How would you handle this? Gun question.

[MarinaVanessa]

I don't bring up the topic about us owning guns but I did disclose it to my licensing analyst because they ask. If this issue were to come up later then I'd point out that I'm within licensing regulations and like you .. arms are kept locked (some with additional trigger locks) and inaccesible to the kids and the ammo locked elsewhere.

I had a situation once with a DCM hesitating with me driving the DCK's around (I pick up kids from school) and even though I reassured her of the safety steps that I take (classes, carseat inspections, clean DMV record etc) she was still hesitant, but she just needed to work it out within herself. She didn't pull him out and processed her "mommy fears", as she called them, herself.

Maybe your mom just needs time to digest the information also. Do you think that it will help her to see generally where everything is kept? As in you can show her where your pull-down ladder that leads to the attic is so that she can see for herself how difficult it would be for a child to even get into the attic. Even then just let her process the info. There's really not much else that you can do. If she still feels uneasy then she always has the choice of finding different child care. Either way chalk it up to a lesson learned ... like the other ladies posted, don't offer more info about guns unless asked.

[littlemissmuffet]

This is a new one for me. In a conversation with a dcm this morning, it came up that my husband owns a gun. I have been caring for her daughter for almost a year.

She was not happy to hear that he owns a gun. Her concern was that my children may think it is a toy and hurt one of the dcks. I explained that the gun is in a locked gun safe in our attic, that the bullets are kept in a completely different location, and that my children do not even know we own it (they are 2 and 5). I further explained that our attic is a pulldown, from the second floor ceiling.

She told me she needed to process it and we would talk this afternoon at pick-up. She has a right to be concerned, though I feel her concern and worry is unneccessary. I just am not sure how to address her concerns any more than I already have.

I am frustrated and feeling a bit sad. This is a mother I truly enjoy working with, and I adore her daughter.

That being said, I am getting a bit tired of having to defend decisions my family makes on a personal level to my clients. I am tired of my children being judged by them, my house being evaluated, and our personal rights being questioned.

We are respectable, mild-mannered, intelligent, well-educated, and responsible people. Our home is immaculate and safe in every way. Our two boys are kind children. We are not having shooting contests in our backyard, popping out our teeth and drinking beer on the stoop every night once the daycare closes. We are the same family today she thought we were yesterday.

Thoughts?

I would never keep my child in a daycare that I knew had guns either. Someone can ssure me all they want that the gun and ammo are locked up and would never be in the reach of a child... but I would never truly know. I know one could argue that there are all kinds of dangerous items in a home at any given time (kitchen knives being one) that kids have easier access too and I'd never know - but it's my right as a parent to not want my child in a home I know has a gun in it.

I would never, however, dictate to the provider that they shouldn't have a gun in their home. I would simply let them know that it's not something I was comfortable with, would give appropriate notice and leave on my own accord.

[bunnyslippers]

I agree that it is her call as a mom, and I respect it 100%.

My child care is in a separate area of my home, in my basement. The day care children and families never are in the top three floors of my home. They have nver even seen my upstairs, where the attic is. The gun is literally 3 floors away from the children at all times.

[melilley]

I am in MI and licensing requires at enrollment that it must state in writing whether or not we have guns on the premises as well as if our house was built before 1978 and if we have pets. My DH isn't a hunter but I was brought up as one and had my own guns till 2000 when I gave them to my son.

Just like hazardous chemicals they can be dangerous but stored properly they are just another item. Assure her that they are under lock and key and perhaps remove the firing pin or purchase trigger locks to make her more comfortable? Otherwise you are within your rights and she can choose to go elsewhere.

Sorry childminder, this is off subject, but I too am in MI and I saw that you said we have to tell parents if our house is built before 1978. Isn't it we only have to tell them if we are going to remodel? That was my understanding...I'm only asking because I want to make sure I am doing things right.

[theycallmetaytor]

In my state a trigger lock is required along with the gun being kept in a locked box out of the reach of children. Maybe get trigger locks. It may ease her mind...in the inprobable event her child or another got ahold of the gun there would be another precaution in place.

[littlemissmuffet]

I agree that it is her call as a mom, and I respect it 100%.

My child care is in a separate area of my home, in my basement. The day care children and families never are in the top three floors of my home. They have nver even seen my upstairs, where the attic is. The gun is literally 3 floors away from the children at all times.

