In case you missed my late addition yesterday, Michael hates TMX Elmo. Am I glad I didn't spend $40 on this thing. He actually said yesterday, "stop it Elmo" when it did his tickle me thing.
On to the question-
I'm going to get a little controversial. (I know, such a shocker for me).
I'd like to know people's opinions about guns. Would you let your child go to a home to play that had a gun? Would you ask questions about how it was kept? Would it make a difference if the person had a gun for personal reasons or because they worked in law enforcement? Would it matter if they were a family member?
Do you yourself have a gun? Do you tell the parents of your children's playmates? (if you have children, if you don't would you?) Does it offend you if they did (or might) ask questions?
See, I'm struggling with this issue. Doug and I have a Michael does not go to any house that has a gun, period, rule. But I just recently found out someone we hang out with a lot, as well as a family member, have guns in their home. And while right now I am saying he can't go there ever, I realize that might be unrealistic.
So, tell me how you handle this issue, if it's an issue at all for you. Leave it in the comments, or email me. I really do want to know. And feel free to tell me I'm an idiot, because I asked for it. But please don't tell any commentators that, because they didn't.
In which I ask the internet for it’s opinion on a serious parenting issue
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{ 56 comments… read them below or add one }
We hate TMX too, Bella hits him and throws him because she’s scared of him- I spent the 40$ on it though. Idiot.
About the guns.. There are guns in my home but not because I like them, but because it is a must for his job obviously. Anyway I think it’s a hard decision. I don’t like them around, and would hate to have Bella around them. However if I know that they are in a combination safe out of reach, then I might feel more at ease. I would hate for kids not to be allowed over to play with Bella because her daddy has a gun… So thats how I feel. But I know it’s tough, and your a concerned parent- as you should be.
We hate TMX too, Bella hits him and throws him because she’s scared of him- I spent the 40$ on it though. Idiot.
About the guns.. There are guns in my home but not because I like them, but because it is a must for his job obviously. Anyway I think it’s a hard decision. I don’t like them around, and would hate to have Bella around them. However if I know that they are in a combination safe out of reach, then I might feel more at ease. I would hate for kids not to be allowed over to play with Bella because her daddy has a gun… So thats how I feel. But I know it’s tough, and your a concerned parent- as you should be.
We hate TMX too, Bella hits him and throws him because she’s scared of him- I spent the 40$ on it though. Idiot.
About the guns.. There are guns in my home but not because I like them, but because it is a must for his job obviously. Anyway I think it’s a hard decision. I don’t like them around, and would hate to have Bella around them. However if I know that they are in a combination safe out of reach, then I might feel more at ease. I would hate for kids not to be allowed over to play with Bella because her daddy has a gun… So thats how I feel. But I know it’s tough, and your a concerned parent- as you should be.
We hate TMX too, Bella hits him and throws him because she’s scared of him- I spent the 40$ on it though. Idiot.
About the guns.. There are guns in my home but not because I like them, but because it is a must for his job obviously. Anyway I think it’s a hard decision. I don’t like them around, and would hate to have Bella around them. However if I know that they are in a combination safe out of reach, then I might feel more at ease. I would hate for kids not to be allowed over to play with Bella because her daddy has a gun… So thats how I feel. But I know it’s tough, and your a concerned parent- as you should be.
i grew up in a home with a gun. it scared the hell out of me. my father got it when i was a little older than michael (about 6) and never told me where he kept it (i later found out in his closet in a locked safe). he schooled in on the fact that a gun is not a toy and if anyone ever found it to never shoot it or play with it and give it to a responsible adult to put it away.
that being said. i later found out he had two guns. he’d talk a lot about “hollow-point” bullets and tell me how he’d shoot someone if anyone hurt me. i really knew way too much. like when i slept over at my father’s house, he would keep a loaded gun next to his bed at night in case “a robber came into the house.” i was terrified when i’d wake up in the middle of the night (which happened quite frequently) and think i was a robber and shoot me. even when he came into my room, he’d still bring the loaded gun and place it under my bed.
the locked up gun rule became very lax when i found it beside his bed looking for a shoe, and i was always terrified my friends would find it and play with it. i would never ever touch it and have always been against guns–all kinds. and, i don’t understand hunting or recreational usage of guns.
so. now that i know what i know from my personal experience, i’d have to side with you and say no vistits to homes with guns. however, if you know the parents and can be sure that the gun is truly locked away as they say it is, just let michael know there is a gun in the home and it’s not a toy. however, i would do this with intense reservation and be sure that it really is locked up. because while my dad said his way locked away–it wasn’t.
it still makes me nervous, jodi.
i grew up in a home with a gun. it scared the hell out of me. my father got it when i was a little older than michael (about 6) and never told me where he kept it (i later found out in his closet in a locked safe). he schooled in on the fact that a gun is not a toy and if anyone ever found it to never shoot it or play with it and give it to a responsible adult to put it away.
that being said. i later found out he had two guns. he’d talk a lot about “hollow-point” bullets and tell me how he’d shoot someone if anyone hurt me. i really knew way too much. like when i slept over at my father’s house, he would keep a loaded gun next to his bed at night in case “a robber came into the house.” i was terrified when i’d wake up in the middle of the night (which happened quite frequently) and think i was a robber and shoot me. even when he came into my room, he’d still bring the loaded gun and place it under my bed.
the locked up gun rule became very lax when i found it beside his bed looking for a shoe, and i was always terrified my friends would find it and play with it. i would never ever touch it and have always been against guns–all kinds. and, i don’t understand hunting or recreational usage of guns.
