My Child and my uncle's unsafe gun storage

[Legion489]

While not to jump on your way of raising the kid, WHY can't the kid be taught not to do things like snoop, take other peoples stuff or leave other peoples stuff alone?!

Sure, teach the kid that guns are not toys, not to tell his friends they are around, not to show off to his friends by playing with them, etc., I'm all in favor of that, but I was raised in a family with guns around and was taught they were not toys and leave them alone. It is about time the CHILD is taught and the object is left alone! Guns don't kill people, people (usually idiots or untrained children) kill people.

 

[CoRoMo]

WOW

Some of you are harsh.

Welcome to The High Road!

There is very little compassion in social media. Don't use it to build relationships.

 

[JustinJ]

While not to jump on your way of raising the kid, WHY can't the kid be taught not to do things like snoop, take other peoples stuff or leave other peoples stuff alone?!

Why do people keep saying this? Do you honestly believe one can teach all four year olds to do or not do anything and be certain they will follow said rule? The child is FOUR YEARS OLD! By this logic there is no need to account for any hazards around young children. Heck, why not just give him a loaded gun after explaining safe handling techniques since four year olds apparently always follow rule? Then if he likes guns you can just drop him off that the range to practice. Just don't forget a stool for him to stand on so he can see over the gun bays.

 

[DAP90]

While not to jump on your way of raising the kid, WHY can't the kid be taught not to do things like snoop, take other peoples stuff or leave other peoples stuff alone?!

They can be taught, but life’s not as simple as that. Many kids will touch the stove even after they’ve been told it’s hot because they don’t really understand until they experience it. With guns, they get more than a burned hand so extra precautions are necessary.

I was raised in a family with guns around and was taught they were not toys and leave them alone. It is about time the CHILD is taught and the object is left alone! Guns don't kill people, people (usually idiots or untrained children) kill people.

I’m glad you survived. Others in the same situation did not survive to share their story of being raised in a family with loaded guns around. People used to put their kids on the floor of the car. Let’s not be all nostalgic about the way things used to be done.

Wow
________________________________________
Some of you are harsh.

It’s not as bad as it sounds. THR is a polite place relatively speaking. People here are knowledgeable and care and the written word often sounds harsher than the spoken. I think you're on the right track. Keep at the family (politely), see if they'll accept a quick access safe as a gift from you and continue to learn and teach your son.

 

[Lucifer_Sam]

Some of you are harsh.
They actually wanted us to come out here knowing it would be a better life...

Don't take the harsh part too seriously. This place has more drama queens than a theater production.

But it is a potentially serious situation, especially since you've got a young son. I haven't raised any kids, but when I was little there wasn't much I wouldn't try, and the lure of the forbidden was a mighty thing. I see no reason why it wouldn't be with any kid with any spirit to them, no matter how well raised. As they say "boys will be boys". But the fact that you've gone online to look for answers and asked questions for a problem that you recognize puts you pretty far ahead in the game, IMO. I'm sure you can work out something that will a satisfactory solution.

 

[c4v3man]

As of right now after being asked if he wants to see a real gun his answer is a big NO WAY they'll kill me MOM!

That's a childish answer, aka appropriate for his age and situation. I certainly wouldn't do anything to change his mindset. Even with that mindset, however, getting him through the Eddie Eagle program would be worthwhile in the future.

The only other thing I'd mention is that you have a responsibility to teach him when the time is right the proper use of a tool such as a firearm, in the event that he has to use it. Unfortunately many children grow up and retain the "guns are evil" mindset since they've never been taught how to responsibly use a firearm by careless or lazy parents.

Thankfully you are seeking information, training, etc and are likely to avoid raising an immature adult in the future. Good luck with your friend, perhaps try calling the local gun range or shooting club, I'd assume they'd be more than willing to help you learn anything that your friend is unable to convey to you if you feel you need it.

 

[B!ngo]

There is no level of teaching that will allow a four year old to safely handle a firearm, escpecially loaded, without direct adult supervision. If your uncle does not have enough sense to not leave loaded guns where a four year old can get to them you need to move out asap.

Yep. This. Exactly.
No matter what level of teaching, what NRA youth program, what ever steps are taken are insufficient to ensure that a day will not come, while visiting his uncle, that the most horrible event imaginable would occur.
Ensure that they are locked up while visiting or don't visit. There is no greater priority than protecting your child.
B

 

[Al Thompson]

OK, we're done.