I can't believe my son just did that! Need advice.

[2cool9031]

I think you handled it very well. My sons learned to shoot at an early age, and they saw what damage a bullet can do. They were around guns all their lives, infact, I had tables at a gunshow quite often when I lived in ILL. and they went with me. When I aquired a new gun I would let them look at it, hold it and I explained what it was, so there was no mystery there. Now at ages 22 and 20 they have there own guns and practice gun safety all the time.

 

[tatters]

Yep, this was a serious breach of safety rules.

I would make sure he "gets" it. I'm not even sure punishment is in order. You put it out there that this was wrong. Some kids only need one "talking to" and that's it.

OTOH, some kids need to be reminded, and gun safety is no joke. You know him best, do what's in your heart.

 

[redneckmedic]

Have you been taking him to the range? If so, don't take him next time and let him know that it's because of his "maturity fail" and that you will take him again after that - so long as he has restored your faith in his maturity.

Tie gun time to gun safety and make clear that there is never a joke when it comes to gun safety.

 

[Archbishop]

Sounds like you are a great parent but I have one suggestion (you might already do this). My daughter (the son is to young yet) knows that she MAY NOT touch a gun without my permission. She also knows that nearly ANY time she want I will be happy to show her ANY gun she wants to see. This takes the mystery out of it. She is only four but if she asks and it's not impossible I will happily make the time to show her and answer all questions.

Just a humble suggestion you may already do. It's funny. only one or two times have I caught her gently touching a gun I had in pieces on the end table and she got a stern lecture and reassurance that any time she wants we can have fun together by looking at it and learning about it. Kudos for being a good Dad!

Z

We practice this and generally I think it works pretty well.

 

[thompal]

I also might (maybe), after the next range trip, tell him that he gets to, under your direct, close supervision, clean the guns everyone else had fun shooting...

Except that this may make gun cleaning seem more like a "punishment" instead of a learning moment.

 

[Indecision]

Dunno how old he is, but if you want to instill the destructive power of a gun, take something important and blast it.

 

[juggaloxjj4]

The idea of writting a report on gun safty is i think a great idea because when i was in the second grade i had recived a little pocket knife from my dad and it somehow found its way in my lunch box at school. I didnt brandish or show it off i was just going to hide it and take it out when i got home but someone saw it and decided to tell a teacher. The police were called and i got in trouble and part of my punishment was that i had to write a report to my principal about what the dangers of my action were and you best belive that i doubble checked my lunch box the rest of the year.

 

[Hoosier8]

I think your instincts are right. I don't think spanking would be necessary unless you needed to get his attention but it sounds like you have it. I like the report idea.

 

[roscott]

infact, I had tables at a gunshow quite often when I lived in ILL.

They allow gun shows in Illinois???

 

[DRob]

Nicely done

I just deleted a fairly long post commenting on responses to the event by the OP and others here. I decided instead to take a different approach. This may not win me any awards here but.......... I believe in carrying if you want to, and I do carry, but I think you've presented a valid argument against open carry.

 

[Archbishop]

I just deleted a fairly long post commenting on responses to the event by the OP and others here. I decided instead to take a different approach. This may not win me any awards here but.......... I believe in carrying if you want to, and I do carry, but I think you've presented a valid argument against open carry.

You've been here long enough to know the can of worms you're opening......
That's why you carry in a retention holster.

 

[DRob]

Can opener

You've been here long enough to know the can of worms you're opening......
That's why you carry in a retention holster.

Yep, I know. However, I'd rather think of it as a friendly discussion than a can of worms. YMMV!

 

[haldir]

So no one is for putting one in his knee cap... what a bunch of softies. I would have probably just told him to stop being a dumbass and not worry about it unless it occurred again.

 

[theweakerbrother]

Like this?

YouTube - The First Gun Safety Lesson at the Range


It worked wonders. He remembers well.

That is a great video. Pretty powerful message and it sounded like the little guy got it. I'm not a father but it seems like you're a pretty good one.