Here's today's suggestion for Examiner.com's New Year's resolution special project. Having raised two boys in a household with guns, this one is especially personal for me:
I will give my children a development-appropriate education about guns.
Note I did not say "age-appropriate." I have in the past, but realize that doesn't take into account kids developing differently.
I really like this photo by Oleg Volk--I did the same with my guys, talking with them as I disassembled and cleaned my guns, letting them see there was no mystery... I took them to the range with me from early on. When I saw they were ready, I introduced them to shooting with BB guns, ultimately progressing to...uh, this.
What kind of training is right for your child?
I've never been a fan of one-size-fits-all. I know some swear by Eddie Eagle as a starting point, others complain it is not 100% effective--as if anything is (for the record, I am not a big fan, but I suppose it's better than nothing for very young children). Some call for locking guns away from their children, others point to problems that can arise from that, and rely on earned trust.
It's self-evident that perpetuating ignorance and avoidance throughout the formative years is no way to teach competence and safety. And teaching that is a fundamental parental responsibility.
Suggested resolutions posted to date:
New Year's gun rights resolution: Attend an Appleseed
New Year's gun rights resolution: Know your representatives
New Year's gun rights resolution: Write letters to the editor
New Year's gun rights resolution: Join a gun rights group
New Year's gun rights resolution: Send a politician the gun rights questionnaire
New Year's gun rights resolution: Build a guns and liberty video collection
New Year's gun rights resolution: Take a new person shooting
New Year's gun rights resolution: Read Second Amendment books
New Year's gun rights resolution: Shoot a machine gun
New Year's gun rights resolution: Support legal efforts to defend 2nd Amendment
New Year's gun rights resolution: Spread the word on Gun Rights Examiner
New Year's gun rights resolution: Go to a gun show
New Year's gun rights resolution: Boycott an anti-gun company
New Year's gun rights resolution: Buy a gun
New Year's gun rights resolution: Spend time with your loved ones
Comments
No kids of my own, but I have been involved in teaching some children about guns. And will do so again as the opportunity presents itself.
Eddie Eagle is one NRA program I don't have a problem with. It's far from ideal, but it's a start, and reaches some children who might not otherwise get any exposure. Now, if we could just get the NRA to stick to training and education, and stay the expletive out of legislating...
Ayoob's Gun-Proof you Children is still a classic in this area!
Carl, I'm sure there are appropriate places for you to air your issues with the NRA. I'm also sure a thread on educating children about firearms isn't one of them.
I really like your article.I live in Europe and your writtigs are not understood by here.TY
Gun proofed my sons many a year ago. Now starting on the next generation. Grandkids are seven and eight and both are far more knowledgeable in gun safety and handling than most liberals, especially those in the media. Spent part of the holiday out in the country letting them familiarize with their new Davey Cricket .22. Both were as safe if not safer than the adults in the shooting party in following range rules and both were able to pot a fist sized gourd at fifteen paces.
The point I continually try to make with liberal anti-gun acquaintances is would they rather attempt to shield their children from all of the estimated 300 million firearms currently in the US, or by education and training make them safe no matter what weapon they might encounter. It's the old sex education argument turned on it's ear: knowledge or ignorance, which makes your child safer?
No kids of my own, but am in the middle of 5 days of marskmanship training with 16 junior high students (CA Cadet Corps) during their annual survival bivouac. I sprinkle my lectures with quotes from the founding fathers, Jeff Coooper and other gun culture celebrities, along with quotes from gun grabbers like Stalin, Boxer, Feinstein, Reno, Schumer, etc.
The kids are shooting very well (particularly as over half have never held a firearm before).
Some for enlightenment, some for entertianment like: "Plan 'A' is to ask the ogre to change into a mouse. I eat the evidence, no muss, no fuss, no body" said Puss-in-Boots as he screwed the silencer onto his HK Mk 23, "Plan 'B' gets messy."
The kids get it, and most are going to work on their families to continue shooting. And a child shall lead them ...
DDS-NRALM, if David thinks my comment is inappropriate he can delete it. He hasn't yet.
I'm extremely proud to announce that my 14 yr old Grandson (my oldest) harvested his first whitetail the morning after Christmas and my youngest grandson, 6, received his "Red Ryder" BB gun for Christmas and thoroughly enjoys shooting tin cans with it. My wife, who was born in Europe but is a naturalized US Citizen, was introduced to shooting within the last couple of years and, if you're within 200-250 yards with a rifle or 25-30 yards with a handgun, you DO NOT want her shooting at you.
[Paladin-I edited your comment. If you want to know why, email me--dcodreaAThotmailDOTcom.]
Carl,
Let not your heart be troubled. No skin off my nose either way.
Happy New Year!
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