What Mom Does To Keep 13-Year-Old Safe While She Runs: 'This Is America?'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
When Jessica Davila-Alvarez drives her car behind her teenage daughter running in the woods, she is not just supervising the 13-year-old's routine run—she is ensuring safety in a world that many parents believe no longer feels safe.
The Houston-based mom, 34, has found viral recognition for her dedication to her daughter's well-being, sparked by a March 14 TikTok video that has since drawn more than 263,000 likes. The clip, posted by Davila-Alvarez under the handle @justjessoverhere, shows her daughter jogging down an isolated wooded path with the family car rolling slowly behind her. An overlaid text read: "Following my 13-year-old baby girl while she runs her daily 5K."
The video touched a nerve among parents and young runners alike. It earned widespread praise among viewers and sparking conversations around youth safety, parental involvement, and what it means to let children roam freely in 2025.
"I wake up at 5:50 a.m. to take her to practice, and at night, she goes on her runs," Davila-Alvarez told Newsweek. "She runs track and field and cross country for her school so she runs at home to keep up her endurance.
"During the week, she runs anywhere from 1 to 8 miles," the mom of three added.
Davila-Alvarez said the decision to follow her daughter was not made out of paranoia but from practicality—and love.
"We do live in a 'better part' of the city, but, regardless, my daughter is my responsibility," she said. "It is my responsibility as a mother to do my best to keep her safe and make sure she feels comfortable when she goes on her daily runs."
Davila-Alvarez is a stay-at-home mom who shared that she has also shifted the family's focus to wellness and cleaner eating.
"We recently took dyes out of our diets, and we are focusing on whole foods and just being healthier overall," Davila-Alvarez said. "Then I started recording my daughter, with her support and permission—I don't record or post anything she doesn't approve—and people really loved it."
From left: Jessica Davila-Alvarez's teenage daughter runs in Houston, Texas; and the mom sits in her car.
From left: Jessica Davila-Alvarez's teenage daughter runs in Houston, Texas; and the mom sits in her car.
@justjessoverher
The attention, especially from other parents, has been overwhelmingly positive.
"As a teen I would have hated this but as an adult I salute you," one viewer said, while another added: "It's sad that you have to do it but thank you for doing it."
Davila-Alvarez said: "Other parents applauded the support; kids shared beautiful memories of their parents or grandparents doing the same thing; and some kids wished their parents did the same because they are always worried when they go on a run."
While some TikTok users have expressed disbelief that such measures are necessary, with one viewer commenting, "I'm guessing this is America?" Davila-Alvarez said the feedback only underscores how common concerns like her own have become.
"My daughter is not oblivious to the dangers," Davila-Alvarez said. "I show her the stories, show her the women, and I educate her on safety precautions she needs to take while running.
"Even if I'm behind her, I still stress having awareness and being hyper vigilant," Davila-Alvarez added.
While her daughter sometimes runs alone with classmates and under the supervision of school coaches, at-home runs are a different matter.
"At home, she asks that I follow behind her and I'll always be there to make sure she's safe," Davila-Alvarez said.
For now, the family uses their car, though Davila-Alvarez said she hopes for a more-active alternative in the future, as some viewers suggested. She hopes to soon follow behind her daughter in a bike or golf cart.
Davila-Alvarez added that her two sons, both of whom are autistic, require child locks and close supervision, making the car the safest option currently.
"We are currently looking for a way to safely turn this into a family thing where we can tag along with my daughter and be active as a family," she added.
Davila-Alvarez's plan may seem excessive to some, but for many others, it is a reassuring sign of involved parenting in uncertain times.
"I have heard so many stories of runners getting attacked all over the country while they are running alone," Davila-Alvarez said. "And I will do what I can to make sure that doesn't happen with my baby."
