Children's Classic Blog

Hey guys! At the request of our directors we’re going to take things a little serious this week! I understand this is kind of a touchy subject and I will do my best to handle it with care! Before we get too deep into this topic I feel its necessary to let you know that my family owns and uses gun, we have them in our home. I am in NO way trying to push my agenda or beliefs on my readers!

As a kid playing cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians or even just bad guys was totally acceptable. And every kid in my family at one point wanted a red rider bb gun just like the one Ralphy had on a Christmas story! But times they are a changing, although playing guns is completely age appropriate we live in a time where school shootings and accidental deaths are a thing, making those age appropriate activities a little less tolerable in public settings. In our schools we have noticed a major increase in the desire to play guns and threaten to bring guns to school when upset. For that reason we ask that each family, whether they have/ like guns or not to take some time this week and talk to your children about gun safety. We understand this can be a tricky thing with young kids so I have listed some ways to have a productive lesson at home!

Our TOP 9 Tips for Teaching Young Children Gun Safety

• Never, EVER point a gun at ANYTHING unless you intend to shoot it.
• Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
• Do not put your finger near the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Always point a gun toward the ground. And not at your shoe because your foot is in there ~ that is E’s contribution.
• If you don’t know what to do, stop.
• Slow and calm movements are controlled and safe movements.
• The parent assisting must tell the child they are free to fire.  Without our go ahead, they are NOT allowed to pull the trigger.
• They (the shooter) yells “Fire” when they are ready to shoot.
• Hearing and eye protection are to be worn at all times while at the range

Why This is Beneficial for Children

• We get to demystify guns and take Hollywood out of guns.  Remove the mystery.
• This allows us to squelch the desire to “play” with guns because they can appropriately use them under our direct supervision.
• They get to learn how to safely shoot them (at an age-appropriate level).
• They understand guns are dangerous and we are instilling respect for firearms.