As a parent of two children—one aged 11 and the other nearly 8—I’ve been reflecting on the countless playdates they’ve enjoyed over the years. For this exercise, I decided to estimate how many playdates they’ve had. I conservatively calculated two playdates per child each week, which likely undercounts the reality. This tally only includes instances when they could visit friends’ homes without my direct supervision, starting from the age when they could socialize independently.
In doing the math, I concluded that my kids have likely attended around 1,000 playdates together—this includes visits with close friends, afternoons at neighbors’ homes, and initial encounters with families from school that I don’t know very well.
Why did I take the time to tally this? I recently watched a thought-provoking video from the Brady Campaign that prompted me to dive deeper into the issue of gun safety at playdates. Regardless of your stance on gun ownership—there are valid points on both sides—it’s undeniable that gun violence is a significant concern in our country, and children are often among its victims.
Statistics reveal that one in three American households owns a gun, according to recent research from Pew. However, a Gallup study indicated that nearly half of Americans have a firearm on their property. This is not confined to any particular political demographic; gun ownership spans across party lines. So, whether you reside in a bustling “blue” city like Seattle or a conservative “red” area like Nashville, you might be closer to potential gun risks than you think. After all, it’s possible that my kids—and yours—have played in homes where a firearm is stored, whether it’s loaded or secured.
Every day, nine children in the U.S. are injured by firearms in accidents, and the majority of these tragic incidents occur within the home. Many of us picture gun violence as a street-level issue, often linked to gang activity. While that is certainly a serious problem, accidental shootings happen far too frequently and often result in tragic outcomes for innocent children.
Surprisingly, gun violence is the second leading cause of death for American children and teens, surpassed only by car accidents. This statistic should alarm every parent. Yet, despite the risks, I’ve realized that I routinely ask hosting parents about their pets or whether they’re prepared for allergies, but I’ve never thought to inquire about firearms in their homes. The thought of bringing it up feels awkward, but why shouldn’t we ask?
The Brady Campaign’s Asking Saves Kids initiative offers useful resources for parents to educate themselves and engage in these conversations without conflict. We all share a common goal: keeping our children safe. This is a concern that transcends political ideologies; at the end of the day, every parent wants to protect their child.
Interestingly, June 21—Father’s Day—marks National Ask Day. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about the ASK events happening in your area.
Reflecting on my children’s 1,000 playdates, I now pose this question to you: how many playdates have your kids enjoyed? Are you prepared to ask the necessary questions?
For more insights on parenting and safety, check out our other blog posts, like this one on home insemination. You can also visit Make a Mom for expert advice on insemination kits. Additionally, IVF Babble is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Summary
Discussing gun safety is essential when planning playdates. With a significant number of households owning firearms, parents should feel empowered to ask about gun storage and safety practices. By fostering open conversations, we can prioritize our children’s safety, no matter where they play.