so. now that i know what i know from my personal experience, i’d have to side with you and say no vistits to homes with guns. however, if you know the parents and can be sure that the gun is truly locked away as they say it is, just let michael know there is a gun in the home and it’s not a toy. however, i would do this with intense reservation and be sure that it really is locked up. because while my dad said his way locked away–it wasn’t.
it still makes me nervous, jodi.
i grew up in a home with a gun. it scared the hell out of me. my father got it when i was a little older than michael (about 6) and never told me where he kept it (i later found out in his closet in a locked safe). he schooled in on the fact that a gun is not a toy and if anyone ever found it to never shoot it or play with it and give it to a responsible adult to put it away.
that being said. i later found out he had two guns. he’d talk a lot about “hollow-point” bullets and tell me how he’d shoot someone if anyone hurt me. i really knew way too much. like when i slept over at my father’s house, he would keep a loaded gun next to his bed at night in case “a robber came into the house.” i was terrified when i’d wake up in the middle of the night (which happened quite frequently) and think i was a robber and shoot me. even when he came into my room, he’d still bring the loaded gun and place it under my bed.
the locked up gun rule became very lax when i found it beside his bed looking for a shoe, and i was always terrified my friends would find it and play with it. i would never ever touch it and have always been against guns–all kinds. and, i don’t understand hunting or recreational usage of guns.
so. now that i know what i know from my personal experience, i’d have to side with you and say no vistits to homes with guns. however, if you know the parents and can be sure that the gun is truly locked away as they say it is, just let michael know there is a gun in the home and it’s not a toy. however, i would do this with intense reservation and be sure that it really is locked up. because while my dad said his way locked away–it wasn’t.
it still makes me nervous, jodi.
i grew up in a home with a gun. it scared the hell out of me. my father got it when i was a little older than michael (about 6) and never told me where he kept it (i later found out in his closet in a locked safe). he schooled in on the fact that a gun is not a toy and if anyone ever found it to never shoot it or play with it and give it to a responsible adult to put it away.
that being said. i later found out he had two guns. he’d talk a lot about “hollow-point” bullets and tell me how he’d shoot someone if anyone hurt me. i really knew way too much. like when i slept over at my father’s house, he would keep a loaded gun next to his bed at night in case “a robber came into the house.” i was terrified when i’d wake up in the middle of the night (which happened quite frequently) and think i was a robber and shoot me. even when he came into my room, he’d still bring the loaded gun and place it under my bed.
the locked up gun rule became very lax when i found it beside his bed looking for a shoe, and i was always terrified my friends would find it and play with it. i would never ever touch it and have always been against guns–all kinds. and, i don’t understand hunting or recreational usage of guns.
so. now that i know what i know from my personal experience, i’d have to side with you and say no vistits to homes with guns. however, if you know the parents and can be sure that the gun is truly locked away as they say it is, just let michael know there is a gun in the home and it’s not a toy. however, i would do this with intense reservation and be sure that it really is locked up. because while my dad said his way locked away–it wasn’t.
it still makes me nervous, jodi.
We have guns in our house, too, because Mike hunts. I am not a big gun fan, but insisted that I be taught how to shoot them after we got married (because I didn’t want to live in a house with them and not know how to use them). So, on our honeymoon, Mike taught me how to shoot his guns. Anyways….
In some ways, I feel that whether a family has a gun in the house is a personal decision and for someone to ask me if I have a gun is somewhat akin to asking to see my sex toy drawer before setting up a playdate with my kid. I feel that way mostly because we have taken all the necessary precautions to secure the gun(s) and we don’t (won’t) encourage kids to play with them. In the course of a playdate here, the kids would not be able to access the gun without my knowledge, mainly because the gun cabinet is in the main living space of our house.
But, I also understand where other parents are coming from in wanting to know about potential dangers, prior to tragic phone calls after the fact.
This is such a thorny issue.
As a parent and spouse of a gun owner, if someone asked me if we had a gun in the house, I would answer yes and explain the ways in which we protect our children from those guns. If the parent chose not to allow their child in my house I would be sorry for the missed play opportunity, but also understand.
Hope that makes sense…
We have guns in our house, too, because Mike hunts. I am not a big gun fan, but insisted that I be taught how to shoot them after we got married (because I didn’t want to live in a house with them and not know how to use them). So, on our honeymoon, Mike taught me how to shoot his guns. Anyways….
In some ways, I feel that whether a family has a gun in the house is a personal decision and for someone to ask me if I have a gun is somewhat akin to asking to see my sex toy drawer before setting up a playdate with my kid. I feel that way mostly because we have taken all the necessary precautions to secure the gun(s) and we don’t (won’t) encourage kids to play with them. In the course of a playdate here, the kids would not be able to access the gun without my knowledge, mainly because the gun cabinet is in the main living space of our house.
But, I also understand where other parents are coming from in wanting to know about potential dangers, prior to tragic phone calls after the fact.
This is such a thorny issue.
As a parent and spouse of a gun owner, if someone asked me if we had a gun in the house, I would answer yes and explain the ways in which we protect our children from those guns. If the parent chose not to allow their child in my house I would be sorry for the missed play opportunity, but also understand.
Hope that makes sense…
We have guns in our house, too, because Mike hunts. I am not a big gun fan, but insisted that I be taught how to shoot them after we got married (because I didn’t want to live in a house with them and not know how to use them). So, on our honeymoon, Mike taught me how to shoot his guns. Anyways….
