Human or plant, we build defences in response to threat. As with many parents I speak to, a fierce desire to protect my child has definitely led to me growing more (metaphorical!) spikes! In our culture, it sometimes feels that raising concerns is not always valued, and many parents describe feelings of discomfort and isolation. The dog rose has been a good reminder: It is because of the thorns, that small birds can nest safely in the dog rose, in the same way that sometimes it is because of our ability to fight for what is right, that our children know they are safe with us.