We've always taken the education/permission route when dealing with guns and our kids. Don't touch any gun without our permission, but I'll let you look at them and handle them as much as you want, whenever you want...all you have to do is ask. And anytime Daddy is shooting, you're all invited.
This week my two oldest boys are in a junior police academy in our little town. Today they were shown some gear and guns and even allowed to handle some of them.
The cop running that part of the program is a family friend that we go to church with and who they've known for their entire lives. When he called the boys over to see the guns they politely refused to touch it...."No thanks, Dad didn't say we could." So he sent my wife a text and when they read that they had permission they joined in the fun.
A man they've known their entire lives, who is like family to us, couldn't convince them it was OK to touch a gun.
Sound parenting and a sound plan for dealing with guns (along with great kids) can make a home safe, no matter what's in it.
