My son was alone in the woods with a bbgun.Was it wrong to involve DSS?

Question

While in his Fathers care, my 7 year old sons grandfather was sapose to be watching him and he along with his 9 year old cousin ended up in the woods alone with BB guns? This is the second time it has happened. My therapist reported it to the department of Social Services? Lookinf for any advice. His father is now punishing me more the usual!

Answer 1

Not at all wrong. One by law, she has to report something like that. Two, the situation needs to be looked into. BB guns may seem harmless to the father and grandfather. Maybe they would think again if one of the children shot the other and caused permanent injury or death. YES it can happen with a BB gun at close range.

Another thing, I don't believe a 9 and 7 year olds should be allowed to wonder into the woods alone. There are so many dangers out there. There are hunters in the woods this time of year, so it is not only the children's aim you must worry about.

You don't mention how the father is "punishing" you. If you mean threats then you need to speak to someone on that. Your therapists will be able to help you with that and get appropriate action taken if necessary.

Good luck. Always remember...you would rather be safe then sorry.

Answer 2

7 years old is a little on the young side in my opinion. I was 9 when I first handled a gun. My father instilled from a very early age how to handle them properly and what was and was not appropriate, and I was always supervised, even with air rifles and BB guns. I do believe the grandfather was wrong, and it was appropriate to involve DSS in this situation considering it has happened twice now. Playing in the woods near the house alone is one thing. I grew up in the country and would often wander in the lot out back by myself, but my parents made sure I understood not to stray too far, as the area I grew up had poisonous snakes, bobcats, coyotes and the like. Once you introduce an instrument that can lead to injury and/or death, that's something else entirely.

No gun is ever a toy and should never be treated like a toy, and I am very much against water pistols and the like that strongly resemble normal guns. (Super Soaker brand have always been ok in my book, they don't look at all like a real gun)

I strongly recommend you find a family law attorney and/or mediator to reduce unsupervised time your son(s) have with their father. The father is clearly not responsible enough to ensure his children are properly supervised and in a safe setting. Step up, be the mommy, and make sure your children are safe. This is going to make you look better to your therapist, too. Their father does not have the right to "punish" (not sure exactly what you mean by this...) you for your therapist reporting this to DSS.

Answer 3

Don't you know that therapists are MANDATED reporters? If you are questioning yourself now, you know there was a better way to handle it. Granted, it wasn't okay for your son or his cousin to be left unattended in the woods with there BB guns, however, 15 or 20 years ago this wouldn't have even been an issue. Have you asked your son what they were doing out there? Chances are at 7 years old he knew better than to be away from an adult with his BB gun. If anything it was your responsibility to address the issue, sounds to me like you are using your therapist to have someone to blame when your ex "punishes" you. It looks like you would rather be able to say "my therapist reported you, not me" than actually admit that you don't approve! Stand up for yourself and your son.

Answer 4

I think you and your therapist are silly. It isn't a big deal! They are bb guns for Pete's sake! I could understand if it was a 12 gauge! I don't believe for one minute that DSS even thought it was wrong unless they did something bad. My adivce is let boys be boys or they will turn into angry men! I too am from Texas where most boys that age have a 22! Go to any sporting goods store here and you will se pictures of these kids with their guns and something they have killed while hunting! With proper education, guns CAN be handled by kids. BB guns are something all little boys have and as long as they aren't doing something stupid, I don't see a problem with it. Time to cut them apron strings and let your little boy learn about being a boy and shootin' guns. At least he isn't out runnin' drugs for some gang banger.

Answer 5

Seriously, I think it was overblown out of proportions and completely uncalled for.. Heck, when I was 7 years old, I was riding dirt bikes and shoot BB Guns.. Its not like they were shooting out peoples windows or at traffic.. let alone shooting something more dangerous... People alert DSS over stupid stuff anymore... You fart wrong, they report you.. I think that maybe you should have a talk with your therapist, tell her what she did was out of line, and violated your patient/doctor privelages.. That incident with the BB gun wouldnt have been life threatening to anyone, to have to report it to DSS.. I would also consider consulting a lawyer for a free consultation to see if you have a case for a lawsuit.. at the least, they should have their license reviewed for that.. That causes nothing but heartache and headache when people overstep their boundaries without full on knowing the situation

Answer 6

They're kids. They do this stuff. Maybe just inform the kids not to wander in the woods alone. And if you're worried about BB guns, teach the kids proper handling of the BB gun. Such as, keeping your finger off the trigger until you want to shoot (cans or paper targets) and always control your muzzle direction at all times.

Answer 7

Stories like this make me mad.I moved recently to the country.All the kids ages 5 to 18 has bb guns here.All the parents claim that they can only shoot it with dad around and can not leave their yard with it.Well all these kids has been caught in my yard without dad and not on their own property playing with these bb guns.
3 of my kids has been shot by friends with these bb guns.I never seen a bunch of iresponsible parents in my life.Im sorry but I applaud the boys therapist for reporting it.This boy already has problems in life.If he did not then he would not be seeing a counseler.The last thing you should do is allow him to play with a bb gun where he will imagine killing people or animals.

Answer 8

DID he get tought about gun and safety. IF so then he would know what to do. I would of not involved in DSS. They are curious about guns bc they do not get tough about them. The best thing you can do is to teach him how to use them when to use them and how to use them. Tell him that he is allowed to use them but only WHEN you are around or an adult is around. I grew up with guns and i was tought when how and only with an adult is when i was aloud to use them and bc my family tought me about them my curisousty was down and i knew they were no toys. His father should not be punishing you i know he is mad but you thought you were doing the right thing and he should understand that. Next time just let your son use them but just let him only use it when his father is acutally with him or you are with him that way you will know that he is using the gun properly.
GOOD LUCK.

Answer 9

I dont think a 7 year old can get into much trouble with a bb gun.If they werent being watched is a diferent story.Anyways I think you should go with your gut feelings.You are in fact his mother and no one can change that.I think bb guns are harmless,but I am from Texas.Go with your own feelings.

Answer 10

you should not let your children near guns,or cigarettes or alcohol. but guns are you out of your mind to have guns laying around the house where children wouldnt know how dangerous guns are and wouldnt know if the gun was loaded or not. and its not the boys fault he shouldnt have been left in the woods alone by himself that was stupid thing to do. and it aint. its both the mothers and the fathers responsibility of their childs safety, its part of the fathers fault.