Firearms and ChildCare: To Disclose or Not

[nannyde]

WATCH OUT FOR THOSE BEAR COUNTRY BEARS!!::

When I was 10, we visited there. I thought the baby bears were "so cute", I decided to try to pet one. He didn't really like being petted, or maybe he thought I looked yummy...and bit my hand.

Dumb kid...that's why they now have 2 layers of barriers around the animal enclosures.

Hey...I have some pretty bearish kids here some days! :confused:

How bout when you first walk in and they have the big yellow grizzly... well I'll tellya my little white pup with one black eye came with me and she wooofed her head off at that guy.

She was going to get herself a piece of that.

[Unregistered]

There are so many injuries and deaths now from guns and I'm not sure why. Just last week there was a little one shot that had found his daddy's concealed gun under the truck seat.

I grew up with guns, lots of guns. Was hunting by daddys side at like 2 or 3 years old. Not for long because I couldn't keep quite and boy the hikes were long and dad got tired of carrying me when I got to tired to walk-.

Didn't bother me to have squirrels hanging around my neck after we shot them, even though it did bother my mom but guess what I still lived. Nothing like turning on the garage light and wow, there was the deer hanging that dad had shot.

My son not even old enough to drive but he has his bear head hanging up that he shot. The meat, sausage, and jerky were quite yummy!

The whole time I was growing up, my parents kept a loaded gun by there bed. I was taught not to ever, ever touch it, that it was protection for our family. All my friends parents kept loaded guns but we all knew what they were for-protection and hunting.

I think with the right education, training, and knowledge, guns can be used correctly and be around children.

Education is the key! My husband and I keep our firearms at our cabin in the country. We do visit there with our children. Many might disagree with this, but we did a "test" for our 3 year old, to see if all of the safety things we were talking to her about were sinking in.

We quadruple safety checked an unloaded, unchambered firearm and put it within her view, and casually walked away to a place where we could observe her. When she noticed it, she immediately called and ran to us to tell us that she saw a gun. She didnt go near it and did not touch it.

I would NEVER assume that this would always be the case, and I would never have a false sense of security that next time she wouldnt pick it up, BUT it was very good to know that she did what she was supposed to do and that she understood how serious we are about guns.

All of the accidents that we hear about are very heart wrenching and very sad. A lot of the in-home accidents that occur with children are a result of the firearms not being stored properly, combined with a lack of education.

If dad has a gun and mom doesnt know anything about it- that is one of the most dangerous combinations. ALL adults in a firearm-owning home need to know how how it works and all of the proper safety protocol. If you are not a knowledgeable asset you are a liability to your family. If dad owns a gun and mom doesnt know anything about it, and an intruder comes in and mom goes for the gun = worst case scenario. You bet the intruder will use it against you. You have to be prepared ahead of time, make a plan of action, and know what you would do at all times when you have a firearm in the home. It is the knowledge and preparation about guns that will be the deciding factor concerning whether it is an asset to you and your family or a liability. You never know in life if you will ever be in a situatiuon when it is either your life (or your kids), or their (bad guys) life, and you should always be prepared (even if a firearm is not your choice-always have a plan),

On a side note, my hubby and I occasionally do drills, similar to fire drills, on what we would do if an intruder ever came to our home. We know where we would go, how we would secure the children, where our safe zone is, etc. It feels silly when we do them, but I promise you that if anyone ever tried to break into my home and harm myself or my family we would not be victims, because our silly drills have mentally prepared us.

[nannyde]

Education is the key! My husband and I keep our firearms at our cabin in the country. We do visit there with our children. Many might disagree with this, but we did a "test" for our 3 year old, to see if all of the safety things we were talking to her about were sinking in.

We quadruple safety checked an unloaded, unchambered firearm and put it within her view, and casually walked away to a place where we could observe her. When she noticed it, she immediately called and ran to us to tell us that she saw a gun. She didnt go near it and did not touch it.

I would NEVER assume that this would always be the case, and I would never have a false sense of security that next time she wouldnt pick it up, BUT it was very good to know that she did what she was supposed to do and that she understood how serious we are about guns.

All of the accidents that we hear about are very heart wrenching and very sad. A lot of the in-home accidents that occur with children are a result of the firearms not being stored properly, combined with a lack of education.

