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<blockquote data-quote="BIG_MIKE2005" data-source="post: 2162492" data-attributes="member: 3309">I didn&#039;t find it that hard, granted not all kids are on the same level at all ages but my now 5yr old knew when she was 4 not to touch my guns. I took both my kids &amp; sat them down with a unloaded gun &amp; explained to them the dangers of playing with one or using it improperly. I showed them the ammunition that it shoots &amp; explained the damage it can cause. Then I took them outside with ear protection &amp; let them watch me shoot it at a pumpkin &amp; board. Once I was done I took them out to look at the damage it caused. I wanted them to know what a gun will do, that it can be dangerous if used as a toy &amp; that it is in fact not a toy or to be touched without supervision. So far it has worked. I think the good explanation, show of damage &amp; sound of the guns going off drove the point home for them. They both want a little .22 rifle so we can all go shoot together but they also know I&#039;ll be keeping the guns in my room &amp; they are not to come looking for them or touch them unless I&#039;m right there with them supervising. I believe this approach is alot more effective than just showing it to them &amp; saying &quot;don&#039;t touch this&quot;. I made sure I covered all their curiosity &amp; answered any question they had. Basically leaving no mystery or intrigue around it that could lead to them wanting to find out for themselves. In the end all gun safety kids learn falls on the parents shoulders.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="BIG_MIKE2005, post: 2162492, member: 3309"] I didn't find it that hard, granted not all kids are on the same level at all ages but my now 5yr old knew when she was 4 not to touch my guns. I took both my kids & sat them down with a unloaded gun & explained to them the dangers of playing with one or using it improperly. I showed them the ammunition that it shoots & explained the damage it can cause. Then I took them outside with ear protection & let them watch me shoot it at a pumpkin & board. Once I was done I took them out to look at the damage it caused. I wanted them to know what a gun will do, that it can be dangerous if used as a toy & that it is in fact not a toy or to be touched without supervision. So far it has worked. I think the good explanation, show of damage & sound of the guns going off drove the point home for them. They both want a little .22 rifle so we can all go shoot together but they also know I'll be keeping the guns in my room & they are not to come looking for them or touch them unless I'm right there with them supervising. I believe this approach is alot more effective than just showing it to them & saying "don't touch this". I made sure I covered all their curiosity & answered any question they had. Basically leaving no mystery or intrigue around it that could lead to them wanting to find out for themselves. In the end all gun safety kids learn falls on the parents shoulders. [/QUOTE]

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