Be Smart & #takeaMOMent to TALK to kids about REAL Gun Safety
The gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety has launched a “Be Smart” campaign because…
“When it comes to having guns in the home, we can’t rely on our kids to adhere to the rules we set. It’s our responsibility — as adults — to Be SMART about safe gun storage.”
Safe storage of firearms is very important. The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Project ChildSafe program stresses that we “own it, secure it and respect it.” Firearms and ammunition should be stored properly when they are not in use. That is indeed smart.
What is not smart is raising a family unit where trust does not exist. Everytown parents say we, “can’t rely on our kids to adhere to the rules we set.” Well, I certainly don’t want to be one of those parents. It is my job as a parent to establish rules and teach my children why those rules are important. If I can’t do that, and I can’t trust my children to follow my rules, then I need to figure out why.
You see, good parents make rules, punish appropriately and offer real forgiveness. They understand that they are the head of the household. Their actions as parents mold the type of adults their children will become.
Smart parents teach. They are active in their children’s lives. They ask questions and they listen. I want to be that parent, one who raises smart kids.
I want my children to ask me questions and to feel comfortable talking to me about anything, especially guns. I want them to know they can trust me to help them find the answers. I know that when I am honest with my kids, I teach them to be honest.
When it comes to smart parenting and guns, communicating with children is key. Smart programs like Project ChildSafe and the NRA’s Eddie Eagle Gun Safe program rely on positive and productive communication. Eddie Eagle teaches small children to stop, don’t touch and tell an adult. Project ChildSafe encourages parents to talk to kids of all ages about firearm safety.
Everytown’s Be Smart campaign also commands parents to, “tell your peers to be SMART.” It seems to me that there’s a whole lot of preaching and not a lot of listening going on. Opening the lines of communication by discussing firearm safety is important, intelligent and effective. Telling peers to “be smart?” Not so much.
#takeMOMent this Mother’s Day weekend to TRULY talk to your kids about firearm safety
Anti-gun groups who use gun safety as a ruse for more gun control aren’t interested in true firearm safety. #Gunsafety isn’t just a catchy hashtag. Responsible gun owners know that firearm safety refers to safe storage when guns are not in use and four simple rules to ensure that accidents with guns don’t happen. Set an example for your kids by following and teaching your children these rules.
If you haven’t already, #takeaMOMent in honor of Mother’s Day to have that talk, answer questions and encourage continuous dialogue on this very important subject. Don’t just preach or tell, encourage and share with fellow parents, friends and family. Demystifying firearms and teaching kids about true #gunsafety just makes #gunsense. Now, that’s smart.
If you’re looking for yet another tool to help talk to young children about guns, I have a children’s book called Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules. Learn more about it and download free resources.
