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Thursday, 5 April 2007

Everybody's got one...

I need your opinion. You know I had one of Ally's friends over a month or so ago, right? It never even occured to me that I might have done something wrong until I overheard a conversation the other day. Not about me, but I'm in the same situation. I didn't mention something to Maggie's mom which she might have wanted to know before letting her kid come over.

We own guns. Rob and I each have one. They are kept in our bedroom in 2 lockboxes which are keypad and key locked. The keys are not kept within reach of children. They are not loaded with a magazine, but the magazines are full and also kept locked in the box. I haven't even touched mine since I was in my first trimester with Anya (I used to get paranoid that I heard something when Rob was gone overnight working. I'd load it and wander around the house with it before I could go back to sleep. Preganancy paranoia). At some point I'm sure we'll talk about it to the kids, but we haven't yet.

So my question is this: Did I do something wrong when I didn't mention it to Sandy (Maggie's mom)? Should I have? I never even thought of it. It seems like something I'd want to know but I never think to ask either. I assume that if there are guns present they will be locked and inaccessible. Like ours are. Should I mention it for future playdates? How would I bring it up? It sounds awfully ominous bringing up guns when discussing a playdate. Is there a certain age when I should start paying more attention to it? What do you think?

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Posted by ktjrdn at 12:08 CDT

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Thursday, 5 April 2007 - 14:51 CDT

Name: "jill"

I would definitely say--in your own words--I'm glad "insert name here" can come over and play-I can tell you are a concerned (mom) that's something we have in common. I thought you should know that we do have (a firearm) in the house--explain the details and that kids won't have access to keys, the room itself, that the guns will be put in the tippy top of a closet, in a dresser drawer, etc. so that they kids can't find it--i am positive that we have taken necessary measures to prevent any accidents, but i wanted you to know out of respect for you and (child). I hope that if you have a firearm that i can have the same respect if ally plays at your house, etc.

It may seem a little weird--as you have said, but really, it is a respectful thing to do--for the one who has already been over, tell them at a mutually respectful place, not while the kid is already at your house, in a casual conversation--something like i know i didnt mention it before, but i wanted you to know because i value maggies' safety, whatever.

you didnt do anything wrong, but because YOU assume that everyone is safe is not realistic. you should perhaps ask maggi's mom first and whatever the answer then say that you do and you neglected to mention it before..

so no--you didnt do anything wrong, but in case there are worrywarts out there, i would tell them straight up from now on. maybe invite them to check it out while the kids play downstairs or something? that way they can see for themselves that it is safe..

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Thursday, 5 April 2007 - 18:27 CDT

Name: "Erin"
Home Page: http://the-looney-bin.blogspot.com

You know, I've been in the same situation and I didn't even think of it until you said something. Our gun cabinet is in our living room. Locked, of course, with guns unloaded. I'll be curious to see what everyone else has to say.

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Sunday, 8 April 2007 - 05:34 CDT

Name: "enidd"
Home Page: http://www.enidd.com

enidd supposes it's too british to say get rid of the guns?

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