In some ways, I feel that whether a family has a gun in the house is a personal decision and for someone to ask me if I have a gun is somewhat akin to asking to see my sex toy drawer before setting up a playdate with my kid. I feel that way mostly because we have taken all the necessary precautions to secure the gun(s) and we don’t (won’t) encourage kids to play with them. In the course of a playdate here, the kids would not be able to access the gun without my knowledge, mainly because the gun cabinet is in the main living space of our house.
But, I also understand where other parents are coming from in wanting to know about potential dangers, prior to tragic phone calls after the fact.
This is such a thorny issue.
As a parent and spouse of a gun owner, if someone asked me if we had a gun in the house, I would answer yes and explain the ways in which we protect our children from those guns. If the parent chose not to allow their child in my house I would be sorry for the missed play opportunity, but also understand.
Hope that makes sense…
We have guns in our house, too, because Mike hunts. I am not a big gun fan, but insisted that I be taught how to shoot them after we got married (because I didn’t want to live in a house with them and not know how to use them). So, on our honeymoon, Mike taught me how to shoot his guns. Anyways….
In some ways, I feel that whether a family has a gun in the house is a personal decision and for someone to ask me if I have a gun is somewhat akin to asking to see my sex toy drawer before setting up a playdate with my kid. I feel that way mostly because we have taken all the necessary precautions to secure the gun(s) and we don’t (won’t) encourage kids to play with them. In the course of a playdate here, the kids would not be able to access the gun without my knowledge, mainly because the gun cabinet is in the main living space of our house.
But, I also understand where other parents are coming from in wanting to know about potential dangers, prior to tragic phone calls after the fact.
This is such a thorny issue.
As a parent and spouse of a gun owner, if someone asked me if we had a gun in the house, I would answer yes and explain the ways in which we protect our children from those guns. If the parent chose not to allow their child in my house I would be sorry for the missed play opportunity, but also understand.
Hope that makes sense…
I have delt with the gun issue because my brother is in law enforcement and has a few guns at his house. I have let my boys go over there on the stipulation that they never ever ever touch a gun and if they see one the need to tell Uncle Guy to put it away. I also tell my brother this and he usually rolls his eyes and says they are all put away but it makes me feel better. I absolutely hate hate hate guns. They scare the crap out of me. We have no handguns but we do have a shot gun because my DH likes to hunt for birds. I make him lock it up and put it high. The boys are very into hunting so they play hunt on the computer and through that they are learning gun safety. As for letting them go to someone elses house with a gun inside, I might be leary if I didn’t really know the people or if they weren’t in law enforcement.
I have delt with the gun issue because my brother is in law enforcement and has a few guns at his house. I have let my boys go over there on the stipulation that they never ever ever touch a gun and if they see one the need to tell Uncle Guy to put it away. I also tell my brother this and he usually rolls his eyes and says they are all put away but it makes me feel better. I absolutely hate hate hate guns. They scare the crap out of me. We have no handguns but we do have a shot gun because my DH likes to hunt for birds. I make him lock it up and put it high. The boys are very into hunting so they play hunt on the computer and through that they are learning gun safety. As for letting them go to someone elses house with a gun inside, I might be leary if I didn’t really know the people or if they weren’t in law enforcement.
I have delt with the gun issue because my brother is in law enforcement and has a few guns at his house. I have let my boys go over there on the stipulation that they never ever ever touch a gun and if they see one the need to tell Uncle Guy to put it away. I also tell my brother this and he usually rolls his eyes and says they are all put away but it makes me feel better. I absolutely hate hate hate guns. They scare the crap out of me. We have no handguns but we do have a shot gun because my DH likes to hunt for birds. I make him lock it up and put it high. The boys are very into hunting so they play hunt on the computer and through that they are learning gun safety. As for letting them go to someone elses house with a gun inside, I might be leary if I didn’t really know the people or if they weren’t in law enforcement.
I have delt with the gun issue because my brother is in law enforcement and has a few guns at his house. I have let my boys go over there on the stipulation that they never ever ever touch a gun and if they see one the need to tell Uncle Guy to put it away. I also tell my brother this and he usually rolls his eyes and says they are all put away but it makes me feel better. I absolutely hate hate hate guns. They scare the crap out of me. We have no handguns but we do have a shot gun because my DH likes to hunt for birds. I make him lock it up and put it high. The boys are very into hunting so they play hunt on the computer and through that they are learning gun safety. As for letting them go to someone elses house with a gun inside, I might be leary if I didn’t really know the people or if they weren’t in law enforcement.
I’ve grown up with guns in the house. My grandfather kept one in his truck (to this day I’m not sure if it was a legal thing, he worked for the CIA for a long period of time, so I assume it was) for, well, reasons that I probably shouldn’t divulge in comments… My father had several rifles, since he was a hunter (he was an idiot though, and never once locked them up
)
I was not allowed to play with toy guns as a child, because I was taught to have respect for them and what they can do.
However I find that as I get older, I feel the need to have one. Pretty much all my life I have lived with one in the house, and it makes me feel safe. I’ve been taught the correct way to shoot, how to properly clean them, and have spent quality time on ranges.
I know Sully will some day live in a house with guns. He, like me, will be taught to respect them. It doesn’t become an issue as kids playing with them when they learn not to. (And seriously, never once did any of my friends think “playing” with a real gun was fun.)
