Teaching Your Kids about Gun Safety

While your first instinct is to keep your kids in the dark about guns and weapons, in today’s day and age that is really not feasible any longer. Educating your kids that guns and weapons do exist and what you expect them to do if they encounter a dangerous situation is vital to his or her wellbeing.

Of course, the age of your child will determine how to approach the situation.

There are several ways to teach your child about gun safety as a youngster. First and foremost, as an adult, you need to take most of the responsibility with your child’s safety – most especially with gun safety.

If you do own a gun, make sure that it is kept locked away from your curious youngster. More importantly, make sure with absolute certainty that the gun and its ammunition are stored in two completely separate places.

Of course, the most logical thing is not to own a gun at all with small children in the home. Also of importance is to teach your child to tell you if a friend or family member has a gun and they have seen or have access to it. Tell your child that if they ever go to someone’s home and there is a gun, that you need to know immediately. Reassure them that you will never get mad at them for telling you about it. Let them know early on that they can come to you and tell you anything.

What is even more crucial in today’s day and age is to teach your children (no matter what age) that toy guns look exactly like real guns. Tell them to take no chances; if they are not sure, they should remove themselves from the area, and tell an adult.

Just as with anything else, communication is crucial at any age. It is imperative that you discuss with children the dangers of handling a gun. They may see a lot of gun handling in video games and on television and, unfortunately, in real life.

Conversation is a crucial link to educating your children to the dangers of handling a gun. If you depend on a video game or television show to educate your children about guns, chances are this will be a glorified version of what a gun can really do. The best form of education for a younger child is conversation and communication.

Do not under any circumstances leave it to chance when it comes to your child’s safety and wellbeing and the safety and wellbeing of those around them.

For older children such as teens, gun safety takes a step forward. For the most part, 18 may be the legal age for gun ownership. If your child is determined to own a gun and partake in sporting events such as target shooting or hunting (depending on where you live), it is vital that you get them the proper education, training, and skills to learn how to partake in such sports safely and wisely.

This is in the best interest of your child and those around them, even if they are between the ages of 18 and 21.