If dad has a gun and mom doesnt know anything about it- that is one of the most dangerous combinations. ALL adults in a firearm-owning home need to know how how it works and all of the proper safety protocol. If you are not a knowledgeable asset you are a liability to your family. If dad owns a gun and mom doesnt know anything about it, and an intruder comes in and mom goes for the gun = worst case scenario. You bet the intruder will use it against you. You have to be prepared ahead of time, make a plan of action, and know what you would do at all times when you have a firearm in the home. It is the knowledge and preparation about guns that will be the deciding factor concerning whether it is an asset to you and your family or a liability. You never know in life if you will ever be in a situatiuon when it is either your life (or your kids), or their (bad guys) life, and you should always be prepared (even if a firearm is not your choice-always have a plan),

On a side note, my hubby and I occasionally do drills, similar to fire drills, on what we would do if an intruder ever came to our home. We know where we would go, how we would secure the children, where our safe zone is, etc. It feels silly when we do them, but I promise you that if anyone ever tried to break into my home and harm myself or my family we would not be victims, because our silly drills have mentally prepared us.

Have you seen Doomsday Preppers? I have learned SO much about guns in that show.

I always think that no matter how bad it got... I wouldn't resort to having a gun because I'm so afraid of them. I have terrible eyesight and I'm very clumsy. I don't think I could even LEARN how to do it or anyone who teaches it would want me as a student.

I'm totally PRO hunting and love love the game the hunting provides. I just haven't really thought about how this could affect child care because it's an "out of the question" deal for me. I didn't even know my state laws because I skip right over that when they redo the regs.

It's a GREAT topic though and after seeing Doomsday I can see why more and more people are getting armed. I can also see a parent not liking the gun in the house deal. I can't even remember if anyone has ever asked me if I have a gun.

[MyAngels]

Firearms are illegal in Canada, so.. ::

I didn't realize this - like all firearms are illegal?

I could swear my dh has gone duck/goose hunting there, but he's not here right now to ask him, so maybe he didn't go that far north.

[Blackcat31]

Sure, I don't mind answering your questions. I always respect a wanting to know more question

I partially posted unregistered because there are many pre-conceived notions about firearms, which mostly stems from not knowing enough about them, other than what you hear on the news, etc, which is mostly negative. I would very much dislike to be judged within the forum for my views on firearms; and while I may be assuming that I would be judged, I would prefer not to put myself out there like that. Just a personal preference.

I mainly posted unregistered because I have parents and families that use this site. It wouldn't be too hard to read my specific posts under my daycare.com name and figure out who I am, if you really wanted to. I would hate even more to be judged by one of my families, or even lose clients and compromise my familys income by bringing up such a sensitive topic. I am a very respectable, caring daycare provider, and my position on this matter does not affect my job as a caregiver, but other parents, families, etc might not share that same view.

I didnt post anonymous because I was worried people would disagree. I expected many different viewpoints, other than my own, and I respect each individual's opinions on the matter. Like you said, nothing is fool-proof I am just taking extra precautions to make sure I dont rattle anyone that I work with, even if it is only a .0001% chance.

Thank you! I was just wondering. You have some very valid reasons and I completely understand and respect that.

There are many subjects that can be very controversial, especially with the wide variety of environments, personalities and situations we have with the group of people we have here, not to mention the added factor of the public reading this too.

Anyways, thank you again for answering (And your honestly) I appreciate it.

[Luna]

I didn't realize this - like all firearms are illegal?

I could swear my dh has gone duck/goose hunting there, but he's not here right now to ask him, so maybe he didn't go that far north.

Firearms are legal here in Canada. I don't know all of the details, but they have to be registered. We have PLENTY of hunters here!

[Bella99]

I didn't realize this - like all firearms are illegal?

I could swear my dh has gone duck/goose hunting there, but he's not here right now to ask him, so maybe he didn't go that far north.

Oh! I forgot about hunting

You need a gun license to hold a gun on top of a hunting licence to 'use' it. They're very, very strict with how it needs to be kept at home.

[Unregistered]

Thank you! I was just wondering. You have some very valid reasons and I completely understand and respect that.

There are many subjects that can be very controversial, especially with the wide variety of environments, personalities and situations we have with the group of people we have here, not to mention the added factor of the public reading this too.

Anyways, thank you again for answering (And your honestly) I appreciate it.

No problem I am naturally inquisitive too, always trying to find a deeper meaning behind human behavior and dissect little details and motives, so I can definitely understand where you were coming from with your question.

Nan- Haha no, I have never seen Doomsday preppers but it sounds very entertaining- there are firearm enthusiasts and then there are FIREARMS ENTHUSIASTS . (I am solely on Netflix, so I am always a few seasons behind on everything). I have been waiting for the next season of Grey's Anatomy to come on- my stupid internet connection is too slow to get a good stream of it online!

[Christian Mother]

Have you seen Doomsday Preppers? I have learned SO much about guns in that show.