Good luck, this is a difficult choice to make when you have the feelings you do. Is it possible to maybe discuss this with the folks involved? With Michael (and Sully) being 2, thats an age where they might not understand not to touch something and would be better for all concerned to know that all safety measures are being taken.
I’ve grown up with guns in the house. My grandfather kept one in his truck (to this day I’m not sure if it was a legal thing, he worked for the CIA for a long period of time, so I assume it was) for, well, reasons that I probably shouldn’t divulge in comments… My father had several rifles, since he was a hunter (he was an idiot though, and never once locked them up
)
I was not allowed to play with toy guns as a child, because I was taught to have respect for them and what they can do.
However I find that as I get older, I feel the need to have one. Pretty much all my life I have lived with one in the house, and it makes me feel safe. I’ve been taught the correct way to shoot, how to properly clean them, and have spent quality time on ranges.
I know Sully will some day live in a house with guns. He, like me, will be taught to respect them. It doesn’t become an issue as kids playing with them when they learn not to. (And seriously, never once did any of my friends think “playing” with a real gun was fun.)
Good luck, this is a difficult choice to make when you have the feelings you do. Is it possible to maybe discuss this with the folks involved? With Michael (and Sully) being 2, thats an age where they might not understand not to touch something and would be better for all concerned to know that all safety measures are being taken.
I’ve grown up with guns in the house. My grandfather kept one in his truck (to this day I’m not sure if it was a legal thing, he worked for the CIA for a long period of time, so I assume it was) for, well, reasons that I probably shouldn’t divulge in comments… My father had several rifles, since he was a hunter (he was an idiot though, and never once locked them up
)
I was not allowed to play with toy guns as a child, because I was taught to have respect for them and what they can do.
However I find that as I get older, I feel the need to have one. Pretty much all my life I have lived with one in the house, and it makes me feel safe. I’ve been taught the correct way to shoot, how to properly clean them, and have spent quality time on ranges.
I know Sully will some day live in a house with guns. He, like me, will be taught to respect them. It doesn’t become an issue as kids playing with them when they learn not to. (And seriously, never once did any of my friends think “playing” with a real gun was fun.)
Good luck, this is a difficult choice to make when you have the feelings you do. Is it possible to maybe discuss this with the folks involved? With Michael (and Sully) being 2, thats an age where they might not understand not to touch something and would be better for all concerned to know that all safety measures are being taken.
I’ve grown up with guns in the house. My grandfather kept one in his truck (to this day I’m not sure if it was a legal thing, he worked for the CIA for a long period of time, so I assume it was) for, well, reasons that I probably shouldn’t divulge in comments… My father had several rifles, since he was a hunter (he was an idiot though, and never once locked them up
)
I was not allowed to play with toy guns as a child, because I was taught to have respect for them and what they can do.
However I find that as I get older, I feel the need to have one. Pretty much all my life I have lived with one in the house, and it makes me feel safe. I’ve been taught the correct way to shoot, how to properly clean them, and have spent quality time on ranges.
I know Sully will some day live in a house with guns. He, like me, will be taught to respect them. It doesn’t become an issue as kids playing with them when they learn not to. (And seriously, never once did any of my friends think “playing” with a real gun was fun.)
Good luck, this is a difficult choice to make when you have the feelings you do. Is it possible to maybe discuss this with the folks involved? With Michael (and Sully) being 2, thats an age where they might not understand not to touch something and would be better for all concerned to know that all safety measures are being taken.
I grew up with guns in the house and was taught from the time I could understand to treat every gun like it’s loaded and it was hammered home at every opportunity that they weren’t toys. We spent a lot of time at shooting ranges learning both to shoot and gun safety.
My first husband was a hunting (and gun) fanatic (his prize piece of furniture was his gun cabinet) and it didn’t bother me, even when kids were in the house because we were, of course, safe and would never allow children to access weapons (the gun cabinet was locked).
All that said, I started feeling very squeamish at the idea of having guns around kids around the time I got pregnant. But then I realized that as long as we’re safety conscious, there is nothing more to worry about than having knives in the kitchen.
I understand your worry, gun accidents are all too frequent. My only suggestion would be to ask if you want to know and base your decision less on judging the families/parents for owning guns and more for how responsible they seem to be not just with gun safety but in general and it may come to making a decision on a per-case basis rather than an across the board policy.
Or have an across the board policy if that what makes you guys feel better, heh. Ugh. Not an easy subject, at all.
I grew up with guns in the house and was taught from the time I could understand to treat every gun like it’s loaded and it was hammered home at every opportunity that they weren’t toys. We spent a lot of time at shooting ranges learning both to shoot and gun safety.
My first husband was a hunting (and gun) fanatic (his prize piece of furniture was his gun cabinet) and it didn’t bother me, even when kids were in the house because we were, of course, safe and would never allow children to access weapons (the gun cabinet was locked).
All that said, I started feeling very squeamish at the idea of having guns around kids around the time I got pregnant. But then I realized that as long as we’re safety conscious, there is nothing more to worry about than having knives in the kitchen.
I understand your worry, gun accidents are all too frequent. My only suggestion would be to ask if you want to know and base your decision less on judging the families/parents for owning guns and more for how responsible they seem to be not just with gun safety but in general and it may come to making a decision on a per-case basis rather than an across the board policy.
Or have an across the board policy if that what makes you guys feel better, heh. Ugh. Not an easy subject, at all.
