My husband is a police officer and my son's kindergarten teacher, knowing that he's an officer, has asked that he come in to talk to my son's K class. This isn't something he normally does in his job (the community policing officers do it) and because he works midnights, he doesn't have an opportunity to pick those officers brains about how to do this really well. However, he's a really personable person who relates well to kids...so he's not too worried. The teacher said to pick a topic and just go. My hubby is contemplating a discussion on gun safety.....or more accurately, what to do if a child finds a gun (whether at home or outside or at a friends house). This is a topic that means a lot to him because he's seen too many kids on his job who've played with a gun and injured (or more accurately KILLED) either themself or another child. He said that those police runs and deaths have never left him in his 13 years on the job. So he would like to bring home this specific point to the kids, of course in a non-scary way. We've looked on line and he's found some handouts/coloring sheets/role play scenarios/take home advice for parents...... The teacher is on board and will check with the pricipal to make sure its ok with him as well. I guess my worry is more about whether or not parents might have a problem with it or not. I've suggested to the teacher that maybe we can send home a note to the parents ahead of time so that they can have their child opt out if desired.
So my question is....as parents.....how would you feel about this topic being broached at your childs school?? Are there any concerns that you would want addressed??? Things you would suggest or suggest staying away from??
Thanks moms.....this is a topic very important to him and he only wants to make sure he's doing it the right way.
THE WHAT HAPPENED----Thanks moms for all the overwhelming support of this idea and the wonderful suggestions.....There were some great things mentioned that neither he or I had thought of. As I mentioned, while this isn't something he normally does, he feels pretty strongly about this topic. Many moms have privately message me and also inquired on here about sharing the info he will be providing here....I'll be happy to once he completes his prep for the presentation. It makes me (and him also) seriously very happy to know that while many people are on different sides of the fence on this issue...one thing is true for both sides....its important that kids know what to do if they or a friend discover a weapon.
My hubby is a cop in Detroit, where there are sadly almost as many guns (legal and not so much legal) as there are people in the city. He has literally been on the scene of about a dozen of these tragedies involving little ones who found a loaded gun. The very first one he ever got was on Easter morning 13 years ago. He still remembers that little girls name, date of birth, age (4) and the location of the house where it happened. Every year, on her birthday, he says ________ would have been ____ this year. These are the cases that haunt him (hers and every one after) and why this topic was the one he chose to discuss at the school.
THANK YOU AGAIN MOMS!!!!!
Yes, his topic is more along the lines of how to let an adult know......Do NOT touch.....not to run screaming if a friend is playing with a gun but to try to stay calm (which could startle the other child and cause an accidental discharge---a situation he encountered on a run).....info for parents...such as to ASK EVERY PLAYMATES PARENTS if there are guns in the home and if so....what safety measures are in place......It blows his mind that no one ever asks us what safety measures are in place when people KNOW that guns are in our home. However, I'm usually pretty much volunteering this info before they ever get a chance to ask.....Also, he said he might be able to get his hands on gun locks.....would it be WRONG to send these home with the kids??? Seriously, it could make a difference to one childs life (who's parents maybe don't lock their gun up)....but might that freak people out???
EDIT---Do you think we should maybe invite parents if they'd like to come as well....its looking like he'll be doing this in March so there would be ample time for parents to make arrangements to come as well if they'd like. I agree that it might freak some of the kids out.....and I'm hoping their parents will all be prepared to answer questions at home....which is why he was planning to include a parents info in the handouts.
I would have absolutely no problem with a police officer presenting this to my child's class. I would want to be informed ahead of time, so that I'm prepared for questions that come after the fact. And I think it would be nice to allow parents to attend as well, if it is possible for the school.
What a great idea!
I think its wonderful! I can't see any negative to this-- I wish more people would come into the schools to talk about these issues. Thank you for doing this!
M
I would love if someone did this at more schools for all ages. I plan on teaching my daughter gun safety, teaching her some of the same rules I was taught in boot camp. I would be happier if I got a little pamphlet on what was and how were things going to be discussed, but I wouldn't be mad if I didn't. Tell parents in the pamphlet if they're worried, they can sit in the room (you know some parents can be silly about this topic).