I always think that no matter how bad it got... I wouldn't resort to having a gun because I'm so afraid of them. I have terrible eyesight and I'm very clumsy. I don't think I could even LEARN how to do it or anyone who teaches it would want me as a student.

I'm totally PRO hunting and love love the game the hunting provides. I just haven't really thought about how this could affect child care because it's an "out of the question" deal for me. I didn't even know my state laws because I skip right over that when they redo the regs.

It's a GREAT topic though and after seeing Doomsday I can see why more and more people are getting armed. I can also see a parent not liking the gun in the house deal. I can't even remember if anyone has ever asked me if I have a gun.

When our friend from Afghanistan came over he mentioned that show and if we'd ever watched it...neither my husband nor I had before.. but that very next week it came on...not even looking for it and we watched it.

Can't believe how much money they spend on a darn door $8K just for it to get demolished!! I noticed the only people able to afford these bunkers where corporate owners. I want one but I can't afford the price tag that comes with it. They are advertising these things but it's unrealistic that any of the real people out here can afford them. Makes me mad!! I want to be prepared...just in case of a world disaster and all I can afford is food storage, a plan of action, and a gun. But if we needed to go hide out in our bunker I couldn't afford one.

With our friend he is stressing the importance of preparing for a world disaster and to get a gun as well as learn how to operate one. Get all the permits for it as well as license and all so have a game plan. He kept mentioning how to prepare for a break in bc some of you mentioned not being able to get to your firearms in time or being so afraid that you might miss that opportunity. He wants to teach us over and over how to be prepared for anything and not to hesitate. Bc hesitating can be your life. We have a dog also, she is a mix between lab and golden retriever. She loves the kids but not friendly towards strangers or dogs. If she sees us friendly towards another she is watchful but won't approach them. We where going to get a Rottie but my parents did not welcome that ideal. But we had one before I really would like to have another bc those dogs are the best dogs ever and my kids loved him before he died of cancer.

When we move to Tucson there are going to be a lot of changes when I begin doing daycare again out there. A lot of you have been awesome with advise lovethis you all!!

[Unregistered]

When our friend from Afghanistan came over he mentioned that show and if we'd ever watched it...neither my husband nor I had before.. but that very next week it came on...not even looking for it and we watched it.

Can't believe how much money they spend on a darn door $8K just for it to get demolished!! I noticed the only people able to afford these bunkers where corporate owners. I want one but I can't afford the price tag that comes with it. They are advertising these things but it's unrealistic that any of the real people out here can afford them. Makes me mad!! I want to be prepared...just in case of a world disaster and all I can afford is food storage, a plan of action, and a gun. But if we needed to go hide out in our bunker I couldn't afford one.

With our friend he is stressing the importance of preparing for a world disaster and to get a gun as well as learn how to operate one. Get all the permits for it as well as license and all so have a game plan. He kept mentioning how to prepare for a break in bc some of you mentioned not being able to get to your firearms in time or being so afraid that you might miss that opportunity. He wants to teach us over and over how to be prepared for anything and not to hesitate. Bc hesitating can be your life. We have a dog also, she is a mix between lab and golden retriever. She loves the kids but not friendly towards strangers or dogs. If she sees us friendly towards another she is watchful but won't approach them. We where going to get a Rottie but my parents did not welcome that ideal. But we had one before I really would like to have another bc those dogs are the best dogs ever and my kids loved him before he died of cancer.

When we move to Tucson there are going to be a lot of changes when I begin doing daycare again out there. A lot of you have been awesome with advise lovethis you all!!

If you are looking for a good watch dog who is family-loyal look into Japanese Akitas. I had one and he was the kindest, friendliest, most child-friendly amazing loyal dog I have ever had. But if he sensed trouble he always growled. A long time ago I was walking him and a suspicious man walked a little too close and he was ready to protect me.

Akitas are not other-dog friendly (ours was okay with out lab and golden, but that is rare), and you have to do the Cesar Milan training with them, but he was the best dog in the world.

Your friend is right, btw, about everything you posted. Maybe you dont have a bunker, but you can have a plan of action on what you would do if...

Hubby always jokes that if the "zombies" attack we are going to Wal-mart with all of our friends and turning it into a safe zone. LOL- all the food, ammunition, and guns you need haha!

[Michael]

If you are looking for a good watch dog who is family-loyal look into Japanese Akitas. I had one and he was the kindest, friendliest, most child-friendly amazing loyal dog I have ever had. But if he sensed trouble he always growled. A long time ago I was walking him and a suspicious man walked a little too close and he was ready to protect me.

