Heartbroken Parent Encourages Others to Ask This Uncomfortable Question

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When it comes to parenting, we often find ourselves navigating through some awkward situations for the sake of our children’s safety. From those early morning sports practices to the not-so-fun parent-teacher meetings, we step outside our comfort zones daily. Making unusual requests—like no nuts in the lunchroom—and asking sensitive questions—“Has your child been vaccinated?”—becomes second nature.

As our kids grow and start visiting their friends’ homes without us, there’s one question that might be the most crucial, albeit uncomfortable, to ask: “Do you have guns in your home?”

In a poignant piece shared on Today, a grieving mother named Jenna Collins reflects on the day she wishes she had asked that very question before her son went to a sleepover. Her son, Jake, was just 12 years old when a friend picked up an unsecured gun in the home, thinking it was a toy. Tragically, the gun was loaded, and Jake lost his life that day.

“I never thought to ask about guns when arranging playdates,” Jenna recalls. “Had I known there were firearms lying around, I would have never allowed him to go there. That’s a heavy burden I carry every single day.”

This isn’t a political stance; Jenna openly admits that her family isn’t against guns. In fact, her son was familiar with firearms, having gone hunting since he was a toddler. They had guns at home, but they were always secured and locked away. She trusted that other families followed the same safety protocols. But, as we’ve seen time and time again, not every household practices the same vigilance.

Watching your children grow and gain independence is both beautiful and terrifying. They will spend time away from you, and you can’t always control their environment. However, we can take proactive steps to improve their safety—like asking those tough questions.

It might feel uncomfortable to ask if there are guns in a friend’s house, but it could potentially save a life. Whether you lean towards a more pacifist viewpoint or are a proud gun owner, the stakes are simply too high to ignore. Yes, it risks offending someone you may see often, but the possibility of protecting your child far outweighs the potential awkwardness of the conversation.

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In summary, while navigating the world of parenting can be challenging, asking vital questions like whether there are guns in a friend’s home can be a small but significant step toward ensuring your child’s safety.