I grew up with guns in the house and was taught from the time I could understand to treat every gun like it’s loaded and it was hammered home at every opportunity that they weren’t toys. We spent a lot of time at shooting ranges learning both to shoot and gun safety.
My first husband was a hunting (and gun) fanatic (his prize piece of furniture was his gun cabinet) and it didn’t bother me, even when kids were in the house because we were, of course, safe and would never allow children to access weapons (the gun cabinet was locked).
All that said, I started feeling very squeamish at the idea of having guns around kids around the time I got pregnant. But then I realized that as long as we’re safety conscious, there is nothing more to worry about than having knives in the kitchen.
I understand your worry, gun accidents are all too frequent. My only suggestion would be to ask if you want to know and base your decision less on judging the families/parents for owning guns and more for how responsible they seem to be not just with gun safety but in general and it may come to making a decision on a per-case basis rather than an across the board policy.
Or have an across the board policy if that what makes you guys feel better, heh. Ugh. Not an easy subject, at all.
I grew up with guns in the house and was taught from the time I could understand to treat every gun like it’s loaded and it was hammered home at every opportunity that they weren’t toys. We spent a lot of time at shooting ranges learning both to shoot and gun safety.
My first husband was a hunting (and gun) fanatic (his prize piece of furniture was his gun cabinet) and it didn’t bother me, even when kids were in the house because we were, of course, safe and would never allow children to access weapons (the gun cabinet was locked).
All that said, I started feeling very squeamish at the idea of having guns around kids around the time I got pregnant. But then I realized that as long as we’re safety conscious, there is nothing more to worry about than having knives in the kitchen.
I understand your worry, gun accidents are all too frequent. My only suggestion would be to ask if you want to know and base your decision less on judging the families/parents for owning guns and more for how responsible they seem to be not just with gun safety but in general and it may come to making a decision on a per-case basis rather than an across the board policy.
Or have an across the board policy if that what makes you guys feel better, heh. Ugh. Not an easy subject, at all.
This is a hard one for me too. We don’t have a gun nor do any of our friends or any of their other friends with the exception of one person I know. Right now my older son is young enough that I still go with him on playdates. I know that this will soon become an issue for us. One of my friends, the one I mentioned above, does ask the parents. Apparently one said that they did so she asked to see where the gun was kept so that she could make sure it was locked up. They did recommend that in the safety class we just finished a couple of months ago. Sorry I don’t have any answers for you!
This is a hard one for me too. We don’t have a gun nor do any of our friends or any of their other friends with the exception of one person I know. Right now my older son is young enough that I still go with him on playdates. I know that this will soon become an issue for us. One of my friends, the one I mentioned above, does ask the parents. Apparently one said that they did so she asked to see where the gun was kept so that she could make sure it was locked up. They did recommend that in the safety class we just finished a couple of months ago. Sorry I don’t have any answers for you!
This is a hard one for me too. We don’t have a gun nor do any of our friends or any of their other friends with the exception of one person I know. Right now my older son is young enough that I still go with him on playdates. I know that this will soon become an issue for us. One of my friends, the one I mentioned above, does ask the parents. Apparently one said that they did so she asked to see where the gun was kept so that she could make sure it was locked up. They did recommend that in the safety class we just finished a couple of months ago. Sorry I don’t have any answers for you!
This is a hard one for me too. We don’t have a gun nor do any of our friends or any of their other friends with the exception of one person I know. Right now my older son is young enough that I still go with him on playdates. I know that this will soon become an issue for us. One of my friends, the one I mentioned above, does ask the parents. Apparently one said that they did so she asked to see where the gun was kept so that she could make sure it was locked up. They did recommend that in the safety class we just finished a couple of months ago. Sorry I don’t have any answers for you!
Intresting topic!
Well my Dh is in a police officer so we do have guns and since he works grave yard I actually feel safe that I have my gun here, just in case. They are locked up so no one could get to them it’s a little safe on top of our closet. I would never want anyone to not come to my house because of our guns but I would tell them about them and let them know they are locked in a safe place.
Intresting topic!
Well my Dh is in a police officer so we do have guns and since he works grave yard I actually feel safe that I have my gun here, just in case. They are locked up so no one could get to them it’s a little safe on top of our closet. I would never want anyone to not come to my house because of our guns but I would tell them about them and let them know they are locked in a safe place.
Intresting topic!
Well my Dh is in a police officer so we do have guns and since he works grave yard I actually feel safe that I have my gun here, just in case. They are locked up so no one could get to them it’s a little safe on top of our closet. I would never want anyone to not come to my house because of our guns but I would tell them about them and let them know they are locked in a safe place.
Intresting topic!
Well my Dh is in a police officer so we do have guns and since he works grave yard I actually feel safe that I have my gun here, just in case. They are locked up so no one could get to them it’s a little safe on top of our closet. I would never want anyone to not come to my house because of our guns but I would tell them about them and let them know they are locked in a safe place.
This is really a tough one you’ve asked here Jodi.
I am not a gun fan myself and now living outside of the US where it’s a non-issue because of course no one has guns in the home in this non-violent nation, I don’t have this worry any longer. But like Alex, all playdates for Andrew are currently accompanied. And with my older kids we took the education route. They of course understand thier Mama’s utter distate for guns of any variety. But we had enough friends and family members who had/have them and who (lovingly) persuaded me to approach it a little differently with them. Rather than banning all guns, all talk of guns, all anything about guns, we taught them about the power and the inherent dangers of guns. And of course drilled into their brains that they were NEVER NEVER to touch one. Maybe I made them as afraid of the things as I am, but I believe that if they were ever confronted with one in someone’s home they would do as they had been taught and would immediately tell someone, rather than handle it, or play with it.
