GUNSMARTS: Talking to Kids About Guns
When do I talk to my kids about firearm safety? It’s a question I often get, not just because I am a pro shooter, but more importantly as a mom. My answer is, “now.”
As a longtime supporter of the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Project Childsafe, I believe that education is the key to true gun safety. Check out my video for Smith & Wesson’s GUNSMARTS on how to have this important conversation on firearms with your kids.
Every home situation is different and as a gun owner, firearms play a role in your family life, whether it’s hunting, shooting sports, or protection. If you don’t own guns, it’s important to accept the reality that even your small children can be exposed to firearms in the news, on their screens, and in person. This is why gun safety education should start at a young age, and with you as a parent.
Key Takeaways
- Firearm safety is something everyone should learn no matter what their stance is on guns. This type of safety education for kids should not be taboo. We teach children about potential dangers with fire, the oven and stove, knives, scissors, and other sharp tools – guns should be no different. It’s the key to preventing accidents with firearms and it’s never too early to start the discussion with your children.
- Learn the rules. If you don’t already know the basic rules of firearm safety, this is a great place to start. Having a firm grasp of what real gun safety is about will help you become your family’s resource on the topic. Download a free printable of the 4 fundamental rules of firearm safety here. You can also check out my free download on gun safety rules adapted for children.
- Have the conversation. If you’re married or have a partner, start here. Discuss the importance of firearm safety education and your family’s plan for safely storing firearms together. When you’re ready to speak with your child or children, pick a time and place where you will have their full attention. Start by telling them you want to talk about something important and then, based on their level of maturity, go from there.
- Continue to talk to your kids about gun safety. This discussion isn’t a one-and-done deal. It should be ongoing. No matter what age your children are, when you do have these conversations strive to be calm and clear on the topic but make sure it’s a discussion, not a lecture. Allow children to ask questions and let them know you’ll help them find the answers as you establish your own family rules when it comes to firearms.
For very young children, the message about guns should be simple and clear. It’s the universal message the gun industry and responsible gun owners share.
STOP.
Don’t touch firearms.
Go find an adult you trust.
As a mom, with two young daughters, I wrote a children’s book about gun safety called Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules. It shares this critical message of gun avoidance with colorful illustrations and delves even deeper into the topic. You can learn more about it at kidsgunsafetybook.com and download a free parent’s guide, coloring pages and read how to continue firearm safety education as your children grow older.
Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules | Paperback
We talk to kids about the dangers of fire, drugs, strangers, drowning, and more—but not about guns. There are hundreds of millions of guns in the United States alone. Despite how polarizing the media and politics have made the topic of firearms, we must talk with our children about guns and firearm safety to protect them and help prevent deaths and injuries. World champion professional shooter, firearms instructor, and mother Julie Golob helps you start a conversation about firearms with young children. Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules helps parents break the ice with kids on this taboo topic. Learn more.
With school-aged children, you as a parent know your kids best and for those who can grasp the concept of the firearm safety rules, share them! As your child matures take the opportunity to expand their firearm knowledge to the different types of firearms and you can even explore hunting and shooting sports that you can enjoy as a family.
For even more information, visit ProjectChildsafe.org, a program dedicated to real firearm safety education. You’ll find useful videos, tools, how to locate a free safety kit with a gun lock and more.
