This started out as a reply to a comment by Nurse K to a post at Ambulance Driver’s blog. Read the post, read her comment, then come back here to read my post.
Sorry NurseK, but you are way wrong here. First, the best time to teach kids gun safety is when they are small, before TV has engraved the wrong lessons. Second, like any other activity, it’s done with adult supervision. Believe me, KatyBeth knows the rules of gun safety AND she practices them. She knows how to call a hot range and a cold range, which a lot of adults don’t know how to do. She also knows how to handle a rifle, because this is her second one, not her first. She spent a year learning on a much simpler weapon. She handled that AR well and shot it well. The final benefit is it helps her hand – eye coordination and other fine muscle skills. I’m was far less worried standing 15 feet to her side (next to the person taking the pix) than I sometimes am standing behind adults I don’t know at my gun club.
All of my usual kidding of AD about being the perfect Red Neck Dad aside, he is a very attentive and patient dad, who is teaching his child a skill that will provide countless hours of pleasure and entertainment, and could someday save her life.
What more can you ask for?
i haven't seem AD with Kathy Beth but I totally agree with your comments that the best time to teach kids how to handle firearms is earlier rather than later and under responsible supervision!
I grew up with a GFW (gun-fearing wussy) for a mother, and didn't handle guns until I got married. I so WISH I had been taught as a young person. The ease and respect with which my husband handles guns is something I envy…but I'm getting there.
As the mother of a seven-year-old, I can't say Nurse K's comments make any sense to me. Yes, my daughter's a wee bit impulsive, but she also knows full well that she listens to Mama and Daddy and does what we tell her. All else being equal, I can't think of a safer way for a little girl to shoot!
With some people, rational thought is thrown out of the window when it comes to firearms. It's the same thing as the irrational thought and behavior that is found with liberalism and global warming. I'm beginning to think that only medication will change these people. There's some type of mental condition involved that requires professionals.