I Don’t Let My Kids Play With Toy Guns
I think by now we already know where I stand on the gun control debate. I have been outspoken about it, especially in the aftermath of the local Sandy Hook school shooting where I lost a long time friend.
But beyond the recent events though, I have always stood by a strict no toy guns policy in my house. I haven’t bought any, and I have gone out of my way to ask family members not to purchase any either.
No NERF guns.
No cap guns.
No water guns.
No guns. I don’t want my children playing games in which they are shooting each other. Period.
Come on, tell me how much of a horrible mother I am! Give it to me! Tell me I am not letting my kids be creative or allowing them to role play. No cops and robbers, or playing war. But if I am being completely honest… these are all games I don’t want my children playing either way, so I don’t see the big loss in it all.
Just like I don’t allow WWE Wrestling in my house. I just don’t think violent role playing games are appropriate for children, especially at the ages of 5 and under. There is something about pretending to shoot someone that doesn’t sit right with me no matter how you slice it.
Will I pitch a fit if they play these games at their friend’s houses? Probably not. But if they come home and ask me to buy them a toy gun, the answer will always be no.
Of course as time goes on and they grow older, I certainly may change my mind on the subject as a whole. But for now, especially in wake of all the tragedies across the country, I don’t want guns to be a focus in my house.
I just don’t think guns are toys for kids to play with, even if they are mass manufactured.
Do you let your children play with toy guns? Why or why not?
Photo Credit: Flickr
We just had a great discussion on this subject on my Homeschooling Boys FB page. (https://www.facebook.com/HomeschoolingBoys)
I do let my 4 boys play with toy guns. But I completely respect those who don’t allow their kids to play with toy guns too. As I said in the FB discussion, I don’t think there’s any “right” or “wrong” answer to this question. I think each kid and each family is different, and has to figure out what works for their family and kids at that particular time.
I get this, and this had been my rule. The thing is, my son would make toy guns out of anything and pretend anyway, even without the guns in the house. It doesn’t make me happy and we are constantly giving him feedback that it’s not right to pretend to hurt anybody, but it seems to be unavoidable in many ways, too. Even if it’s not coming from our house, it’s coming from the outside world. We just don’t encourage it.
Ultimately I agree with Jennifer: each family has to figure out what’s best for them.
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ABSOLUTELY! YES YES YES! I do allow it- in fact encourage it.Why? I’m his mother and its my job to do the bet thing for him and his well being and as mothers it is your job also- by that I mean just look at your statement above about going elsewhere and playing with them. Okay there mom….. you just admitted its going to happen but as long as its not in your home WHATEVER!??? yes because that makes a lot of sense – your going to ignore the mom part of teaching your child, that you brought in this world and are molding and care more about your own personal views and demand respect in your house? I’m sure your lost – the way I see it is that your correct that he is still going to play with them and apparently your turning around and letting other children teach him the rules of guns!!! pull your head out! you have the chance to teach him that he should never point guns at people. teach him that guns do jot kill people for they have NO brain but its other people who kill people. I have a 3 year old who has more gun safety and knows the ins and outs better than most adults. he is a great shot, it has taught him responsibility, dedication, survival skills and the list can go on. he isn’t shooting at anyone or anything other than targets and play pretend games of an outdoorsman. your a mom/ a parent. it’s time to step up to the plate and teach your child the right and wrong ways of life … even the things that are negative.
@Krista M – If you want to teach your child about gun safety and how to shoot, that is your choice as a parent. Will I do the same? No, not only do I not want guns in my home, but I will not teach my children to use them, especially at their age now. To each their own, right?
I am a police officer and there is no way I would let my child play with toy guns. Did I play cops and robbers when I was a kid “Yes” and my gun was my finger, and that is what my daughter can use. When she gets a little older will I teach her about gun safety “Yes” only because of my job and there are weapons in the house. But playing with them “No” guns are not toys. When she is a responsible young adult and she wants to learn how to shoot (only if she inquires) then we will take a look at the issue again.