Akitas are not other-dog friendly (ours was okay with out lab and golden, but that is rare), and you have to do the Cesar Milan training with them, but he was the best dog in the world.

Your friend is right, btw, about everything you posted. Maybe you dont have a bunker, but you can have a plan of action on what you would do if...

Hubby always jokes that if the "zombies" attack we are going to Wal-mart with all of our friends and turning it into a safe zone. LOL- all the food, ammunition, and guns you need haha!

My best friend just put down his Japanese Akita after 15 years due to bad health. He was so in love with that breed that he is getting another one. Great dog.



He writes about her here: http://www.everythingisgoingtobealright.com/

[Christian Mother]

Awwww love akita's!! Michael That picture is too cute!!

[Childminder]

We have to disclose on our signed Child in Care statement that all parents are notified if we have firearms on the premises. We also have to notify if we have pets and if our home was built prior to 1968. The state licensing checks that the parents are notified at inspections.

I grew up with hunters and have hunted myself. When I became licensed I gave my guns to my son so as not to worry about the what ifs. My children's school district also considers pepper spray to be a weapon. I have always wondered how many (women especially) carry it on their person in this 'weapon free zone' to pick up their children and attend school activities. We cannot even send a butter knife to school on special occasions to cut a cake or spread cheese or whatever.

[jojosmommy]

I disclose but only because I am required to do so. Not one client has ever asked for details. All I tell them is that there are firearms on site and they are locked in the manner which licensing requires.

My husbands profession requires daily contact with guns. Everyone who knows me and my husband knows that. Locking guns is the first step to safety, education is also essential.

If someone was to not choose my daycare b/c of guns being present then they don't belong here.

Just a little concidence, I read this post last night but didnt want to type it all into my blackberry hunt and peck style. About 11 pm last night (I am in bed just falling asleep, hubs is brushing teeth to get in bed) we hear a car pull into the driveway, door shut and someone quietly knock, then ring doorbell. ALL the lights in our home are off- except bathroom which you could not see from outside. My husband naturally peeks out the blinds and gets out his gun, goes to the door and checks who is knocking. Hubs answers the door to a prank pizza delivery, and a scared pizza delivery man who knew right away something was up when there were NO lights on in the entire house. My husband did not show his weapon, nor did the delivery guy know he had one. Apparently, someone called in a delivery to our address. Pizza man was just a nervous about ringing the bell as both of us were about who was ringing. Better safe than sorry I say.

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Country Kids;212711]There are so many injuries and deaths now from guns and I'm not sure why. Just last week there was a little one shot that had found his daddy's concealed gun under the truck seat. QUOTE]

Actually you are wrong. I've quoted some ACTUAL facts on guns and accidental discharge.

Negligent firearm related death has been falling considerably for many years. The latest "hiccup" was in the year 2001, when it showed a slight 3.4% increase over the year 2000. Other than that, negligent gun related death has fallen steadily since 1904. These rates have dropped mostly because of the efforts by the National Rifle Association, it's more than 67,000 Certified Firearm Instructors.

The rate of negligent firearm related death has decreased by ninety four percent (94%) since its high in 1904. This ninety four percent fall has occurred in the United States as both firearm ownership and our population since 1904 has skyrocketed. There are fewer deaths involving negligent firearm discharges almost every year, but there are more than four million (4,000,000) new firearms being sold each year.

This is one of the most significant success stories ever, but it's almost never heard. All we ever hear about is how much of a problem it is. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not dismissing this preventable tragedy at all. This tremendous fall in negligent firearm related deaths doesn't mean anything to the parent or grandparent attending the wake and funeral of a child who died because of the mishandling of a loaded firearm.

Figures from 2006, which is the latest year for which I have statistics, show that a record low number of Americans died from the negligent discharge of a firearm. In 2006 only 642 Americans died as a result of the mishandling of a loaded gun. That is a death rate of .20 per 100,000, or about 1.7 Americans per day.

If you were to apply the 1904 rate of negligent gun-related death to today's population, we would have seen 10,144 Americans die this way, instead of the 642 that we saw most recently. This drop in negligent discharge death rate of 94% is a phenomenal success. But it is strangely never broadcast in the mainstream media.

In the year 1930, the negligent gun-related death rate fell to 2.9 per 100,000, but our population rose from 82,166,000 in 1904, to 122,775,046 in the year 1930. That means that in the year 1930 we saw approximately 3,560 negligent gun related deaths. Since we saw just 642 deaths in 2006, that is a fall off of the actual number of accidental deaths of 82%. An 82% drop since 1930 and a 94% drop since 1904.