If you have a family dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Archaeologists Reveal Why Female Pharoah's Statues Were Destroyed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The destruction of statues of the ancient Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut may not after all have been part of a campaign of retribution by her nephew and successor, King Thutmose III, archaeologists have claimed. Hatshepsut ruled Ancient Egypt from 1479–1458 B.C. alongside Thutmose III, who was just three years old when he became pharaoh after the death of his father. Serving first as regent before assuming the title of pharaoh outright, Hatshepsut is one of only a few female pharaohs across ancient Egyptian history; after her death, Thutmose III ruled alone. Statues of Hatshepsut were discovered during excavations of the mortuary temples of tombs of Deir el-Bahri in Luxor in the 1920s—but many appeared badly damaged. This led to to questions as to whether Thutmose III had ordered the statuary of his former co-ruler to be destroyed out of some animosity towards her. However Jun Yi Wong of the University of Toronto has undertaken an examination of previously unpublished documents on the statuary, and points out in a statement that "many of her statues survive in relatively good condition, with their faces virtually intact." Based on his analysis of the historical field notes, Wong has concluded that much of the damage was not at Thutmose III's hand—and that which was had precedent. Cracked face of a statue of Hatshepsut, left, and right, Osiride statue of the ruler partly restored using plaster. Cracked face of a statue of Hatshepsut, left, and right, Osiride statue of the ruler partly restored using plaster. Department of Egyptian Art Archives, the Metropolitan Museum of Art According to Wong, many of the statues went on to be used as building materials and tools later in ancient Egyptian history, which would have added to their damage. Meanwhile, statues that were confirmed to have been damaged during Thutmose III's reign were destroyed specifically by breaking them across weak points: specifically, the neck, waist and knees. This, Wong argues, is an example of the 'deactivation' of statues—a ritualistic practice intended to neutralize the power of the representations. Examples of this practice can be found across the statuary of various kings in pharaonic history, he notes. This means that Hatshepsut's statues were likely treated in a similar way on her death as her predecessors, rather than suffering "a vindictive attack by Thutmose III." As Wong put it: "This treatment does not necessarily denote hostility towards the depicted individual," and there are multiple reasons for her statues to have become fragmented and destroyed. Fragments recovered from an indurated limestone statue of Hatshepsut. Fragments recovered from an indurated limestone statue of Hatshepsut. Harry Burton/Department of Egyptian Art Archives, the Metropolitan Museum of Art That said, history shows that Hatshepsut did suffer "persecution" after her death unlike other rulers of Egypt, and "its wider political implications cannot be overstated," Wong went on. However, he added, there should be "room for a more nuanced understanding of Thutmose III's actions, which were perhaps driven by ritual necessity rather than outright antipathy." During Hatshepsut's reign, she was often represented in art and statues as male, in accordance with tradition. Art and creativity flourished under her rule, with the Deir el-Bahri complex built during her time as ruler. After her death, however, her name was lost, and erased from historical accounts until such was brought to light by excavations millennia later. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about archaeology? Let us know via science@ Reference Wong, J. Y. (2025). The afterlife of Hatshepsut's statuary. Antiquity, 99(405), 746–761.
Miami Herald
13 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Photos Show US Air Force Training for Pacific War
The United States conducted aerial refueling training earlier this month, deploying aircraft from bases across the Pacific to demonstrate the reach of its air power in the vast region. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. The training exercise comes against the backdrop of the Pentagon's designation of the Indo-Pacific as its "priority theater," where China continues to challenge U.S. military dominance. The U.S. Air Force has deployed various types of aircraft-including stealth fighter jets, bombers, and spy planes-in allied Pacific nations near China, including at Kadena Air Base and Misawa Air Base in Japan, which serve as front line staging areas for power projection. While combat aircraft play a major role in both offensive and defensive operations, aerial refueling aircraft-also known as tanker aircraft-provide critical support, as shown during U.S. bomber strikes on Iran's nuclear sites in Operation Midnight Hammer over the weekend. Aircrews assigned to Travis Air Force Base in California were deployed to Misawa Air Base in Japan with a KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft-which has a fuel capacity of over 212,000 pounds-for off-station training, according to a U.S. Air Force news release on June 18. The U.S. West Coast-based tanker transited the Pacific and conducted aerial refueling with Misawa Air Base's F-16 fighter jets upon entering Japanese airspace, demonstrating what the U.S. Air Force described as "worldwide mission capability" to extend operational readiness. Aerial refueling serves as the critical enabler of air superiority, stated the U.S. Air Force. It is an indispensable capability for global operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where it is essential for mission execution. The ability to rapidly redeploy fighter aircraft and keep them fueled in flight is a cornerstone of strategy, as regional tensions and contingencies continue to evolve, the news release read. