I agree^^^ guns cant be these mythical creatures to be discussed, but never seen. If you have them (Guns & Kids) around, you need to teach safety, and take the curiocity out of them.
I started my son at 4, he saw me cleaning one, asked questions.... to my suprise he knew it was a gun & where and what the trigger was called. So if you think they don have a clue, dont be so sure. In addition to the basic rules of firearm safety I teach my kids the following:
1. Only touch guns with me or Grandpa - no one else!
2. If you want to see one, etc. ask me... We'll get it out. (Yes they are still stored properly)
3. If you are at a friends house and someone gets out a gun, come home right away, tell Mom or Dad.
4. The first thing we do is check to make sure it's unloaded and the safety is on. (He knows the red dot means the safety is off.)
5. never point them at yourself or others.
6. Keep your finger off the trigger.
7. They are not toys, but they can be fun, & we go shooting together
.
8. For now, I keep track of the other big rules with him on my own - know your target, proper ammo, Maintenance, etc.
Like others said, I started showing and teaching at 4. This summer (5.5 years old) we went to the range. He likes it. Brings a smile when he asks if we can go to the range. (Ive got a 22 henry and a 22 savage bolt action and they do well as trainers) Dont forget the earplugs & safety glasses (Good job above).