by Stacey Wesley

Created on: May 30, 2010   Last Updated: May 31, 2010

I do not see the problem with children playing with toy weapons as long as the parents take the time to teach them the difference between toy and not. If children are taught about gun safety and the consequences of playing with them in the wrong manner, then I believe that we would not have the issues with them.

If parents do not want their children playing with these toys then they should not buy them for their children or allow them to play with friends that have them. Teaching children to respect weapons will go along way in preventing accidents. 

In the same turn, parents that have guns in the house should learn not to have them in arms reach of any children. Then maybe we would not have so many injuries or deaths caused by real weapons being left where children can get their hands on them.

If parents are so concerned that about their children and guns, every state offers some type of program that will teach children to respect the weapon and the dangers of mishandling them.

It is on the shoulders of the parents to keep an eye on their children, and monitor to the best of their ability the things that they are doing and playing with. Toys are just toys. They do not hurt anyone. It never hurts to play; I mean everyone has played cow boys and Indians before. The big difference in the way that things are now and the way that they were years ago is the fact that more and more children are left to find something to do while both parents work long hours just to be able to support the life style that they live.

Weapons do not kill people, it is the people that pull the trigger that enable the weapon to either injure or kill. Respect for the weapons is a must if you are going to allow your children to play with them. If you do not want them to play with them, then keep them away from them and others that play with them. But let me tell you this, the more that children learn the difference between real and play toys the better off that the child is going to remain. Teach your children, or enroll them into classes that will do that for you. It could save the life of a child; you never know the life that could be saved could be the life of your own child. 

It is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children, so teach them. Their lives are in your hands and they are your responsibility. You are responsible for everything that they do while they are living under your roof, as long as they are minors. Keep your children safe and do what ever it is that you have to do to teach them the difference.

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