It's kind of surprising how much this is not covered in schools.
Frankly I never was taught any of this when I went to school and it's not covered in any school my son has ever gone to.
We learned it when we went to basic pistol safety class (outside of school).
Your husband might be able to get a lot of information from the NRA Eddie Eagle program - which is specifically about gun safety for kids.
http://www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie
Even if you have no guns in your own house, you never know what other people have when your child goes to a friends house for a play date.
Brava to your husband! I wish we could have someone come to our school. In fact, this is going to prompt me to call our principal today and request it. We've had two incidents this past year in our district at two different elementary schools where students brought a weapon to school. Frightening!
I think parents should be invited to this event. I would go, so I could continue the conversation after or answer questions afterward. Maybe offer gun locks to the parents.
You two are making a difference. That is awesome!
**just a footnote...I emailed our school's principal. I'm hopeful that we can have something like this at our school. D., thank you so much for bringing this up. This topic has weighed heavily on me ever since this past incident, which was only a month ago.
Definitely worth doing!
About 2 years ago someone found a gun in a park. Fortunately a Woman found it before any kids did. I think it is a VERY good idea to teach children about guns!
My daughter is in the 3rd grade- I would NOT have a problem with a police officer coming to her class to talk about this. Not sure why anyone would have a problem w/it. But, to cover all your bases suggesting the teacher send a note home with the class was a good idea. I mean, they talk about saying no to drugs in elementary school why can't they talk about what to do if you find a gun? One thing that I have told my daughter, nieces, nephews etc is to NEVER touch it. Don't pick it up, poke it, nothing. Go get an adult immediately. I would hope that's the main piece of advice your husband tells the kiddos.
Yes, it is a great idea! I think inviting the parents is also wise, so they will also know how to reinforce this at home - if they aren't already. The more they hear it, especially from different sources (parents, teachers, police, etc.), the more likley it will "sink in" and they will do the SAFE thing when/if something comes up.
I wish you all much success with this endeavor!
A great big THANK YOU to you and your husband. Awareness is always better than ignorance, no matter what the topic.
I gotta give you serious props for really thinking this through! Honestly...it is really impressive that you and your husband would take such a vested interest in making sure that you find an appropriate topic, and that everyone has a chance to discuss it before you do it.
I would have no problem with something like your suggestion...as long as we aren't talking about showing them how to clean a gun or glamorizing gun use.
You and your husband sound like great role models...the kids are lucky to have such well informed, conscientious adults to learn from. Wish your husband luck ;)!
I think it would be good to invite the parents to come. We have guns in our house and 3 kids our youngest being 4yr. We havent yet with the youngest but with the older 2 kids we take them out shooting and made them shoot the Glock 45 and 357 so they can feel it and know it's not just a little "pow" they CRIED! It is time to take our youngest one he is about that age. I NEVER trust my kids and neighbor kids are not allowed in our house, I dont want to be responsible for other peoples kids. I think you husband has picked a great subject to talk to them about. Good luck your doing a great thing.
I'm a paramedic, so I may be biased as well, but hell yes kids need to be taught to never touch guns. My pediatrician asks at EVERY well visit if there are guns on our home. I would not be offended if this was my son's kindergarten class, but like your husband I have seen the consequences of kids playing with guns.
The only thing that stands out is that you son's exposure to guns may be different than other childrens'. Some may react fearfully and others may be more into the wow factor of guns in general. Some kids might not have a clue what a gun is... I have a no guns rule in my house, but they make them out of tinker toys.... ( why????) Good luck to your hubby taking on a K class!
YES, I would DEFINITELY want a note home notifying me of this topic, what's going to be covered during the discussion, etc. I would probably be pretty frustrated if I wasn't told ahead of time. Parents should be made aware so that they can decide if they want their kids to be a part of that discussion AND so that they are prepared to talk with their kids about the topic when they get home from school.
