Guns. What can I say? Like many children I grew up playing Cowboys and Indians or cops and robbers. It got me outside and out from under my parents feet. They were happy, I was happy.
Over the years I have developed a strong opinion about guns. I HATE them. So much so that I don’t allow them in my house in any form: toy guns, video games, etc.
I am not sure why the strong aversion. I have not had or even know anyone that has remotely been hurt by them. Many family members are avid sport hunters. I even have a few family members who are in the military, and count on them for their life.
I have a 10-year old son, and his 5-year year old sister, who has developed a fascination for guns. Like my childhood, I am guessing this is simply a natural interest. Like I said friends and family members all have them, so why not them.
Thanks to Grandma they both came home with one of those super-soaker water guns. I faltered in my resolve and let them keep them. This may have been a huge mistake. I now have not one but 3 super-duper Nerf guns with projectiles flying all over the place. Furniture is being flipped upside down to make hiding spots. The house is a regular war zone.
I have talked to both my kids, and friends, about how I feel about guns. I have emphasized that they should NOT be used to shoot at each other. But what is the fun in that, they say, especially with the water guns. The bullets don’t hurt.
So here lies the rub. How the hell do I teach them to respect a gun, but let them have fun with them at the same time. Guns are not supposed to be FUN!
