School Shootings and Parental Responsiblity

This the shootings that have happened in the last few weeks I feel like this conversion needs to happen. I hope this gets parent talking to each other and to their kids about gun safety.

First lets wee what America's Favorite Nanny has to say.

“Dear Jo Frost,

Jo, I have admired your work for some time and followed much of your advice. I have a question that I need some advice on. My 6 year old is of the age now to go on playdates which I leave him at the other families home and/or attend sleep overs. With the increasingly horrific headlines in the news reporting accidental gun accidents, people not using safety mechanisms and such, how do I know someone’s policy in their homes regarding guns. How do you ask them if they have firearms, are they locked up etc.  What is appropriate without sounding a bit nutty or paranoid?

Thank you,

Gun-Shy Mamma

Thank you for your very relevant question that I continue to be asked, especially over the last several years. Trust me when I tell you as a responsible, conscientious parent there is nothing nutty or paranoid about your question; the facts are there for us all to see…unfortunately. For those parents who have chosen to be irresponsible and at the cost of so many children’s lives, we now do need to be very open with other parents about this safety issue.

To ask directly whether one owns guns and takes safety precautions should come as organic as being able to ask whether a family has the correct legal requirements around their swimming pool, or in making sure a child is not exposed to a food that could send them into anaphylactic shock and be as fatal as a loaded gun. America has a right to bear arms; as a parent you have a right to ask questions that will protect your child. Let us not as families here in America be offended by such questions asked. Let us be open and willing to reassure each other with the same ultimate goal. To raise our children with nurture, love and protection.

Yours Sincerely,

Jo Frost”

I would add that your first questions to other parents should be  "Are either of you in Law Enforcement or the military? If the answer is yes then you will know that they have guns in the house. Agent Daddy and I have experienced the prejudice against gun ownership quite a lot. But remember, someone straps on a gun EVERYDAY and goes out there to protect you and your loved ones at great risk to his/herself and their loved ones. I would be devastated to have one of my children hurt by irresponsible gun use. Guns should be locked up and children should be taught that they are not toys, whether mom and dad have them in the house or not. Ultimately we cannot be with our kids 24/7 for their whole lives. Meet the parents of your kids friends, be responsible with the great gift they are sharing with you of their children. And be respectful of the WHY behind the ownership of guns.