I can't imagine why any parent would have a problem with this! I mean, we won't even have guns...but what if his friends do at their house? I think that could be addressed. What to do if you're at a friend's house and they show you a gun, or suggest going to look at one. Also, stressing the reasons why guns are NOT cool. Out media and society romanticizes guns and they are all over video and computer games. It would be great for an officer to remind them they are real and dangerous, and in no way cool. That is very valuable information to any child! I commend your husband for doing this :)
I'm not going to read all the responses but here's my two cents - I think it's wonderful!!!! Everything about what you wrote!!!! Yes - as a parent I would love to know that an officer is going to be in the classroom talking about gun safety. I personally am scared of hand guns - I don't like I don't want them in my house. But I'm ok with shot-guns....probably because I was raised with them in my parents house. Since he is passionate about gun safety - it will come through when he speaks. I think it's awesome!!! Let us know how it went too - I would love to know.
Having kids of my own we teach gun safety from day one. We shoot guns a lot in my family so we always stress the safety. As a parent I think it is a great thing to introduce what to do when a friend finds a gun. Most people think they do not have to worry because they do not have them at their house, but you don't always know about the neighbor next door or your child's best friend. I feel that it is better safe than sorry and many parents are sorry. My husband was opposed to the idea of teaching our kids about guns at an early age, but now they all know what to do if someone finds a gun it is second nature to them. "Curiousity killed the cat" so why not take that curiousity away from kids?
I'm a big fan of the second amendment to the constitution.
I am also a HUGE supporter (and hopefully example) of gun safety to children AND adults. I would support your husband's tutorial and would think it a completely appropriate subject.
I think it's a brilliant idea. Sure drugs and alcohol is an important topic, but it's beat to death.
My son is actually surrounded by guns. My family and I do historical reenactments and there are guns everywhere. The bullets are hidden (I don't even know where they are) and so is the powder (black powder baby!), but we teach our kids the rules to guns. They know they aren't allowed to touch period. They also know if they see one else where, not to touch.
It is a very serious thing that does need to be talked about. Not every child grows up with guns like my son, so It needs to be talked about, and often.
YAY for your husband!
To the lady who said that parents should be able to chose if their child should attend or not. . . Why wouldn't they???????????? It's not like it's sex ed! It's GUN S-A-F-E-T-Y.
We have guns in our home and my husband has taught the kids to keep hands off. He has the ammo in another room from the guns and the kids have no idea where. The guns are under lock down and out of reach.
Since your husband is a police officer I would feel somewhat confident in his sharing this topic with the kids at this age. But I would be prepared for the kiddos to go off topic and want to ask lots of other questions too.
Yes, invite the parents.
hey!! :) I think it is something that really needs to be discussed as early as possible. With the number of CCW's on the rise more and more people are bringing guns in to their homes but aren't really taking the extra steps to keep their children safe. we have talked to all our children about what should and shouldn't be done if they were to happen to find our guns or find on in the street, because you never know what could happen! Having a gun in the house is not keeping your family safe if ALL precautions are not covered especially with the kids! I feel that if you have guns in the house TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT IT,ASK THEM HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT IT! so I think your husband and teacher are on the right path!
Excellent choice. I personally feel that education can go a long way on preventing accidents. Teaching safety over leaving children (and adults) ignorant about guns is a winner, hands down. My husband loves target shooting and hunting and has always impressed safety and responsibility on our two daughters (5 and 4). The people who know the basics of safety and responsibility, the fewer accidents. Congrats to your husband: he is a hero taking up such a topic.
I think a talk on gun safety is an awesome idea. I have (on occasion) asked a play date host parents about guns in their homes and they have honestly answered and put all of our concerns to rest (O. family--the dad is an avid game hunter and they keep all guns locked in a safe in the basement with the keys well out of reach/view of the kids).
I would definitely focus on what to do if you "see" a gun--in a house, in the woods, on the street, etc. I have told my son from about 2-3 that you NEVER touch a gun, even though it MIGHT be a toy without asking an adult about it first, and, believe me, even at 5--he got it.
Not sure about sending gun locks home but would definitely send home info about how/when/why to get O..
