General Categories > Kids and Guns

Gunproofing Kids

<< < (2/2)

armed and humorous:
I think learning what "dead" is from seeing my dad in action while hunting is the single most reason I take gun safety so seriously.  That's not to say I've never violated any of the safety rules as I would bet we all have at one time or another.  We went into that in another post.  However, I'm always quite sure of what I'm doing, and I don't do anything I think is dangerous.  I know if I'm a little nervous about something I'm doing with a gun (like clearing a jam or something), that I really need to concentrate on where that weapon is pointed, who and what is around me, etc.  But it all stems from the fact that I know what a bullet does when it hits something (aside from little holes in a paper target).

Sometimes parents don't want their kids exposed to "death" while they're so young and innocent, but hiding it from them is doing them no favors in my mind.

bkoenig:

--- Quote ---Locked up and safe is fine, but do not hide them and refer to them as no-nos.
--- End quote ---

Excellent point.  My 5 year old daughter sees me working on and cleaning my guns, and is naturally curious.  I answer her questions truthfully, and we talk about how they're not a toy, but a tool for adults.  I've told her when she's older that I'll take her shooting, and she knows what to do if she finds  a gun without an adult around.  Kids aren't stupid.  I would never leave one lying around unattended, but I feel she's better prepared than if I screamed hysterically that guns are evil and she should never ever even look at one.



--- Quote ---They need to learn that you mean what you say, all the time.  When you tell them not to touch a gun, they need to know there will be some consequences if they disobey.  It's too late to learn that after they pick up a gun and shoot someone or themselves.  You need to teach them in every situation that what you say is the law and that there will be punishment for disobeying the law. 
--- End quote ---

Unfortunately, too many parents want to be their kid's friend first and parent second, so they do just the opposite of what you recommend.  I think that's a big part of why we have so many problems as a society today.

armed and humorous:
Other bad things:  time outs, not keeping score in sports, trying to promote self-esteem by making it so everyone wins instead of having to compete and learning that some people are better at some things, being afraid to tell it like it is and being "politically correct" instead (you don't have to intentionally belittle people, but you can't constantly dance around the issues).

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page