See, your question starts up a lot of passsionate response from all of us, eh?
I would never feign to tell another how to parent, but I share this info with you just cuz you asked!
This is really a tough one you’ve asked here Jodi.
I am not a gun fan myself and now living outside of the US where it’s a non-issue because of course no one has guns in the home in this non-violent nation, I don’t have this worry any longer. But like Alex, all playdates for Andrew are currently accompanied. And with my older kids we took the education route. They of course understand thier Mama’s utter distate for guns of any variety. But we had enough friends and family members who had/have them and who (lovingly) persuaded me to approach it a little differently with them. Rather than banning all guns, all talk of guns, all anything about guns, we taught them about the power and the inherent dangers of guns. And of course drilled into their brains that they were NEVER NEVER to touch one. Maybe I made them as afraid of the things as I am, but I believe that if they were ever confronted with one in someone’s home they would do as they had been taught and would immediately tell someone, rather than handle it, or play with it.
See, your question starts up a lot of passsionate response from all of us, eh?
I would never feign to tell another how to parent, but I share this info with you just cuz you asked!
This is really a tough one you’ve asked here Jodi.
I am not a gun fan myself and now living outside of the US where it’s a non-issue because of course no one has guns in the home in this non-violent nation, I don’t have this worry any longer. But like Alex, all playdates for Andrew are currently accompanied. And with my older kids we took the education route. They of course understand thier Mama’s utter distate for guns of any variety. But we had enough friends and family members who had/have them and who (lovingly) persuaded me to approach it a little differently with them. Rather than banning all guns, all talk of guns, all anything about guns, we taught them about the power and the inherent dangers of guns. And of course drilled into their brains that they were NEVER NEVER to touch one. Maybe I made them as afraid of the things as I am, but I believe that if they were ever confronted with one in someone’s home they would do as they had been taught and would immediately tell someone, rather than handle it, or play with it.
See, your question starts up a lot of passsionate response from all of us, eh?
I would never feign to tell another how to parent, but I share this info with you just cuz you asked!
This is really a tough one you’ve asked here Jodi.
I am not a gun fan myself and now living outside of the US where it’s a non-issue because of course no one has guns in the home in this non-violent nation, I don’t have this worry any longer. But like Alex, all playdates for Andrew are currently accompanied. And with my older kids we took the education route. They of course understand thier Mama’s utter distate for guns of any variety. But we had enough friends and family members who had/have them and who (lovingly) persuaded me to approach it a little differently with them. Rather than banning all guns, all talk of guns, all anything about guns, we taught them about the power and the inherent dangers of guns. And of course drilled into their brains that they were NEVER NEVER to touch one. Maybe I made them as afraid of the things as I am, but I believe that if they were ever confronted with one in someone’s home they would do as they had been taught and would immediately tell someone, rather than handle it, or play with it.
See, your question starts up a lot of passsionate response from all of us, eh?
I would never feign to tell another how to parent, but I share this info with you just cuz you asked!
I ask outright if there are guns in the house if the boys are going on a playdate with a family we don’t know. At this point, it has been a resounding “NO” from every parent I’ve asked which is a huge relief for me.
The boys are becoming friendly with another boy whose dad is on the local police force. If a playdate comes up, I’ll be sure to ask. A cop should keep his gun(s) appropriately locked and stored so I think I’ll let them go over to play in that case.
Their school this year included guns in the “How to Stay Safe” curriculum. I was very impressed with how the boys talked about it afterwards.
Lastly, we do not allow toy guns in the house – even bright orange water guns. Call me a killjoy but we want them to understand firearms are nothing to play with or joke about. My husband is a real “guy’s guy” and even he is behind this 100%.
I personally do not think civilians (non-law enforcement) should have guns in their homes. Maybe a rifle in hunting country but there is no reason for someone to have a hand gun (or something more machine-like) in their home. Statistically more people (e.g. children) die from accidental gunshots then robbers/bad guys being stopped.
See – you make us think!
I ask outright if there are guns in the house if the boys are going on a playdate with a family we don’t know. At this point, it has been a resounding “NO” from every parent I’ve asked which is a huge relief for me.
The boys are becoming friendly with another boy whose dad is on the local police force. If a playdate comes up, I’ll be sure to ask. A cop should keep his gun(s) appropriately locked and stored so I think I’ll let them go over to play in that case.
Their school this year included guns in the “How to Stay Safe” curriculum. I was very impressed with how the boys talked about it afterwards.
Lastly, we do not allow toy guns in the house – even bright orange water guns. Call me a killjoy but we want them to understand firearms are nothing to play with or joke about. My husband is a real “guy’s guy” and even he is behind this 100%.
I personally do not think civilians (non-law enforcement) should have guns in their homes. Maybe a rifle in hunting country but there is no reason for someone to have a hand gun (or something more machine-like) in their home. Statistically more people (e.g. children) die from accidental gunshots then robbers/bad guys being stopped.
See – you make us think!
I ask outright if there are guns in the house if the boys are going on a playdate with a family we don’t know. At this point, it has been a resounding “NO” from every parent I’ve asked which is a huge relief for me.
The boys are becoming friendly with another boy whose dad is on the local police force. If a playdate comes up, I’ll be sure to ask. A cop should keep his gun(s) appropriately locked and stored so I think I’ll let them go over to play in that case.
