Gun Control?

Corrie - posted on 02/20/2009

I think that kids will eminate what ever you teach them.  I personally don't have a problem with toy guns.  We teach my son not to point them at people, but other than that it is just like any other toy.  If we place to much value on toys and what they teach then we could argue the value of Barbie dolls as well, and probably a plethora of other toys.  Imaginative play of any kind is VERY beneficial and a key point in child development.  This is how children learn a majority of their social skills.  Toy guns are not the culprit of violence in kids or adults, human examples are.

Ann - posted on 02/20/2009

My kids have toy guns and swords. They play make believe. My son is 8 and an avid hunter. He knows guns are not toys. They all know guns are dangerous and can kill and or only to be used under supervision. In our home guns, and bows are tools for hunting. (No we are not trophy hunters. we hunt for meat and donate to food pantry's too). It is up to the parent to educate their child (ren) on how, if and when guns should be used. Look up information on line for educating small children. They will send the videos and work sheets for free.

Kirsten - posted on 02/20/2009

I totally agree that it's what we teach out children and not what toys we give them that really matters.  As a teacher I have seen plenty of chilren on the playground pretend to shoot one another using their fingers and I don't see how a toy gun is any different than that.  I will try to teach my son the importance of respect, patience and safety.  Personally I'm much more worried about letting my son play video games than about letting him play with toy guns.

Sarah - posted on 02/20/2009

Very Helpful Tara. I was vascillating over this one for quite some time. I think your response pushed me over to the exposure side. The father of my children is very persistent with the rules of toy weapons (point the gun down, don't point it at people, If you ever see a real gun, run and tell and adult etc..) He was raised around weapons and had his first shoot at about 6 as well, but I have always had a slight discomfort until now. Thank you for your insight, I think all mother who are uncomfortable with toy weapons should read your response.

Hannah - posted on 02/19/2009

I do not allowed my son to have guns.. he has a ligh saber thing that my brother bought him on bonfire night... but he only uses that to see in the dark. I do not a gree with toy guns as i think they are wrong, if he makes anything outta lego, i tell him mummy doesnt like guns because they are naughty! which then he goes into sulk mode,

Jana - posted on 02/19/2009

I was always taught that guns are not toys.  I live in a huge hunting area so there is no way to avoid guns, but I think you need to spend time talking to your kids about gun safety, even if you do not have guns in your house!  They need to hear the rules about guns, because I think if the topic is avoided, that is when curiosity could lead to them getting hurt.  Unless you plan on asking the parents of EVERY home your child visits if they have guns or not, your kids need to know the rules about gun safety.

Having said that, my child(ren) will never have a toy that shoots anything in our house.  When my dad was young (6 or so) he got shot in the eye by a suction cup dart.  He had to be rushed into surgery and his vision has been impaired since.  I grew up knowing gun safety rules but never had a toy that shot anything and I had an awesome childhood.

Tara - posted on 02/19/2009

Quoting Paula:

I taught my oldest son that guns were not toys. He plays video games that use weapons (he's 14) but he understands that violence is not the way to get what you want in this world.

I am also a firm believer that gun control is using both hands.

LOL!  As a cop's kid I can agree on one hand with that statement (on gun control)!  On the other hand... the only real control you have over your children is the education you give them.  Shielding them is not educational. 

Sarah - posted on 02/19/2009

I don not believe that any good comes from toy weapons.  I see the neighbor kids shooting each other with them and I witnessed my friend's 3 yr old shoot his sister's doll in the head.  It makes me sick, weapons are not toys.

Paula - posted on 02/19/2009

I taught my oldest son that guns were not toys. He plays video games that use weapons (he's 14) but he understands that violence is not the way to get what you want in this world.

I am also a firm believer that gun control is using both hands.

Tara - posted on 02/19/2009

I don't think any toy, by itself, teaches much.  What do we as parents teach our young about these toys?  I grew up with officers in the family and shot my first real gun at six.  I was taught the use and purpose as well as the danger.  My children will not be quite so exposed, but toys are in the house.  I teach the same facts that I was taught because even though the toys are pretend they represent something very real.

I think it is almost as important to expose our children as it is to protect them.  Ignorance is not bliss, it's dangerous.  So in the end to expose a child to something (teaching) is actually protecting them!  Imagine the child who's never seen a toy gun or was not taught about real ones at a friend's house where ther was a real gun... my daughter would know what to/not to do.  Would another child?  That's the important question.

Nicky - posted on 02/19/2009

i personally dont let my son have any weapons, toy guns or knives, oh he has a green plastic sword but thats it, and i will only let his use that when dressing up. i dont agree with them, there is too much gun and knife crime out there now and id rather my boy no that there not allowed, but thats my opinion!!