I understand that. And I sincerely believe you when you say the gun is 3 floors away from the children at all times. I would still be 100% uncomfortable with this. I grew up around hunters and I know many people who keep guns in their homes - it's a personal decision, and I'm ok with that. It's just my personal decision to not have a gun in our home and to not let my child be in a home without myself/my husband with a gun. It's not something you should take personally at all - but I know it's difficult because the parent would be throwing away a year long relationship because of something you view as a non-issue.

I think this is a difficult situation to be in and I hope it ends in a way where both you and the DCM are at peace. Bets of luck!

[JustMe]

Sorry childminder, this is off subject, but I too am in MI and I saw that you said we have to tell parents if our house is built before 1978. Isn't it we only have to tell them if we are going to remodel? That was my understanding...I'm only asking because I want to make sure I am doing things right.

I am in MI and I believe you are supposed to tell the parents about your home being built prior to 1978 for lead-paint disclosure reasons. It's on one of the forms that parents have to sign before they start their kids. And also, if you are going to remodel and there is the possibility of lead dust being in the air, you are required to tell them as well.


Question - are bb guns considered firearms?

[melilley]

I am in MI and I believe you are supposed to tell the parents about your home being built prior to 1978 for lead-paint disclosure reasons. It's on one of the forms that parents have to sign before they start their kids. And also, if you are going to remodel and there is the possibility of lead dust being in the air, you are required to tell them as well.


Question - are bb guns considered firearms?

Thanks! Good to know! I am also curious about the bb gun question! Same for paint ball or air guns.

[bunnyslippers]

I understand that. And I sincerely believe you when you say the gun is 3 floors away from the children at all times. I would still be 100% uncomfortable with this. I grew up around hunters and I know many people who keep guns in their homes - it's a personal decision, and I'm ok with that. It's just my personal decision to not have a gun in our home and to not let my child be in a home without myself/my husband with a gun. It's not something you should take personally at all - but I know it's difficult because the parent would be throwing away a year long relationship because of something you view as a non-issue.

I think this is a difficult situation to be in and I hope it ends in a way where both you and the DCM are at peace. Bets of luck!

I appreciate your opinion. To be honest, I am not a big fan of having it, either. It is my husband's, and I respect his desire to have one in the home.

This particular dcm is also a teacher in my son's school. We live in a small town, so our paths will cross for the next 20 years! I am optimistic that it will work out, but I respect her opinions on the subject. I don't want her child to be here if she doesn't believe she will be safe on a daily basis.

[melilley]

In my opinion, I don't see what the big deal is. You said that it is in your attic, 2 or 3 stories up and none of the children even go up there. You have to pull down stairs, which are usually heavy. No child is going to get to it If this person trusts you then it shouldn't be a problem. That is just me. I see how others could be bothered by this, but I personally wouldn't be.

[littlemissmuffet]

I appreciate your opinion. To be honest, I am not a big fan of having it, either. It is my husband's, and I respect his desire to have one in the home.

This particular dcm is also a teacher in my son's school. We live in a small town, so our paths will cross for the next 20 years! I am optimistic that it will work out, but I respect her opinions on the subject. I don't want her child to be here if she doesn't believe she will be safe on a daily basis.

I was talking to my husband about this issue recently, actually because he wants to get a hunting license. I told him we simply can't have a gun in the house because a) the business we run (I know quite a few parents would be uncomfortable with it and b) I would be uncomfortable with it. He wondered which parents would be uncomfortable with it, and I thought about it forr quite some time, and I think they ALL would be uncomfortable with it - even those who own guns themselves... they know THEIR guns are locked up at all times, but they could never be sure ours was without checking and I think that would be unsettling for some. I also think that because 2 adults have access to the gun it doubles the chances of a mistake, you know?

Regardlless, I am so happy you feel optimistic about the outcome and that you aren't upset with the DCM. That's really big of you!

[laundrymom]

And here I've been gushing to my parents about hubs getting me a gun for Christmas. Lol. I even have been texting one dad about a grip issue I'm having, trying to get the shells NOT to hit me in the face! Ugh. Lol.

OP did great. I hope mom understands.

