The Talk 2

We recently discussed having “the talk” with our kids. That is the one where a wise dad instructs an adolescent on how to interact with a police officer. “Use respect, as if he has a gun. He does!”

There is a second “talk” that is even more important, and at a younger age. That is what to do when a child encounters a gun. If it is lying on the ground or exposed somewhere, do not touch it. Get away without doing anything else. Get an adult, preferably police, to take possession of it.

But more likely, is when they are visiting a friend’s house, someone will produce a gun. At that point, the child should immediately leave. Say, “I got to go home.” Do NOT give a reason or make a joke about it. Do not warn that this is dangerous. Just go and tell an adult.

If a child is manipulating the weapon, it is dangerous. If you mention anything about it, they may, in their immaturity, point it at someone as a joke. If you try to take it away from them the ensuing struggle may result in a discharge. All of these things can, and often do, lead to disaster.

And of course, Dad, talk to yourself. Any guns in your house MUST be secured and assuredly unavailable to any child, yours or any other. Incidentally, that is where gun legislation and prosecution comes into play. A responsible gun owner will absolutely ensure that no child can access his weapons. Period. No exceptions. No slip ups. No extraneous circumstances. And even then, keep them unloaded and apart from the ammunition.

Imagine it is like a live rattle snake. You would not “accidentally” leave it lying around or “forget” to it away. The gun potentially can be more deadly than the snake. Treat with due respect.

Gun tragedies are almost uniformly preventable. If we publish the responsibility caveats and then enforce them, careless gun owners will shape up or be locked up.

Our kids are worth it. Talk to them.