[Nathan]

What are your thoughts about having guns in the house with young children?

[momof3]

I think the best way to keep our children safe is to not have guns in the house at all.

[bluetree]

i agree momof3

[Clearbrite]

Maybe cause im Australian,and just dont 'get' the whole gun thing..i dont see how any person in their right mind would have a gun in their house at all..kids or no kids!Only asking for trouble!!
To me the only people who really 'need' guns are police,farmers,defence forces etc
If you have a license for a gun,great..but they can be kept and stored safely at a gun club or something.

Ive never even seen a gun,and have managed just fine without one my whole 31 years.
Thats what police are for..just dial 000 and they can come and sort out the bad guys!*L*

[hennypenny]

I agree with Clearbrite. I'm an Aussie too, and guns aren't as common unless you live in the country. My dad always had a gun, but had it where we could never find it. I think once the laws came in where licenses were required, he got rid of it. Over here, you have to have a licence, and store it in a steel cabinet that is bolted to the floor, I think? Not sure, but it's something like that. I don't like the thought of having guns in our house, and we have no need for one.

[keac]

I grew up with gun's in the house, we were told that we couldn't touch them ever! That was the big rule then, We never did, although some kids do have alot of time on there hands I think if they are told and told many times guns would be ok!

Karen

[LeslieT]

I agree with KEAC (Karen). My dad is a hunter and we always had guns in our home. As a matter of fact he still does. He has taken all three of my boys hunting and to hunter safety courses.

They know if they ever touch one of their pa-pa's guns without permission that they would get a very stiff punishment.

As far as guns in my home. I don't have any because I live in the city. If I were still interested in hunting or something of that nature I might have one.

My kids have been taught to respect a gun and I have yet to have a problem to date.

[irishgal63]

I honestly wouldn't have a problem with there being guns
in the house---IF the kids are taught how to handle them,
etc.,---and you know you can TRUST the kid(s) to be
responsible about the gun(s)---I would still keep the gun(s)
locked up in a safe place ! (my part of being the responsible
adult(parent) ! I own a gun---I bought a .38 revolver
several years ago---cause of the 'SLUMLORD' problem !
I know how to use it---I DO FEEL SAFER !
I also support the NRA !

sincerely,
Lori Weis
erin_lassie3@hotmail.com

[babydawn]

I think it is okay to have guns in the home, provided the parents take special measures to keep their kids safe. My husband has two guns. At the moment, they are not kept in our house since we do not have anywhere safe from the kids to put them. Once my kids are older, and my husband can take them out shooting and they can really learn how to properly use and respect a gun, then we will bring them home. Unless of course we get a gun safe or someother child proof measure before hand. I am an American and fully support our right to bear arms.

[NewYorkMom]

It seems like everyone on this thread has a very responsible approach to the situation. My husband and I don't own a gun, but if we did it would be safely locked away and out of reach. If we did though, when the children are old enough to comprehend that there is a gun in the house, they would be told why it was there and why not to touch it. In the case of hunters, same rule would apply. I see nothing wrong with allowing teenagers to go hunting if they so desire and their parents support it, but of course it's important to instruct them on all measures of gun safety and the rule that the guns are only to be used when hunting. They are not to be taken out, looked at, etc. for any other reason.
I also think it's important to teach them about gun safety regardless of whether a gun is in the home b/c there is always the possibility that a friend's family might own one. Simple rules, like guns are never OK should help. Tell your child to call you ASAP if they are in a situation where there is a gun involved or even if they see or hear of one being at a friend's house. This way you can assess the situation and decide if there is any reason for concern. I also remember an HBO Family movie that was based on a true story. This might be something appropriate for preteens and teens, as it is very realistic and heart wrenching, but it makes its point well. You can never be too careful!