Top Holiday Wish List 2024: Perfect Gifts for Moms Who Balance It All
As a busy mom, it’s easy to forget yourself during the holiday rush. This 2024 holiday wish list features practical, stylish, and thoughtful gifts for moms who do it all.
It’s Not a Toy: Safe Firearm Handling in the Family Home
If you’ve been around KR for a while, you know that my world revolves around three incredible little ladies—Ava Grace (12), Maddie (9), and Sophia (7).
As a mom and the founder of Kinsey Rhea, I know firsthand how important it is to balance safety and curiosity, especially when talking about sensitive topics like gun safety.
Having open, age-appropriate conversations about firearms is something I take seriously. Kids are naturally curious. The best way to keep them safe is to give them the right information, not keep things secret.
Having open, age-appropriate conversations about firearms is something I take seriously. Kids are naturally curious. The best way to keep them safe is to give them the right information, not keep things secret.
One of the questions I get asked often is: Do you tell your kids that you have a gun hidden in your home? Here’s my answer:
Yes, with boundaries.
Kids need to understand the basics of gun safety, especially if there’s a firearm in the home. Here’s how I approach it with my girls, breaking things down based on age-appropriate understanding:
Important Things to Say to Kids
- Guns are not toys: This exhibits understanding that kids want to play with and explore the things they see. Introduce this foundational statement early and repeat it often.
- When you see a gun: I use this simple rule with my girls: If you see a gun, stop, don’t touch, and get help from an adult. Most recently, I was loading my firearm into the concealed carry pocket in my backpack. I timed it just right so my daughter would be walking into my room, as I wanted to “test” some of the things I have been teaching her. We discussed what I was doing and what she was supposed to do if she saw a gun sitting out.
- Guns are powerful: They have the power to destroy. Respecting that can prevent us from destroying what we love with carelessness. Embracing it responsibly allows us to defend ourselves and those around us.
Be an Example
- Answer Their Questions: Let them know they can ask you anything about guns, and answer openly. Curiosity isn’t bad; it’s natural.
- Practice What You Preach: Demonstrate that guns are treated responsibly in your home. Respect the same rules that apply to your kids so that they see everyone in the family follows them.
Things to Keep Private
- Access Details: If your firearm is secured with a lock or safe, keep those specifics private. My girls understand that only responsible adults have access to a firearm, and that’s enough.
- Age-Appropriate Discussions: Consider what your child is ready to understand and digest. For younger children, keep things simple and reinforce the basics, gradually appointing responsibility as they mature.
Lead the Way
We get to create an environment where our kids feel comfortable asking questions while knowing that safety comes first. What an awesome responsibility!
My oldest daughter has now graduated from youth gun safe handling courses and enjoys participating in shooting sports. But it all started with simple conversations to educate her, not create fear.
Our children look to us to lead the way (even when we don't notice!) Make the most of this valuable time in your child's development to share your knowledge about gun safety. They'll never forget what you taught them and how being entrusted with this knowledge made them feel.
