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Advice on Teaching Toddler Gun Safety

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DangerousDrummer:
As a young child I remember my parents telling me to not touch the electrical outlets. Did it work, no, did I finally get bit, yes, did I ever do it again, NO!

The big problem is that guns seldom offer second chances for mistakes. So absolutly, reinforce because there is no telling where a child might gain access to a gun, a neighbors, visitation or even find one in the street. But will there be assurances that your child will not ever have access? No. Is the risk of the second amendment worth it, yes. The world is a dangerous place, but that is why God gave us prayer!

I do not think my son ever really got it until the first time he shot a 20ga shotgun. The noise and kick was a good instructor of the power and violence of firearms which kind of soured him on guns for a few years. But he certainly respected them after that! Maybe that is why children that have grown up around guns in outdoors or hunting families tend to be more safe. They understand the true power of a firearm.

MissMichella:
Thanks for the advice so far and the materials I received in the mail!  I've been sharing with some of my mom friends, so it's being put to good use.

I apologize for the tone of my last post.  I was feeling kind of defensive.  Perhaps I didn't state my question and the circumstances as clearly as I should have when I started the topic.  I have had conversations with her father about this subject, and I know that he loves her and cares about her deeply.  I also know what I've seen in the past.  I worry because I know the consequences of carelessness when there's deadly weapons involved.  Like DangerousDrummer said, there's no telling where a child might gain access to a gun...and even with custody, there are times when I'm not around her.  I can't control every circumstance, but I do want to try to mitigate the risk of something tragic happening if she's faced with a potentially dangerous situation.  That's why I'm trying to teach her now...and keep teaching her!

She has been doing pretty well with repeating the Eagle Eddie program mantra every time I carry around her, so that's been a good start! 

unfy:

--- Quote from: MissMichella on June 04, 2013, 01:57:29 PM ---Like DangerousDrummer said, there's no telling where a child might gain access to a gun...and even with custody, there are times when I'm not around her. 
--- End quote ---

At some point in their lives, they will be around a firearm.

It may be your own.

It may be their best friend's house.

It may be a random 'new friend's house.

It might be at a group get together somewhere (scouts, etc).

Might be at a park or school (kid bringing for private show & tell).

But it will happen.

The above is the best reason why every parent should teach basic gun safety (or avoidance) to their children... whether they like guns or vilify them.

Kudos on implementing the Eagle Eddie program and the daughter picking up on it.  KISS is very critical for kids.  Love the short phrases :).

Mudinyeri:
Michelle, just a thought but you might share the Eddie Eagle materials with her father.  Of course, I have no way of knowing how he would react to that so I'm only tossing it out for your consideration.

MissMichella:
Hey Toby!
I was planning on it the next time he comes to see her.  It is a good reminder to share with anyone she goes to see.  No one would intentionally place her in danger, but I really appreciate the strategies on minimizing the chance of a tragic situation taking place due to oversight or underestimation of how squirrely a toddler can be.  :)

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