My son's dad lives with his mom and step dad out in the country. His stepdad has a rifle next to their sliding glass door, because he likes to "target shoot" with the squirrels that mess with their birdfeeders (sigh, i know...). My son goes to visit every other weekend with his dad in that house. I had asked him probably 6 months ago (last time i was over there and saw where the gun was, as he lives 4 hours away) to put it up when our son is there, and he said he would. Well i had to drive all the way to go get my son today (usually we meet halfway) and i saw again the gun in plain view just leaning against the wall. I pulled my sons dad aside and brought it up, and he said its not his gun, and the step dad wont put it up, just in case its needed quickly (for a squuirrel??)...i am now very hesitant to send my son back there, because all it would take is 30 seconds of unsupervision to get badly injured or killed. What do i do? Should i talk to step dad? Not let my son there? Any ideas?
2007-07-08 17:08:07 · 13 answers · asked by Jessica 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
BTW my son is 4
2007-07-08 17:10:10 · update #1
Talk to the step father about it. If he is unresponsive, then I would have the father see him somewhere else or not at all. If the father doesn't like this tell him that he needs to deal with this gun issue. He may not like this and could bring you to court over you not allowing him to see his son. If he brings you to court I would just mention this, and I'm sure any judge with rational thinking would agree that the gun needs to be out of sight.
2007-07-08 17:31:16 · answer #1 · answered by Adam P 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I've been around guns my whole life. I was taught that they aren't a toy and that I was not allowed to touch them without my grandfather's permission and his help.
Teach your son the same. Guns are not a toy, but they can be a great learning tool, and a great father and son hobby when he gets older.
The guns aren't the problem the problems lie in teaching people to respect guns and not play with them.
I'm now 25 years old, and I still have the same values that my grandfather taught me about guns. Treat them as if they are loaded "ALWAYS". Keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction.
Yes, I do agree though the gun shouldn't just be left laying around the house, it should always be kept in a gun cabinet or hanging high enough on a wall that small children cannot gain access to it. It doesn't even take 30 seconds for disaster to occur if a gun accidently gets into the wrong hands. It only takes a split second to pull that trigger.
2007-07-08 17:15:38 · answer #2 · answered by Bill S 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would tell them clear as day, that your son will NOT be visiting there unless the gun and ammunition is locked away. There is NO reason whatsoever to have a gun lying around, and definitely not with a four year old around! They are fascinated with guns at that age!
My husband has rifles, and we have three kids, 6, 4 and 3. All the guns have trigger locks on them, the keys are hidden way way way out of reach, and all the guns and ammunition are kept in a gun safe with a combination lock. Thats the only safe way to have guns in the house.
Be firm..... your child's life is at stake! Good luck!
2007-07-09 06:07:57 · answer #3 · answered by Mom 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would not let him back there. Tell his dad that he needs to find another place to be at, because this is not safe. Unless the step father puts the gun in a locked safe while your 4 yr old is there for the weekend, he will not be returning for a visit. Now if this goes against some court ordered visitation - you need to speak to your lawyer or case worker. You don't want to get yourself into some trouble trying to protect your son. Find some local law enforcement info. Maybe some laws about firearms in the presense of children, or contact local police and ask them if this is illegal or just stupid. It's probaly just stupid, but worth asking. Not to get anyone in trouble, they obviously don't mean any harm - but are making harm much easier to come by.
2007-07-08 17:22:20 · answer #4 · answered by Tanya 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
WOW what a hard one. I live in a farming community where rifles are quite common, but we dont have a gun on our property at all. (no need for one)
Personally, I wouldnt send my son there while the gun is just lying around, I presume if hes wanting it quickly then it is loaded. which is just a bad accident waiting to happen.
This is your son you are talking about, you are his mum, and you have a right to keep him safe and out of harms way. chances are bing a rifle, he possibly shoot himself with it,(it is possible he could look down the barrel and pull the trigger even at 4) or someone else.
Goodluck with everything.
2007-07-08 17:14:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I would talk to the step dad. I assume you two are pretty young? If he needs his gun close that bad, ask him to set it on the porch or right outside the sliding door and then lock the door. That way it is there when he needs it but the kid can't get to it.
2007-07-08 17:36:57 · answer #6 · answered by Smartie_Pants 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would refuse to send your son there to visit, who cares if it upsets the ex inlaws if they are not considerate enough to put it up and put away the gun for the few days he is there then they are not responsible enough to take care of your child. You are the only voice that your child has and as a mother you have to fight for your child and this is one fight I would not back down on. If the father wants to visit your son have him come to you for day trips only or in a local park.... don't let him risk your childs life because of redneck stupidity... yeah i am from ky but this is just to much for me lol
2007-07-08 17:14:51 · answer #7 · answered by brookes_mama 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the step dad first. He should be willing to put the rifle out of sight when your son is there. If he is not, talk to a lawyer about the condition. Then you will know what your options are.
2007-07-08 17:15:15 · answer #8 · answered by Richard 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Yes talk to the step dad, it is his damn gun. Tell him that u know that it is his house, but ur concerned with ur son's safety, he should know kids are curious about everything and u wanted to talk to him before u make another decision (on not letting ur son go there) I say, its better to make someone mad, than to risk ur sons life.
2007-07-08 17:13:15 · answer #9 · answered by sourgirl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sit down with the dad and the son and have him explain what a gun does, what it is for, why he shouldn't touch it. I grew up in a house with 5 kids and my dad had several guns. I really don't know how he taught us, because he taught us at such young ages, not to mess with the guns. None of us did unless he was teaching us how to use them. Having guns in the house is not a big deal as long as gun safety is taught at a very young age.
2007-07-08 17:18:42 · answer #10 · answered by Ellen H 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