Kids are funny

[BugDude]

Several evenings ago I'm kicked back in my chair watching a James Bond movie and my 4 year old son is playing with his trains on the other side of the room. As the chase scenes get heated up with fast cars, pretty ladies, and guns blazing I find my 4 year old sitting in my lap watching it with me. He points out that they're shooting at the bad guys with guns like I have. Of course, this seems like an opportune time for another safety lesson about guns, shooting, etc. We cover many standard topics, one of which is "what do you do if you ever see or find a gun" and I repeatedly tell him you don't touch it, you tell mommy or daddy. He repeats after me, I confirm he understands, we cover it several more times, then other specifics about how and why guns are used and all is well.

A little bit later at the kitchen table he's telling his mom about the spy movie with fast cars and guns like daddy has. Feeling like a proud father, I say, "Tell Mommy what you do if you ever see or find a gun." and he quickly, loudly, and proudly exclaims, "SHOOT IT!!!"

Lesson learned: Never trust a 4 year old.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[goldshellback]

That's funny.

[ANGLICO]

You just cannot win!

[FLArmadillo]

Sounds like you've got a range buddy in a couple years.

[ccw9mm]

Hm. Preconceived notions, based on what he has seen/heard previously, or an iron-clad example of the power of the "message" from media, writings and videos? Hard to tell, at 4yrs of age.

He certainly knows what guns do. He'll just need to learn what guns are for. As you say, that's a distinction that gets lost with the little ones, until they're old enough to appreciate defensive use.

It does sound like you've got a range buddy, though.

[OldVet]

Art Linkletter made a lot of money off this very thing--what kids say.

[miller_man]

ROFL!! Thats great.

[archer51]

Should have told him. "I ask what you would do, not what Daddy would do!". Cherish the time with them when they're young. They grow up way to fast.

[BugDude]

He picked up a stick today and said, "Daddy, this is my pretend gun and when I grow up I can shoot targets with you." I've definitely got a range buddy in a few years. I started taking my daughter when she was 7. Now at 11 she has no interest in it. Fishing, though, she would go all day every day.

[10thmtn]

Kids are kids. Perfect example of why I cringe every time I read someone on these forums saying they don't need to keep their guns in a safe, because they will just "teach their kids gun safety."

You need both - training and a safe.

Treasure those moments - they pass quickly.

[SmokinFool]

Out of the mouths of babes!