[Texasjeepgirl]

My husband is a Concealed Handgun License Instructor. He also owns multiple guns... they are kept in a locked safe in another part of our furniture building completely on the other side of the building from where my daycare and personal apartment are located...I don't usually discuss this issue with potential clients.. but .. I do understand the concern any parent would have regarding guns being in the home ...
I agree with the other posts.. you have definetly given her the information for her to make a well thought out.. informed decision....

[Childminder]

Originally Posted by melilley
Sorry childminder, this is off subject, but I too am in MI and I saw that you said we have to tell parents if our house is built before 1978. Isn't it we only have to tell them if we are going to remodel? That was my understanding...I'm only asking because I want to make sure I am doing things right.

I am in MI and I believe you are supposed to tell the parents about your home being built prior to 1978 for lead-paint disclosure reasons. It's on one of the forms that parents have to sign before they start their kids. And also, if you are going to remodel and there is the possibility of lead dust being in the air, you are required to tell them as well.
Question - are bb guns considered firearms?

Yes to the 1978 and I don't know on the firearms. Looked it up but does not say in the Technical. Call your Licensing Rep? :R 400.1935 (1-3)
Rationale
Technical Assistance
Consultation
07/01/2009
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CONSULTATION R 400.1935 FAMILY AND GROUP CHILD CARE HOMES
Firearms.
(1) All firearms shall be unloaded and properly stored in a secure, safe, locked environment inaccessible to children. A secure locked environment shall include a commercially available locked firearms cabinet, gun safe, trigger lock that prevents discharge, or other locking firearm device.
(2) Ammunition shall be stored in a separate locked location inac- cessible to children.
(3) Firearms shall not be traded or sold on the premises while child care children are present.
The potential for injury and death of young children due to firearms is becoming increasingly apparent.
Selling firearms on the premises of a child care home greatly increases children's accessibility to them, making the risk of harm or injury more probable.
Law enforcement officers who are required to keep their firearms loaded and ready for use at all times, may do so, as long as the firearm is inaccessible to children.
Check with local law enforcement agencies about the availability of free or low cost trigger locks.

[Willow]

And here I've been gushing to my parents about hubs getting me a gun for Christmas. Lol. I even have been texting one dad about a grip issue I'm having, trying to get the shells NOT to hit me in the face! Ugh. Lol.

LOL!!!!

I've been consulting with two of my dcd's about one DH has had his eye on that I might surprise him with for Christmas (the others shoot brands I don't care for and we bicker enough about that ) Didn't think twice about bothering them and they've been so happy to help. I've won a handful of firearms at QDMA banquets but never bought one all on my own and tbh I'm a little unnerved about doing it!

It's hilarious how they just so happen to pick up and drop off more during deer, waterfowl and pheasant seasons too.....because their motivation totally isn't just to "talk shop" or anything about who was sitting where, who was seeing this that and the other and who was getting what ::

I'm pretty sure my business is MORE successful because of our much beloved hobby of hunting. Everyone knows everyone in this town, and I'm not joking when I say pretty much everyone hunts. It's been a great way to network and gives people a way to get to know me better. The newspaper actually runs a huge special edition printing every year with pictures of everyone's harvest, I've made it in three years in a row now, this year so did all of my dcd's and one of my dcm's. That's free advertising right there

I'd have no trouble leaving my kids with a provider that had a firearm as I'm very aware many of the houses we visit even just family and friend wise likely have firearms I'm sure I'm not even aware of. Doesn't stop us from visiting, just prompts us to raise the kids to be aware and responsible around them, especially in other peoples homes. If someone disclosed to me they had them, and the safety precautions they took to acknowledge they take the responsibility seriously, I'd say great and move on to what else I think it takes to keep my kids to make sure all basis are covered.


To the previous question:
BB gun - no
Paintball gun - no
Air soft - no

The key there is does is use a explosive/burning charge to propel a projectile. All of the above use pumped air to propel their projectiles. It's why none of them need to be registered.

Probably not a good idea to leave any out though, particularly the BB gun as most daycare licensors couldn't tell a real gun from a toy one much less a BB gun from a .22 on a good day. Some states do have particular laws on them so be aware of that.

I will add we also bow hunt and licensing requires I keep our bows cased and broadheads locked up separately with the firearm ammunition.




In regards to trigger locks we use them, they can be purchased cheaply online but often times your local law enforcement office will have them to hand out for free.