Their school this year included guns in the “How to Stay Safe” curriculum. I was very impressed with how the boys talked about it afterwards.
Lastly, we do not allow toy guns in the house – even bright orange water guns. Call me a killjoy but we want them to understand firearms are nothing to play with or joke about. My husband is a real “guy’s guy” and even he is behind this 100%.
I personally do not think civilians (non-law enforcement) should have guns in their homes. Maybe a rifle in hunting country but there is no reason for someone to have a hand gun (or something more machine-like) in their home. Statistically more people (e.g. children) die from accidental gunshots then robbers/bad guys being stopped.
See – you make us think!
I ask outright if there are guns in the house if the boys are going on a playdate with a family we don’t know. At this point, it has been a resounding “NO” from every parent I’ve asked which is a huge relief for me.
The boys are becoming friendly with another boy whose dad is on the local police force. If a playdate comes up, I’ll be sure to ask. A cop should keep his gun(s) appropriately locked and stored so I think I’ll let them go over to play in that case.
Their school this year included guns in the “How to Stay Safe” curriculum. I was very impressed with how the boys talked about it afterwards.
Lastly, we do not allow toy guns in the house – even bright orange water guns. Call me a killjoy but we want them to understand firearms are nothing to play with or joke about. My husband is a real “guy’s guy” and even he is behind this 100%.
I personally do not think civilians (non-law enforcement) should have guns in their homes. Maybe a rifle in hunting country but there is no reason for someone to have a hand gun (or something more machine-like) in their home. Statistically more people (e.g. children) die from accidental gunshots then robbers/bad guys being stopped.
See – you make us think!
I’m a day late….but guns make me nervous. We don’t have one in our house and I don’t want one.
My parents do & our son visits there. But I trust them and they are very responsible with keeping them locked up, in a separate area of an enclosed closet in the garage (that is just storage). And the bullets are kept in a separate location as well.
But if it were someone I didn’t know very well and didn’t trust to be responsible 100% of the time….I’d probably say no. Especially the older he gets. You know curious boys (and girls) get when together…
Tough one.
I’m a day late….but guns make me nervous. We don’t have one in our house and I don’t want one.
My parents do & our son visits there. But I trust them and they are very responsible with keeping them locked up, in a separate area of an enclosed closet in the garage (that is just storage). And the bullets are kept in a separate location as well.
But if it were someone I didn’t know very well and didn’t trust to be responsible 100% of the time….I’d probably say no. Especially the older he gets. You know curious boys (and girls) get when together…
Tough one.
I’m a day late….but guns make me nervous. We don’t have one in our house and I don’t want one.
My parents do & our son visits there. But I trust them and they are very responsible with keeping them locked up, in a separate area of an enclosed closet in the garage (that is just storage). And the bullets are kept in a separate location as well.
But if it were someone I didn’t know very well and didn’t trust to be responsible 100% of the time….I’d probably say no. Especially the older he gets. You know curious boys (and girls) get when together…
Tough one.
I’m a day late….but guns make me nervous. We don’t have one in our house and I don’t want one.
My parents do & our son visits there. But I trust them and they are very responsible with keeping them locked up, in a separate area of an enclosed closet in the garage (that is just storage). And the bullets are kept in a separate location as well.
But if it were someone I didn’t know very well and didn’t trust to be responsible 100% of the time….I’d probably say no. Especially the older he gets. You know curious boys (and girls) get when together…
Tough one.
My parents have guns in their home, locked in a safe. I was taught how to use a gun when I was 16. I don’t like them and I don’t have one in my house, but if I needed to I could use one.
A fellow co-worker of mine was telling me the other day that in Switzerland every adult male is given a gun to protect his family. They are trained in how to properly use it and care for it. I find that interesting. I know they have a very low crime rate there.
I think the key with guns is education. It’s such a tough thing.
My parents have guns in their home, locked in a safe. I was taught how to use a gun when I was 16. I don’t like them and I don’t have one in my house, but if I needed to I could use one.
A fellow co-worker of mine was telling me the other day that in Switzerland every adult male is given a gun to protect his family. They are trained in how to properly use it and care for it. I find that interesting. I know they have a very low crime rate there.
I think the key with guns is education. It’s such a tough thing.
My parents have guns in their home, locked in a safe. I was taught how to use a gun when I was 16. I don’t like them and I don’t have one in my house, but if I needed to I could use one.
A fellow co-worker of mine was telling me the other day that in Switzerland every adult male is given a gun to protect his family. They are trained in how to properly use it and care for it. I find that interesting. I know they have a very low crime rate there.
I think the key with guns is education. It’s such a tough thing.
My parents have guns in their home, locked in a safe. I was taught how to use a gun when I was 16. I don’t like them and I don’t have one in my house, but if I needed to I could use one.
A fellow co-worker of mine was telling me the other day that in Switzerland every adult male is given a gun to protect his family. They are trained in how to properly use it and care for it. I find that interesting. I know they have a very low crime rate there.
I think the key with guns is education. It’s such a tough thing.
Hello, Jodi!
Well, you know that I am a tactical firearms instructor for a federal law enforcement agency. So guns are tools for me.
I don’t hunt.
I have two guns… one is personally owned, the other belongs to Uncle Sam… they both get locked up when I am done uing them.
My youngest daughter’s friend’s parents know about my guns, but don’t have any issues about them other than to have asked about storage… which I am ok with.