So..yes...I would support that as a parent and I would try to attend!
Maybe he could approach it as a "tools of the trade" for policemen type of thing--an on-board laptop, a K-9 dog, his radio, his weapons, etc....
Well, I like the cornered cat website. this is a woman that conceal carries and raised VERY curious boys (she writes about a few of the antics...). She goes into GREAT depth about how you can NEVER really child proof a gun, you must gun proof the child. I actually suggest not only sending home that this will be discussed in school but resources on how as an adult to handle a situation if the child unknowingly starts playing with one, how to disarm basic firearms, how to teach a child about guns too so they can have reinforcement at home, proper storage of firearms vs improper storage just in case some parent doesn't yet have proper storage. We have 2 guns in home right now, and we are presently training the 10 month old to not play with the gun (set it unloaded, with the firing pin removed next to mom and when natural curiosity kick in, slap the hand, with a sharp, "NO TOUCH"...).
KUDOS to your hubby and thank him for me for his service. One of the hardest jobs in the world to do and they are not compensated nearly enough for the sacrifices they make to ensure our safety and well being. I have a four year old in preschool and would be thrilled to have an Officer address her class on gun safety. We do not own any guns and at this point she is not going over to friends houses, her playmates come here. (I'm much more comfortable with the kidos in my house where I know everyone who is coming and going and do not need to worry about inappropriate behavior. Plus I find a lot of parents are just not as involved as I choose to be.) I don't think it would freak my child out to hear about guns and gun safety rules. We have spoken with her about NEVER touching a gun, always go to an adult...but would love to know exactly what to say and how to get your point across so it makes a lasting impression. I think it would be a great idea to send a bullet point memo home to the parents with an open invitation for them to attend as well. I know I would go...heck I wanna come to his presentation :) I'll admit I do not know enough about guns since I don't own any. Perhaps you could post his bullet points for those of us who want to teach this to our own children.
I think it is a fantastic idea. I also like the idea of offering the parents an opportunity to sit in as well (for their own benefit). I would suggest that you maybe only OFFER to any parents present the gun locks, rather than sending one home with each child. It just might not go over well with some parents and offering rather than assuming might go over better.
I'm sure some will disagree with me, but if my child were in that class, I would LIKE for him to give personal first hand stories of what can/has happened. Kids (well, people in general really) always think of dangers as something that happens to OTHER people. It is very abstract. Having someone they KNOW (your son's dad) standing there telling them "I have found kids dead who played with a gun" is much more powerful. And, I have no doubt he can express that without "scarring" them.
Kudos for you guys for doing this!!
I think it is a fantastic idea. It is something that is not discussed. We go nuts making sure our kiddos are buckled into their car seats correctly, eating the right amounts of fruits & veggies, drinking out of BPA free bottles, but we just don't think about this!
My husband is a police officer too. And has done MANY talks to school kids. I don't recall him discussing this topic, but I am going to recommend it to him! Tell your hubby not to be nervous. They are going to be SO excited to have him there. Have him be prepared for some really wacko questions! My hubby says that every time he goes into a school, it is inevitable that at least one child will ask him if he ever shot anyone!!
Personally, I would not be upset at all if this discussion took place at school. Even if there are parents who are anti-gun, their kids should know exactly what to do if they ever encounter one. I agree that sending something home ahead of time is probably a good idea. Not so much so people will opt out, but because the kiddos will for sure go home and talk about guns at dinner that night, a heads up to the parents will be nice!
i think the school should send home a letter to the parents and let them know a officer is going to be at the school to talk about safety and that gun safety will be a topic and that they are more than welcome to join in on the talk. I personally would like to have a handgun when me and my boyfriend move to our own place because i am a person who would rather be able to protect myself and my family incase someone came in with a gun i would hae no way of protecting myself. but i would always have the gun unloaded and just put the magazine in the gun at last second
I think it's a great idea. I would welcome this in my children's school. It is very important topic that I personally believe way too many parents live with this idea stuck in their heads that bad things won't happen to them, their family, or their children. It's always someone else who has a tragedy but the reality is that if someone owns a gun, it can happen and obviously your husband knows a lot about this so I say go for it.
