Why did Richard’s mother make him go to the store even though she knew he might be beaten again

Richard's mother gave him a stick and wanted him tto stand up for himself.

Richard's mother sent him to the store although she knew he was going to get beaten by the gang just to teach him a life lesson, which is to stand for his rights and retailate instead of running away. She sent him to the store with a stick to hit the gang and she threatened him by making him choose between getting beaten by his mother or figthing against the gang.