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A moment of inattention, with tragic consequences.
The teaching of gun handling was not irresponsible. Not continuing the teaching was. The child should have been allowed to actually fire the gun (in a safe environment), so he would know more than the fact that nothing happens when the gun is dry fired. He was not taught about loaded guns! THAT, IMO, was the failure!
Two is far too young to be handling a gun. Period. I mean, seriously, would you expect a two-year old to be able to cross the street alone, simply because someone had explained to him about traffic safety? At that age, kids will put their hands on a lit stove, just to see if it's really hot.
Local tv news station said the other night that "the mother would allow the two year old to pull the trigger after she unloaded the gun", so he could get the feel of it.
Way too young. My personal opinion is that kids shouldn't handle guns until they understand that guns can kill, and that dead means forever. That said, I made my kids take a safety course when they were 5, 7, and 8. They weren't allowed to actually shoot until they were older.
Two is far too young to be handling a gun. Period. I mean, seriously, would you expect a two-year old to be able to cross the street alone, simply because someone had explained to him about traffic safety? At that age, kids will put their hands on a lit stove, just to see if it's really hot.
Good grief.
Perhaps two is too young. However, once started, the teaching MUST be continued. Daily, if necessary.
Even if the parent does not own guns, the teaching should be done.
Let me rephrase that: ESPECIALLY if the parent does not own guns, the teaching should be done!
If the kid is old enough to walk and talk, it needs to be taught about the dangers of the world. That includes busy streets, potato peelers, knives, hot stoves, and, yes, GUNS! It is very necessary to be sure the difference between toys and tools is well known. A gun is a tool, not a toy. THAT was the failure here!
Perhaps two is too young. However, once started, the teaching MUST be continued. Daily, if necessary.
Even if the parent does not own guns, the teaching should be done.
Let me rephrase that: ESPECIALLY if the parent does not own guns, the teaching should be done!
If the kid is old enough to walk and talk, it needs to be taught about the dangers of the world. That includes busy streets, potato peelers, knives, hot stoves, and, yes, GUNS! It is very necessary to be sure the difference between toys and tools is well known. A gun is a tool, not a toy. THAT was the failure here!
I agree with you that the training must continue. When it comes to guns, the training must begin with the habit of treating any gun as loaded, even if you emptied it yourself five minutes ago.
However, I stand by my original statement. Two is much too young. The only thing a two-year-old has any business knowing about guns is that touching them is strictly forbidden.
I know some people aren't going to like this but IMO I don't think kids under the age of 10 or so have the maturity to safely handle a firearm, and even 10 is pushing it. I think high school age (13/14) minimum would be more appropriate.
I was rabbit hunting by age 8. And cleaning them for supper. Most rural kids learn to shoot by age 6 or 7. We also learn gun safety.
I was rabbit hunting by age 8. And cleaning them for supper. Most rural kids learn to shoot by age 6 or 7. We also learn gun safety.
There is a vast difference between two and six or seven. Surely you are not defending the actions of this idiot mom.
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