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Greetings--

Do your kids know that you carry ?

Our kids (13,13,18)know that we own guns (they don't live with us). We've taught them about gun safety. We take them shooting when we see them.

I had reservations about telling them that I carry a handgun. I was concerned that they would go and tell their friends/relatives and that would cause a mess.

After some thought, we decided to tell them. I figured it was better to discuss it with them , than for them to find out accidentally.

I explained that its no one's business but ours. I explained that I carry because I am concerned for our safety when we're out, especially when traveling. I didn't want to make them worry that someone was always out to get them, but I did stress that things sometime do happen-- and I wanted to be prepared. Hopefully this will help them raise their awareness of what is going on around them.

Sounds like you handled things rather well. My 6 year-old and infant do not know, but that is because, at their age, they can't be trusted not to talk about it. 13 and 18 year-olds know the meaning of discretion.

When my 21 year old was 13 he did not know the meaning of discretion, and he still doesn't - he does know that I carry.

My other two are adults with their own families in different states, and if they know, I don't know how they found out.

My daughter was taught how to shoot at age 6. Part of that was gun safety and why we don't tell people.

I have a friend who did not tell his boy he carried. At the grocery store one day his boy grabbed him around the waist to hug him and cluncked against his gun. The kid looked up wide eyed and said quite clearly, "Daddy I felt your gun!"

jimlongley wrote:When my 21 year old was 13 he did not know the meaning of discretion, and he still doesn't - he does know that I carry.

My wife's >49 and she still doesn't know the meaning of discretion.

We were in Rigmar mall here while back looking at phones. She touched my side and said, rather loudly: "YOU'RE CARRYING, AREN'T YOU?"

Here goes Russ... slinking down trying to hide...

Nobody in the store even acknowled her with the exception of the salesman we were with, he commented that he's planning to get his CHL as soon as he turned 21 in a couple of months and he asked what I would suggest as a good weapon to carry. We got into a nice discussion about guns and old cell phone holders as mag holders.

All's well that ends well.

Russ

barres wrote: 13 and 18 year-olds know the meaning of discretion.

I think when mine were teenagers, they knew the "meaning" of discretion - they just lacked the ability.

I have two boys...one 3 year old and one 3 week old. The 3 year old knows that I carry because he often sees me when I strap it on. In fact, one morning I was leaving for work and he said, "Don't forget your gun, Daddy." I'd say he knows.

In his case I think he has just come to believe his daddy carrying a gun is a normal thing. When he gets older will he tell his friends? Who knows. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. While I don't particular WANT people to know I carry, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it if someone finds out. After all, it IS legal.

I have 3 teenagers, and when I got my CHL, we had a meeting and I explained everything to them. So far as I can tell, they've not told anyone about it and understand that it is our business and ours alone.

Also I explained situational awareness so they would understand that when I told them to do something, it was to be done immediately. Teenagers have a way of standing there looking stupid when you say something to them.

llwatson wrote:

barres wrote: 13 and 18 year-olds know the meaning of discretion.

I think when mine were teenagers, they knew the "meaning" of discretion - they just lacked the ability.

Good point. I guess each parent knows their child(ren) best and knows what will/will not work with them. I don't have a teenager, yet, so forgive my assumption.

I take my 6 year-old to the range to shoot .22's, so he know there are guns around. He even knows where they are stored (under lock and key). I have never told him that I carry, but I figure he must have felt it when hugging me from time to time. My son already wrote an essay (for a kindergartner - like 2 sentences) at school about the guns I have at home. The teacher never even blinked an eye (that I ever heard about). Thank God I live in (relatively) rural East Texas!

All my kids know about our guns. The older ones all know that the presence or absence of guns in our home is not to be discussed with anyone who doesn't live here. They understand why, and they're not blabbermouths. Plus, guns are just no big deal to them... they've grown up with them.

My little guy is three, and has certainly seen guns around the house and in my holster. He knows he can't touch them unless he asks us. He doesn't touch, and he doesn't ask... guns are a non issue with him. Just part of the household landscape, like bookshelves.

Kevin

My kids know & my grandkids know. Kids 33 & 36. Grandkids: 13, 11, 8, 6. Grandones hug Papa & all is well. When we get to the house & cover comes off it is just what is on the belt.
When one wants to see one of the guns, whether long or hand, they are allowed to. They are taught to clear & check for loaded. They all know they can shoot the .22. The 2 oldest have a cut down & loaded down 30-30 they can shoot. 3 have shot the .380. All know that the guns that are too big are only off limits because they are too big for me to shoot yet. When they are big enough to hold & shoot them, they can. That is the .308, .300 WSM, .40 S&W, & .45 ACP.
We dont talk about our underwear in public. That is all our underwear. (remember what I told the Dr about asking a lot of questions about a man's underwear). This has worked very well & the kids just think everyone one the street has one as part of their underwear that we dont publicly ask about.

All of my kids (22, 19, 16, 3) know. They see it no different than me carrying a cell phone or always having a flashlight around. Which is the way it should be.

I agree too lodge

Both of my kids know, son 17 is a regular shooting partner. Daughter 12 knows not to tell anyone, even family.

My son asked one of his freinds moms if he could go shooting with us some time. Long story short we haven't seen the kid since and they no longer talk to us at church

KBCraig wrote:All my kids know about our guns. The older ones all know that the presence or absence of guns in our home is not to be discussed with anyone who doesn't live here. They understand why, and they're not blabbermouths. Plus, guns are just no big deal to them... they've grown up with them.
Kevin

I could have written this myself. Exactly the same in our household.