when do you talk to kids about ccw

[scfd5]

So i just got my permit a few months back for mn. I mostly carry concealed but going to the range or around the house sometimes i open carry. When do i talk to the kids about it so i am not in a bank line and my 3 year old asks about my gun at the top of her voice. I have a 10,5,and 3 year old gilrs and both the wife and i carry. Just wondering other thought and experiances.

[rrman12280]

I have 2 boys, ages 5 and 8. Both know I carry, and a time or two have said or asked things in public places that I would have rather them not said. Luckily, nobody was paying any attention. I have since told them in various ways that it is not for discussion in public. They have mostly became used to it and rarely bring it up anymore. I also used the advised responsible tactics of removing all the curiousity out of me carrying a firearm or them seeing me carrying on occasion. I'm sure you and your wife are familiar with these tactics, they seemed to have worked for me and my sons. Good luck.

[BIGJOHN621]

My 11 year old has been shooting for 2 years and sees me carry. He has had a lot of questions and I have answered each one, every time. I have been careful to talk to him about when and who not to discuss CCW with (aka in public). It has been very easy and he and I enjoy the time at the range and the shows.

[KCD1974]

Mine are 6.5, 3, 6 weeks....Right now the only one I trust to tell...the 6 week old as he can't speak lol...seriously though, I've had "the talk" about guns with the other two and it's an ongoing discussion. But neither of them know that I bring a firearm out of the house. I almost exclusively pocket carry though. When I go IWB and bring something bigger, I may discuss it with them.

My thought is, kids sometimes say things because they are mad at you for not getting them (fill in whatever they want that hour) and will say things just to get attention. They don't really understand that saying DADDY WHERE'S YOUR GUN at the highest volume possible is not the best thing.

We tell our kids there are a lot of words they shouldn't say, that doesn't mean they never do. But every kid is different and you know yours far better than I would ever pretend to. The 10 year old, you're pretty safe. The other two may be a tad young to really get it anyway.

Good Luck and I'm from MN too...Congrats on the permit!

[dgreen]

my 4 year old knows that "daddy carries a gun to keep her safe" and its a secret that i have it.

[sigboy]

My 5 year old doesn't know I carry as I'm afraid she'll bring it up in line somewhere like kids will do.

[Tommy Moon]

I have 3 kids - 14, 10 & 3. They all know I carry and I make no secret of it to them. I carry inside and outside of the house. The only trouble I've had from them is actually from my oldest. We were in the store one night and she wrapped her arms around me from the side and then says "Ouch! Was that your gun?" :-( Woops. That was awkward since it was a busy time and we were surrounded by people. I just kept hugging her and led her out of that aisle and into another one to explain to her that we dont discuss that.

[creatism]

my 4 year old knows that "daddy carries a gun to keep her safe" and its a secret that i have it.

If you change that to an 8 yr old boy. That's my kids and my arrangement, he knows it's to protect him and my fiancé. And he knows no ones supposed to know about it!

[crb]

My 3 year old nephew who lives with me knows I carry he never asks. I guess its natural as he has seen a gun on me as long as he has known me.

[2u23]

With me, wearing a gun is like wearing pants. I just don't leave the house without either one. My children are used to seeing dad with a gun & wouldn't bring it up.

My children are 3 & 8. Both of whom have been to the range with me and are very aware of gun safety. I would even put my 8 year old daughter up against most adults as far as firearm safety and knowledge goes.

My point is it is never too early to educate your children.