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Why Addressing Gun Safety During Playdate Planning is Essential
Hey there! So, I’ve got two kids—one is 11, and the other is almost 8. As I reflect on their childhood, I decided to take a little trip down memory lane and calculate the number of playdates they’ve had over the years. I figured an average of two playdates per week for each kid, which is probably on the low side. This includes all those hangouts where they were old enough to spend time at a friend’s house without me or a babysitter hovering around.
In total, I estimate they’ve been on around 1,000 playdates combined. That’s a lot of time spent at friends’ houses, neighbors’ places, and even with families we don’t know super well from school.
So why am I sharing this? I recently watched a video from the Brady Campaign that really shook me up. It got me thinking about the gun violence issue in our country. Regardless of your stance on the topic, it’s clear we have a serious problem, especially when it comes to kids being affected by it.
The Statistics Are Alarming
Did you know that one in three homes in America has a gun? The numbers can vary, but some studies suggest that nearly half of Americans have firearms. It’s an issue that transcends political lines—both Republicans and Democrats own guns. This means that regardless of where you live, your children could potentially be in a home where firearms are present. Statistically, kids have already played at places where a gun might be stashed away—loaded or not, secured or not.
Tragically, nine children are shot in this country every day due to gun accidents. I often read the news and feel deep sorrow for the families affected. It’s easy to think these incidents happen to “other people,” but that’s just denial talking. A staggering 80% of unintentional gun deaths among kids under 15 happen in or around their own homes. While we often associate gun violence with gang activity, accidental shootings are happening regularly, and they are lethal. In fact, gun violence is the second leading cause of death for American kids and teens, surpassed only by car accidents.
Time to Ask the Right Questions
This realization hit me hard. When I send my kids to playdates, I usually ask hosts about their dogs or any medications that might need special attention, but I’ve never thought to ask about guns. It feels awkward to even consider. But if accidental gun violence is this prevalent, why wouldn’t I ask?
The Brady Campaign’s Asking Saves Kids initiative suggests we educate ourselves on this topic and approach each other in a friendly manner about gun safety—without turning it into a political debate. At the end of the day, we all want to keep our kids safe, whether we own guns or not.
By the way, June 21 is National Ask Day. If you want to learn more about this important initiative, check out some local events.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: 1,000 playdates in my kids’ lives. How many have your kids experienced? Are you prepared to ask those crucial questions next time?
In summary, discussing gun safety should be a vital part of planning playdates. Understanding the risks and addressing them openly can help protect our children, regardless of where we stand on gun ownership.