I'm a divorced parent and my son has just made a new friend in his father's neighborhood. I haven't had the chance to meet him or his parents and I have a concern that I don't know how to bring up.
My son often plays at his new friend's house across the street from his dad's house, and this is kind of new to me. In my neighborhood there are mostly elderly folks, so he hasn't had the chance to do this until now.
My concern is whether or not there are firearms in his friend's house and if they're properly locked up and stored.
How do I kindly confront his friend's parents with my concern? I feel it's appropriate to know these things, but the family is new to the neighborhood and I don't want to bring it up in a negative way.
Any suggestions?
2007-05-26 07:04:47 · 6 answers · asked by nodoubter1023 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
" Hi, I'm Sarah, Michael's mom. I wanted to meet you and your husband because Michael enjoys it so much over here.
I have to ask you something, though. I have a friend whose cousin was killed by a gun in the home. Do you keep any guns?"
If yes, " Are they locked up? Do they have trigger locks?
Are they loaded?"
Most parents would not be bothered by this question, but if they do object, why? Every parent is concerned about their child's well-being, and wants them to be safe.
I have asked several sets of parents this question, and answered them for other people.
[ We do have guns for hunting, they all have trigger locks, none are loaded, and they are all secure. ]
2007-05-26 07:26:56 · answer #1 · answered by Nurse Susan 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't be afraid. You are just being a resposible parent. I'm sure if they were in your shoes they would do the same. Either go to their place or invite them to your house. It would not be a negative thing to do. I'll bet you that they will even respect you for looking out for your son's well being. It will show them that you actually care what your son is doing. And hey it would be even better if you could make friends with the parents. It might take time but the closer you get to becoming friends the more and more you'll find out. Good Luck!
2007-05-27 11:22:45 · answer #2 · answered by sometimes I'm too nice 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take them a plate of cookies when you drop your son off one day or even ask if you can meet them. Most parents understand that other parents would like to meet them before they allow their child to play there etc. Im sure they wil understand, just be sweet and nice about it. Also, get on the Megan's Law website and check if there are any pedophiles in that neighborhood.
2007-05-26 14:15:14 · answer #3 · answered by MonkeyMama 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well considering they also have a young child they might already have everything locked the way but if Ur concerned they don't just casually state Ur concerns in a nice manner they should understand (hey they have a child as well)
2007-05-26 14:11:45 · answer #4 · answered by shalanda g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be up front, let them know you have some concerns. Trust me, a responsable gun owner will have them locked up to where the children can't get to them. If that's the case, trust me, they won't be offended in any way
2007-05-26 14:14:09 · answer #5 · answered by damond h 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't imagine that a family with a young child like that would have stored firearms unsafely, they seem like they would be careful enough to childproof their home if they are kind enough to allow their son's friends there after school.
I wouldn't worry about this.
2007-05-26 14:21:45 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Pamela♥ 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