Do you know where your child plays each day? Are you aware of who is living in the friend's home your child frequents? Do you ask the parents of your child's playmates if anyone owns any firearms in their household? Initially one might believe this is none of my business to ask if there are firearms in a home that my child frequents.

Am I as a mother being too nosy by asking a child's playmates parents Do you own or maintain any firearms in your home? If the answer is no, I simply thank him or her for taking the time to discuss the safety of our children. If the answer is that information is not your business then I explain that I am proactive in my child's safety and if they do not wish to tell me then my son can only play with their child at my house. I do not own a firearm.

I am the parent of a boy who is 11 and ADHD. He is extremely active and curious and loves to explore his environment. I have discussed with my children what to do in the event that they or someone else finds a gun in the home or sees someone pick up a gun. I instructed them to tell whoever is picking up the gun to stop and put it down, and that children playing with guns is dangerous. He or she is then to leave the area immediately to find an adult and notify them of the impending danger.


The statistics and news reports showing how many children die each year from accidental gunshot wounds are astronomical. Almost nightly on the news is another report of a child who found a gun and took it to school, or picked up the gun and it accidentally fired off a round.

Parents are ultimately responsible for providing a safe environment for their children, and knowing how safe the home is that they wish to visit to see a friend. I am responsible for my child’s safety inside the home and outside the home. Imagine my horror, if I neglected to voice my concerns and a police officer arrives on my doorstep to deliver the tragic news my child is hurt or dead.

As the mom of two ADHD children, I have always felt it was best to have the neighborhood kids frequent my home or backyard where I know I can watch them and know they are safe. Do you know who and where your child is playing? Does any of his or her friends or family members maintain or own a firearm? If so, how is the firearm stored to prevent a tragedy.