Guns, Kids, and the Home: A Conversation Worth Having
In the world of parenting, few topics spark more tension than the idea of firearms in the home — especially when children are involved. I’ve spoken with several friends who’ve shared a common concern: “My wife is uncomfortable with having a gun in the house around the kids.” That concern is real, valid, and rooted in love. As a firearms instructor and a lifelong student of safety, I want to offer a different perspective — not to argue, but to inform.
Fear vs. Familiarity
Let’s start with the big picture: our culture heavily influences the way we view firearms. From movies to video games, from news coverage to song lyrics, guns are often shown as instruments of violence or symbols of chaos. It's no wonder that many people — especially parents — develop a fear of them. But fear usually stems from the unknown.
Firearms, in reality, are nothing more than tools. They are inanimate objects that do nothing on their own. Like a chainsaw or a gas stove, they require a human hand and intent to function. And just like those other potentially dangerous tools, the difference between danger and safety comes down to one thing: education.
Childproofing vs. Child-Empowering
Many parents childproof their homes — and for good reason. We put covers on outlets, lock up cleaning supplies, and keep sharp knives out of reach. But at a certain age, we don’t just hide these things — we teach our children how to use them safely. I remember being a kid and using a stool to reach the stove so I could cook my own eggs in the morning. My parents didn’t just say “stay away” — they showed me how to do it safely.
The same logic should apply to firearms.
If a child is never taught about guns — what they are, what they do, how they function, and most importantly, how to be safe around them — then their first experience might be in the worst possible scenario. Picture this: your child is visiting a friend’s house. That friend finds their dad’s loaded gun and wants to show it off. No adults are around. They’ve seen guns in video games, but never in real life. Curiosity takes over. It’s a tragic headline waiting to happen.
Now imagine a different scenario — one where your child has been educated. They’ve been taught that guns aren’t toys. They know to never touch a firearm without an adult. They know how to make sure it’s safe. And maybe, just maybe, they stop a tragedy before it starts.
Curiosity Is Natural — Education Is the Answer
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Kids want what they can’t have.” That’s not just a saying — it’s human nature. When something is forbidden, it becomes mysterious. And mystery breeds curiosity.
Think about it like candy. In one household, candy is always around and not made into a big deal. In another household, candy is strictly forbidden. Which child is more likely to binge on candy the first chance they get? The one who’s never allowed to have it.
Guns are no different. If you create mystery and fear, your child’s natural curiosity might one day push them to explore unsafely. But if you demystify firearms through age-appropriate education, you give them respect, not fear — and with respect comes safety.
My Own Mistakes — and Why I Teach Now
I speak from experience. When I got my first few guns at 19 and 21, I didn’t know what I was doing. I hadn’t been taught proper safety, and I did a lot of stupid things — not because I was reckless, but because I was uneducated. Thankfully, nothing bad ever happened. But that was luck, not skill. If I had been given the kind of instruction I now offer, things would’ve been very different.
That’s why I’m so passionate about what I do today. It’s not just about training people to shoot. It’s about giving families the tools to be safer, more confident, and more prepared — whether they choose to own a firearm or not.
The Offer: Free Family Firearms Safety Class
So here’s what I offer — and I mean this sincerely: I’ll teach a free firearms safety class for your family. No shooting involved. You don’t even have to own a gun. This class is designed to be an educational experience, similar to a CPR class or a kitchen safety course. We’ll go over:
What to do (and what not to do) if you or your child encounters a firearm
How to check if a firearm is loaded or safe
Basic handling principles that even young children can understand
How to build a respectful, safety-first mindset around firearms
You don’t need to agree with everything I say. You don’t need to become a gun person. But if you believe, as I do, that knowledge is better than ignorance, and preparation is better than fear — then this class might be something worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Firearms in the home is a deeply personal choice, and I respect every family’s decision. But if you’re unsure, hesitant, or just want to learn more before making up your mind, I’m here to help.
Let’s replace fear with knowledge. Let’s empower kids to be safe and prepared, not naïve and curious. And let’s make sure that if and when they do encounter a firearm — at a friend’s house, in college, or in their adult life — they have the tools to stay safe.
I’m always ready to help, when and if the time ever comes.
Stay safe,
Adam Johnson
Lead Instructor – A-Team Firearms Instruction
Train Smart. Stay Safe. Be Ready.