s kid, add your own thoughts on this subject in the comments area below. You know you’re a cop’s kid if…
1. You were put into some sort of martial arts or self-defense class shortly after you graduated kindergarten.
2. You have trouble trusting strangers.
3. Guns make you feel comfortable and safe.
4. You carry a weapon with you at all times — pepper spray, a pocket knife, or even a firearm.
5. You question the tactics of all movie and TV cops — your parents did this and likely ruined some movies/TV shows for you.
6. Your friends seem annoyingly naïve (they haven’t heard the “real life” stories you probably grew up on).
7. All of your parents’ friends are involved in some capacity with law enforcement.
8. More than once you’ve heard someone say: “Your parents are cops!? Wow, you must not be able to get away with anything.”
9. When you told people you were a cop’s kid, they assumed that you were either a goody-two shoes or extremely rebellious (as if you couldn’t be anywhere in between).
10. You’ve spent more than your fair share of time in police stations (and it was a positive experience).
11. You’ve gotten out of a speeding ticket — particularly in the town your parent works in — because the officer who pulled you over remembered when you were a baby.
12. Your friends were allowed to do certain things or go certain places alone (like the mall, a carnival, or a party) at a much younger age than you were.
13. It was normal if your police parent wasn’t there for a soccer game, a birthday party or even Christmas morning.
14. Your parent’s over-protectiveness drove you crazy as a kid, but you became thankful for it once you got older.
15. More than once, you’ve said to your parent(s): “Please stop thinking like a cop for just one second.”
16. Unlike most people, when you see a patrol car, you smile and wave at the officer.
17. You’re the only one in a class discussion on police use of force who is passionately defending the actions of the cops.
18. All of your babysitters were other cops’ kids.
19. It was normal for your mom or dad to tuck you into bed and then head off to work for the night.
20. Your parent was the most popular speaker at your grade school’s career day.
21. A normal day of family fun may have included a couple hours at the range or practicing active-shooter drills.
22. Every time you made a new friend, your parents had to have the full name and date of birth of everyone living in the house before you could visit.
23. You appreciate your police parent more and more as you get older because you realize how strong they must be to go to work every day knowing they might not come home.
24. You are proud of your parent each and every day.
25. Even though your parent missed some things you wished they hadn’t, never made millions and forced you to follow a ridiculous set of rules, you still love them and what they do.
It’s great to be a cop’s kid, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