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bradford Waldie, who serves as director of operations of the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, said distance is the "greatest challenge" to projecting power in the Pacific, noting that the tanker took 10 hours to reach its destination. The KC-46A-which is also capable of carrying passengers and cargo, as well as performing medical evacuations-is equipped with a number of self-protection, defensive, and communication features that enhance its survivability in contested environments, according to an official fact sheet. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bradford Waldie, director of operations of the 14th Fighter Squadron, said in a news release: "Seeing the KC-46 successfully launch from Travis [Air Force Base] and meet us on time after a 10-hour sortie builds confidence in our ability to overcome the challenge of distance and deliver combat power anywhere it is required in the area of responsibility." The U.S. Air Force said in a news release: "The KC-46, the newest tanker aircraft in the Department of Defense, with advanced refueling systems and defensive capabilities, delivered critical fuel support to the F-16's midair-extending their range, preserving their combat readiness and reinforcing the Air Force's commitment to global power projection." It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Air Force will forward-deploy some of its KC-46A aircraft to bases in the western Pacific to enhance overall operational flexibility. Related Articles US Citizens in Qatar Given 'Shelter in Place' WarningTimelapse Shows Global Ship Traffic in Hormuz Strait Under Iran ThreatIsrael Pounds Tehran, Strikes Fordow Again as Khamenei Appeals to PutinIran Makes Direct Plea to Putin After US, Israel Strikes 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
14 hours ago
- Newsweek
What Mom Does To Keep 13-Year-Old Safe While She Runs: 'This Is America?'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When Jessica Davila-Alvarez drives her car behind her teenage daughter running in the woods, she is not just supervising the 13-year-old's routine run—she is ensuring safety in a world that many parents believe no longer feels safe. The Houston-based mom, 34, has found viral recognition for her dedication to her daughter's well-being, sparked by a March 14 TikTok video that has since drawn more than 263,000 likes. The clip, posted by Davila-Alvarez under the handle @justjessoverhere, shows her daughter jogging down an isolated wooded path with the family car rolling slowly behind her. An overlaid text read: "Following my 13-year-old baby girl while she runs her daily 5K." The video touched a nerve among parents and young runners alike. It earned widespread praise among viewers and sparking conversations around youth safety, parental involvement, and what it means to let children roam freely in 2025. "I wake up at 5:50 a.m. to take her to practice, and at night, she goes on her runs," Davila-Alvarez told Newsweek. "She runs track and field and cross country for her school so she runs at home to keep up her endurance. "During the week, she runs anywhere from 1 to 8 miles," the mom of three added. Davila-Alvarez said the decision to follow her daughter was not made out of paranoia but from practicality—and love. "We do live in a 'better part' of the city, but, regardless, my daughter is my responsibility," she said. "It is my responsibility as a mother to do my best to keep her safe and make sure she feels comfortable when she goes on her daily runs." Davila-Alvarez is a stay-at-home mom who shared that she has also shifted the family's focus to wellness and cleaner eating. "We recently took dyes out of our diets, and we are focusing on whole foods and just being healthier overall," Davila-Alvarez said. "Then I started recording my daughter, with her support and permission—I don't record or post anything she doesn't approve—and people really loved it." From left: Jessica Davila-Alvarez's teenage daughter runs in Houston, Texas; and the mom sits in her car. From left: Jessica Davila-Alvarez's teenage daughter runs in Houston, Texas; and the mom sits in her car. @justjessoverher The attention, especially from other parents, has been overwhelmingly positive. "As a teen I would have hated this but as an adult I salute you," one viewer said, while another added: "It's sad that you have to do it but thank you for doing it." Davila-Alvarez said: "Other parents applauded the support; kids shared beautiful memories of their parents or grandparents doing the same thing; and some kids wished their parents did the same because they are always worried when they go on a run." While some TikTok users have expressed disbelief that such measures are necessary, with one viewer commenting, "I'm guessing this is America?" Davila-Alvarez said the feedback only underscores how common concerns like her own have become. "My daughter is not oblivious to the dangers," Davila-Alvarez said. "I show her the stories, show her the women, and I educate her on safety precautions she needs to take while running. "Even if I'm behind her, I still stress having awareness and being hyper vigilant," Davila-Alvarez added. While her daughter sometimes runs alone with classmates and under the supervision of school coaches, at-home runs are a different matter. "At home, she asks that I follow behind her and I'll always be there to make sure she's safe," Davila-Alvarez said. For now, the family uses their car, though Davila-Alvarez said she hopes for a more-active alternative in the future, as some viewers suggested. She hopes to soon follow behind her daughter in a bike or golf cart. Davila-Alvarez added that her two sons, both of whom are autistic, require child locks and close supervision, making the car the safest option currently. "We are currently looking for a way to safely turn this into a family thing where we can tag along with my daughter and be active as a family," she added. Davila-Alvarez's plan may seem excessive to some, but for many others, it is a reassuring sign of involved parenting in uncertain times. "I have heard so many stories of runners getting attacked all over the country while they are running alone," Davila-Alvarez said. "And I will do what I can to make sure that doesn't happen with my baby." If you have a family dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