I love that you are talking about this topic! There really are some scary stories out there when it comes to guns and kids not realizing the danger that can be caused with them. I even had a friend when we were in high school who ended up playing with a gun and literally blew off half of another friends face while they were playing around. It was awful and incredibly traumatic and they were older.
I do agree that you should send a note home with the parents just so that they are aware and not caught off guard if the kids come home talking about it and asking more questions. Plus, it is good for them to have information on what to do on their part as well. I would think it would be cool to invite the parents to come so they can here what the kids are learning, obtain information for themselves, and ask questions after the presentation. As long as it's developmentally appropriate in how it's talked about (which it sounds like it is) I think it could be beneficial for everyone.
yes I would allow my son to attend I am a gun owner. be sure to tell them never to point a gun at anyone even if they think its empty. just cause the chamber is empty doesnt mean the barrel is. we were raised with guns and this is what my dad taught us. never point a real gun at anyone for any reason. ( with age this can change to safety only) like 6th grade up. guns are for hunting only. most kids who shoot guns by accident think they are empty. if you are carrying a gun do it barrel up only cause if you trip the gun could discharge and the bullet ricochet into you.
another topic he needs to address especially if he is dealing with k-6 is kids tend to pick up a gun and take it to an adult. that they need to leave the gun laying where it is and bring the adult to the gun. a young child is not going to think about not pointing it at people and if the gun is loaded and the kid trips it shoots. or probably will shoot. tell him to use common sense consider the age and what would he tell his own kids. what are guns used for hunting and protection only. and if they find a gun and no parent is home to call the police to let them deal with the gun. also can he get his police dept to pass out gun locks to any kid who has a known gun in the house or give them a sheet to take to the parents to tell where to get gun locks some town police depts hand them out for free and some dont but if his bosses know what he is doing i bet they would buy some.
definately do the pamplets and invite the parents especially if he can get gun locks. some parents dont have them and may request them.
Hi D.,
My hubby also works for the county sheriff's dept and has his issued weapon and all our other weapons under lock and key. We have 3 safes in our house.
Last year he was asked by one of the ladies I work with to come to a cub scout meeting and talk about gun safety. The kids were 1st graders. He did pretty much the same thing your husband is preparing to do. We printed off a coloring page from the web and we made up some kind of q/a worksheet too that they could take home and go over with their parents. Kind of a way to keep the parents in check that all their knives, guns were someplace the kiddos or friends couldn't get to.
The talk was well received from all kids and parents!!
It sounds like you and hubby are on the right track ~ good luck!
I think it is an AWESOME topic!
All kids should know what to do if they find a gun. It may save their life and the lives of the people around them!
for your edit- yes- invite the parents to come! I would love to hear more about gun safety. We teach our children about it and what to do but I don't know if many parents do the same. I am glad your husband is taking on such a tough topic- it is a very scary but very important topic. Thank you for his service!
~C.
This is a wonderful topic! Many of our friends are gun owners. They are responsible, locking them up in gun safes or pad locked closets etc but I know that not everyone is as safe as our friends. There's no telling if we find ourselves meeting someone new that isn't responsible. One of our friends is a police officer and he's talked to our kids about gun safety several times. He's got several antique guns that he's collected that he's shared with us and every time they come out the kids are reminded about gun safety. Even when my husband bought a couple bebe guns that resemble real guns for costumes we've treated them exactly the same as real guns. I won't allow real guns in my house personally but I know other people have them.
It is a very, very important thing to teach children! I would not mind if someone came to class and taught my children how to keep themselves and their friends safe!
I totally love the idea of a gun safety topic from a real police officer.
We live in a rural area and know several folks that either hunt or are in the services, etc. and all have guns. I am very uncomfortable by this and would lvoe to know how to (1) teach the necessary safety rules to my children and (2) learn how to discuss this with the parents that we are friends with and ask about what safety measures they have in place.
Please post any (or all) of his materials.
And, thank you for bringing this important topic to the forefront!
~C.
