| Toy guns
Posted: 9/23/2008 6:30:25 AM | I was so cautious with my first child I monitered every TV show and emphasized non-violent solutions to problems. We did not hit or hurt people in our house. All of our toys were non gender based learning toys.
Then when he was 3 1/2 he had a little friend from preschool over. As I was making lunch for them I gave them each a slice of American cheese to eat while they waited. Suddenly they were yelling BANG BANG at each other and laughing their heads off. They had biten the cheese into L shapes and were 'shooting' one another with their Kraft singles.
I just shook my head and realized you can only protect them so much. The next year he got a super soaker for Christmas and spent the entire summer terrorizing neighborhood cats. | |
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| Toy guns
Posted: 9/23/2008 11:17:20 AM | I do not ban toy wepons. I was raised with them. Prefering them to barbies (my barbie dolls usaly ended up with legs arms and heads dismenbered. I hated those darn things) my brother (9 years older), my cousins and I all used to play war games. I shot my first BB gun at 7. I was tought to respect the BB gun and to NEVER EVER point it at someone. I shot my first real gun when i was 15 (a .22 long riffle if i rember corectly). I have NEVER thought of it as a way to kill people for revenge or any silly thing like that. I have thought of it as a way to get food and to defend my property and familey.
My son does play with toy guns, he will be going to hunters saftey betwen the ages of 12 and 16 depending on how mature he is. In the state of NH a child can join hunter's saftey classes at 12. We will be going out to hunt together. He will learn how to properly clean and maintain a gun. He will learn that a gun is a tool to provide food and to defend your property and familey. | |
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| Toy guns
Posted: 9/23/2008 11:35:41 AM | I have no problem with toy guns or any other toy weapons. It's up to you as the parent to make that only a toy and not a way of looking at life. Teach your child to have compassion and mercy in dealings with others, treat your child with mercy, compassion and love and you won't have problems.
I grew up with all sorts of different toys and activities. I was in a "spanking" household. I'm a terrific person. I believe this holds true for the majority of people. That experience and knowledge tells me that it's not the toy that's the problem, it's allowing violence to take over your life and how you treat others and your child that makes the difference. Provide and encourage other toys and activities.
Nutt | |
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| Toy guns
Posted: 9/23/2008 1:30:01 PM | When my brother and I were kids, we played cowboys and Indians with toy guns....a lot! It was great fun. I played with dolls and made stick houses too.
Now my brother doesn't own a gun, is a minister, has a doctorate and teaches at a University in New York.
I DO own a gun and know how to use it. I keep it locked and cleaned with the chamber empty. The bullets are nearby though and I know how to lock and load...lol
I know many, many people who carry concealed weapons and they are the nicest, most gentle people. We have an amendment to the Constitution which gives us the right to carry weapons.
Kids will be kids and adults will be adults. I wouldn't worry. | |
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| Toy guns
Posted: 9/23/2008 3:27:01 PM | I've read some of the responses, and noticed that many were "when I..." ! Kids of today, unfornately, are not taught in the same mannor that 'yesteryear' kids were !
Being raised in Montana, and learning from an early age about guns, allowed me to mature respecting the capabilities of them.
I've dealt in Law Enforcement for over 30 years and have seen some very nasty 'mistakes' made concenring parents and kids with 'toy guns'. IF the 'toy gun' looks like a 'toy' then I don't have much of a problem, but many children insist they get these 'toys' that look like the real thing (the 'orange' or yellow' markings in the tube). Sadly though, the only time an Officer can tell if it's a 'toy' is when it's pointing at them...too late !!
Years ago, a 15 year old, mentally handicaped' child was playing outside as the Officers answered an 'domestic' call (which are often bad in themselves). An Officer standing outside saw the kid come around the corner yelling and bringing up his M16.
Four days later, they family buried their son...then tried to sue the Police Department.
Yes, I grew up playing 'war', and 'Cowboys and Indians', but not with real looking 'toys' !!
I just wish parents would use some common sense when allowing children get 'toy guns' !!!!
Sorry about putting my two cents in, but....well, there's no reason children should loose their lives over a 'toy' !! | |
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| Toy guns
Posted: 9/23/2008 3:49:44 PM | | Well I kinda agree with p patch.....its kinda a subject that will get mixed answers, but I really think you should monitor video games that involve shooting and tv shows/movies that show killings or shootings. I limit my boys play time with guns, but strictly monitor their v games, and movies, tv. Guess if you see he is becoming obsessed you could say "no more!" Good luck, mom of four boys. | |
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| Toy guns
Posted: 9/24/2008 2:25:39 PM | | Boys are going to play with guns whether it's a toy one or one they've made out of lego - there are people who ban their kids from playing with specific toys?? Seriously? Even water pistols? | |
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| Toy guns
Posted: 9/24/2008 2:31:08 PM | I really think that people should teach their children right from wrong, real from pretend and the world would be a better place. Only YOU can know what your child can handle and how they deal with things.
Is your child aware of the damage a real gun can do? My 5 year old daughter is, however she's grown up around military men and her Uncles and Grandpa who own guns and hunt.
I think as long as you keep reality in perspective and know what your child understands you'll be ok to let them play with things that MAY be viewed as violent. If YOU are uncomfortable then don't let him play with them. No one will think less of you, it's your personal parenting CHOICE. | |
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| Toy guns
Posted: 9/24/2008 9:55:26 PM | | VERY good post sweetestB | |
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