Posted on 11/05/2020 7:17:48 PM PST by DoodleBob
Parents have a difficult enough job as it is, making the choices they feel are appropriate for their families and children. Health and safety are a huge consideration in that effort. Recently, one mom questioned whether her stance on gun safety, and potential access to a firearm via her parents-in-law, was needlessly harsh. The internet response was overwhelming: you do you, mama.
The mom shared her concerns on a Reddit platform, asking fellow internet patrons “Am I The A**hole?” She explained the specifics of the ban on her mother- and father-in-law babysitting. "My in-laws (80M and 70F) have a gun for protection," she explained in her message. "They do not keep it locked up in a safe. They will not tell us where it is except that it's in their bedroom, but my husband is fairly sure it's under their mattress.” She had been assured it was not stored loaded, but the couple would not show their adult children where the gun was for their peace of mind.
That’s when, the mom explained to Reddit, things got tricky. With her kids getting older and more inquisitive, she no longer felt comfortable with her in-laws babysitting at their home. "My FIL asked me why I don't let them watch the kids,” she said, and “I told them because of the gun that they refuse to keep locked up."
This caused a huge rift in the family. But mom was adamant the decision was out of concern for safety. "We taught my son what to do if he comes across a gun, but he's still a kid. And so, we only visit if either me or my husband can go too to make sure the bedroom door is locked," she said.
The conflict didn’t end on principle alone. The poster and her husband even bought the parents a safe for the gun, but they refused to use it. Her father-in-law explained, “there is no point in keeping it in a safe because it needs to be accessible for self-defense.” So, the rift deepened. The poster noted, “They will not be watching them until I see the gun in a safe, unloaded and completely out of my kids' reach."
And largely, the internet audience was on her side. The overwhelming sentiment was that her parents-in-law absolutely were within their rights to own a firearm, but not within their rights to leave it unlocked around her kids. Similarly, the parents-in-law had made the foolish choice, not mom: "It is a very simple choice you've asked them to make. And they have made it clear they'd rather have unfettered access to their guns at all times than unsupervised time with their grandchildren."
The viral nature of the disagreement suggests that the hot-button issue of gun control is yet another source of friction for family members who are not on the same page. While the mom went online to seek insight as to whether she was being unreasonable, she was met with confirmation that holding her ground was worth the effort, in this case.
LOL she voted for Biden at least once
moms on reddit???
“The parents are in the best position to decide on that.”
Agreed. As a gun-owner (back when my kids were little as well) - it is up to the parents to decide what is best for their kids. It sounds like the mom is open to compromise (getting them a gun safe, etc.) How about a decent holster so gramps can have the gun handy but still secure from the kids?
Well done.
I’m more skeptical that Reddit was largely sympathetic to her.
They could put it in the safe while babysitting.
The Kazoos would have been tossed out the window within 5 miles.
And “I carry guns because cops are too heavy.”
If you have anyone in your house, the only safe place for an unlocked gun is on your hip, where it should be already.....
When I was a kid my dad had a shotgun in a closet. Never ever thought of touching it, but I knew where it was. Never thought of shooting anyone either, but if I needed to, I am sure one of us would use it to defend our family. Many “moms” today seem to be idiots.
Nothing in the article indicates that her in laws were serious about gun safety. Keeping it safely out of the children’s reach until they have learned and absorbed proper respect for firearms is a no-brainer. Even then I would expect there to be adult supervision anytime a firearm is handled by a minor.
I feel the same way about swimming pools. No children in or around the pool without adult supervision. If no adults are available then the patio door stays locked.
The stats on accidental firearm death and injury of children should be taken seriously. She has every right to decide whether she wants her children to be where there is uncontrolled access to possibly loaded firearms.
A few years back parents locked their guns in the safe and went out for the evening leaving their teenage children alone.
A lunatic broke in and killed all but one of the kids. The survivor, a female knew where the guns were, how to use them but by law she could not have access so she could not get to them.
When you need a gun it is always at an unexpected time and you need it right then. Always keep them close to hand.
Regards,
I understand. But, that is what I’d do. I don’t know where they live or their circumstances. But, for me - I’d lock them up when small children are around. It’s actually safer wearing it than having it unattended.
I pretty much would be unable to walk or sit for aleast the rest of the day if I would have been caught snooping around my grand parents bedroom. And if I was caught digging under the mattress. Well, truthfully, I might not be here right now..!
Did she ask them to remove all glass tables from their house?
More children are killed in accidents involving glass tabletops than in accidents involving guns.
A recent paper estimated 178 children in the per year die in accidents involving glass table tops in the USA.
.410 shotgun is a better choice than a .22.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.