After Christmas I received some backlash from family members
for approving the purchase of a bb gun for my seven year old son (and
subsequently my four year old). When the
idea first was brought up to me I honestly didn’t think twice about it. When a child is ready you’ll know.
My husband and I are people who enjoy the outdoors. We regularly take our children camping and
fishing and my husband hunts. We have
guns in the home and we regularly preach gun safety to our children (even toy
guns are not to be pointed at people).
Our children are expected to respect fire arms and know how to properly
handle them. I wouldn’t have authorized
the purchase unless I thought he had a respect for shooting and everything that
comes along with it.
We also took into consideration storage and
supervision. Items like guns and bows
are locked and placed out of our children’s reach when not in use. The BB gun was given to my son with the
strict understanding that it will only be used under adult supervision and by
no means is to come near the gun without supervision.
As I watched my son learn how to aim down the barrel, turn
off the safety, and pull the trigger I was proud. Proud to teach my son a skill that could help
him provide for his family.
Proud to
pass along a tradition.