I don’t talk about what my guns are for with my daughter, because I am under no illusions about them. They aren’t made for safety. They aren’t made for protection… they are made to kill adult human beings. She knows where they are, she knows not to even touch my gunsafe.
I think it is appropriate to ask about the presence of guns in the house of a playmate. I think it is appropriate to keep your child out of a home that has guns if you think that either the parents safety standards don’t meet your own, or if you are dead set against thee very notion of guns in the house.
I’ll continue via email.
Hello, Jodi!
Well, you know that I am a tactical firearms instructor for a federal law enforcement agency. So guns are tools for me.
I don’t hunt.
I have two guns… one is personally owned, the other belongs to Uncle Sam… they both get locked up when I am done uing them.
My youngest daughter’s friend’s parents know about my guns, but don’t have any issues about them other than to have asked about storage… which I am ok with.
I don’t talk about what my guns are for with my daughter, because I am under no illusions about them. They aren’t made for safety. They aren’t made for protection… they are made to kill adult human beings. She knows where they are, she knows not to even touch my gunsafe.
I think it is appropriate to ask about the presence of guns in the house of a playmate. I think it is appropriate to keep your child out of a home that has guns if you think that either the parents safety standards don’t meet your own, or if you are dead set against thee very notion of guns in the house.
I’ll continue via email.
Hello, Jodi!
Well, you know that I am a tactical firearms instructor for a federal law enforcement agency. So guns are tools for me.
I don’t hunt.
I have two guns… one is personally owned, the other belongs to Uncle Sam… they both get locked up when I am done uing them.
My youngest daughter’s friend’s parents know about my guns, but don’t have any issues about them other than to have asked about storage… which I am ok with.
I don’t talk about what my guns are for with my daughter, because I am under no illusions about them. They aren’t made for safety. They aren’t made for protection… they are made to kill adult human beings. She knows where they are, she knows not to even touch my gunsafe.
I think it is appropriate to ask about the presence of guns in the house of a playmate. I think it is appropriate to keep your child out of a home that has guns if you think that either the parents safety standards don’t meet your own, or if you are dead set against thee very notion of guns in the house.
I’ll continue via email.
Hello, Jodi!
Well, you know that I am a tactical firearms instructor for a federal law enforcement agency. So guns are tools for me.
I don’t hunt.
I have two guns… one is personally owned, the other belongs to Uncle Sam… they both get locked up when I am done uing them.
My youngest daughter’s friend’s parents know about my guns, but don’t have any issues about them other than to have asked about storage… which I am ok with.
I don’t talk about what my guns are for with my daughter, because I am under no illusions about them. They aren’t made for safety. They aren’t made for protection… they are made to kill adult human beings. She knows where they are, she knows not to even touch my gunsafe.
I think it is appropriate to ask about the presence of guns in the house of a playmate. I think it is appropriate to keep your child out of a home that has guns if you think that either the parents safety standards don’t meet your own, or if you are dead set against thee very notion of guns in the house.
I’ll continue via email.
We, too, have guns in the house. They are locked up. Locked up so well that everytime my husband goes away, I have to ask how to get to them if I needed to fight someone off. Of course, I haven’t fired one in almost 8 years so I don’t know how good I would be at fighting someone off. But even as a home with guns, I am leary of sending my kids to someone else’s house since I know ours are out of reach. I asked my husband and he said a lot is based on just knowing the family. I’m not sure what that means, but he insists that if you feel unsafe about sending a kid over then it’s probably a good idea not to. He always points out to me that sending a kid over to someone’s house with a pool could be just as dangerous. Whatever. I hate the guns, but we have them anyway.
We, too, have guns in the house. They are locked up. Locked up so well that everytime my husband goes away, I have to ask how to get to them if I needed to fight someone off. Of course, I haven’t fired one in almost 8 years so I don’t know how good I would be at fighting someone off. But even as a home with guns, I am leary of sending my kids to someone else’s house since I know ours are out of reach. I asked my husband and he said a lot is based on just knowing the family. I’m not sure what that means, but he insists that if you feel unsafe about sending a kid over then it’s probably a good idea not to. He always points out to me that sending a kid over to someone’s house with a pool could be just as dangerous. Whatever. I hate the guns, but we have them anyway.
We, too, have guns in the house. They are locked up. Locked up so well that everytime my husband goes away, I have to ask how to get to them if I needed to fight someone off. Of course, I haven’t fired one in almost 8 years so I don’t know how good I would be at fighting someone off. But even as a home with guns, I am leary of sending my kids to someone else’s house since I know ours are out of reach. I asked my husband and he said a lot is based on just knowing the family. I’m not sure what that means, but he insists that if you feel unsafe about sending a kid over then it’s probably a good idea not to. He always points out to me that sending a kid over to someone’s house with a pool could be just as dangerous. Whatever. I hate the guns, but we have them anyway.
We, too, have guns in the house. They are locked up. Locked up so well that everytime my husband goes away, I have to ask how to get to them if I needed to fight someone off. Of course, I haven’t fired one in almost 8 years so I don’t know how good I would be at fighting someone off. But even as a home with guns, I am leary of sending my kids to someone else’s house since I know ours are out of reach. I asked my husband and he said a lot is based on just knowing the family. I’m not sure what that means, but he insists that if you feel unsafe about sending a kid over then it’s probably a good idea not to. He always points out to me that sending a kid over to someone’s house with a pool could be just as dangerous. Whatever. I hate the guns, but we have them anyway.