When our children visit other homes for birthday parties, playdates, or family gatherings, we naturally want to know they'll be safe. In a country where 1 in 3 homes with children has a gun, initiating a conversation about firearm safety is a key part of that assurance.
Here are some tips to approach this delicate conversation:
Normalize the Conversation: Begin by discussing general safety precautions, like allergies, swimming pool safety, and pets. Seamlessly include firearm safety in this list to keep the conversation from feeling awkward or confrontational.
Frame it Around Child Safety: Explain that your priority is your child’s safety and well-being, and you ask about firearms just as you would ask about other potential hazards. Remember, this is not a discussion about someone's right to own a gun, but about ensuring the safety of all children present.
Be Specific: When you ask about firearms, be specific. Are they stored in a secure place? Are they unloaded and locked away, with ammunition stored separately?
Propose Solutions: If you discover firearms aren't stored safely, suggest easy fixes. Share information about Whitney/Strong’s STRONG Rules, buying a gun lock, and McGruff's Gun Safety video for children.
Offer Understanding: Recognize that people have different comfort levels with this topic. Be patient, listen, and keep the focus on child safety.
Prioritize Safety: Be very cautious. If you cannot confirm that firearms are stored safely, this is not a home you want your child to play in.
Bringing up firearm safety may feel uncomfortable at first, but with time, it will become a regular part of your safety checks when your child is away from home. By initiating these conversations, you not only ensure the safety of your own child but also raise awareness about the importance of secure firearm storage.