This morning I was getting ready to take my 10yr old daughter downtown to perform with her choir (ICC) at the Indianapolis Arts Garden.
As I was donning my holster and pistol, she asks me if I "really have to carry my gun today" To this I responded quickly "yes". My answer was immediate and definitive so she knew the discussion was over.
It took us about 15 minutes from that point to finish getting ready and load up in the truck. During that time, I couldn't help but reflect on the exchange. I have 3 daughters and they grew up around guns. They have all shot my guns, have their own guns and and have aided in the cleaning process. I was trying to figure out why she was uncomfortable with me carrying my pistol!?
When we finally got on the road I took the opportunity to bring this issue up. I told her that I really appreciated her feelings and her ability to express her concerns. I asked her if she was uncomfortable with me carrying my pistol. She answered by stating that she just didn't understand why I needed it, especially in a place with so many kids.
I also asked if she felt afraid or had any safety concerns with me carrying (keep in mind I am 38 and have been carrying since I was legally allowed, so this is nothing new to her) She told me there were no safety concerns and was not afraid. She was just uncomfortable with me carrying because she didn't understand WHY, and she doesn't see any other 'parents' doing the same.
I went on to explain that it is my duty as her father to make sure her mother and her 2 sisters are protected. I further explained that if someone wished to cause any of the other kids harm at this event, it would also be my responsibility to protect anyone who could not protect themselves. I told her that I take this responsibility very seriously and train on a regular basis. I also took out my LTCH and gave it to her to read. I explained that I am legally allowed to carry and I feel more people should.
I simply took it for granted that my children knew these things, and I wished I had this conversation sooner. After we talked I saw this giant "weight" lift off her shoulders. It was as if she had been carrying this great burden and now it was gone.
Take the time to talk to your kids! I know when my other two get home, we will be having the same discussion.
Thanks for listening INGO, and I'm sorry this is so long, but I didn't have the time to make it shorter!
-chtheo
As I was donning my holster and pistol, she asks me if I "really have to carry my gun today" To this I responded quickly "yes". My answer was immediate and definitive so she knew the discussion was over.
It took us about 15 minutes from that point to finish getting ready and load up in the truck. During that time, I couldn't help but reflect on the exchange. I have 3 daughters and they grew up around guns. They have all shot my guns, have their own guns and and have aided in the cleaning process. I was trying to figure out why she was uncomfortable with me carrying my pistol!?
When we finally got on the road I took the opportunity to bring this issue up. I told her that I really appreciated her feelings and her ability to express her concerns. I asked her if she was uncomfortable with me carrying my pistol. She answered by stating that she just didn't understand why I needed it, especially in a place with so many kids.
I also asked if she felt afraid or had any safety concerns with me carrying (keep in mind I am 38 and have been carrying since I was legally allowed, so this is nothing new to her) She told me there were no safety concerns and was not afraid. She was just uncomfortable with me carrying because she didn't understand WHY, and she doesn't see any other 'parents' doing the same.
I went on to explain that it is my duty as her father to make sure her mother and her 2 sisters are protected. I further explained that if someone wished to cause any of the other kids harm at this event, it would also be my responsibility to protect anyone who could not protect themselves. I told her that I take this responsibility very seriously and train on a regular basis. I also took out my LTCH and gave it to her to read. I explained that I am legally allowed to carry and I feel more people should.
I simply took it for granted that my children knew these things, and I wished I had this conversation sooner. After we talked I saw this giant "weight" lift off her shoulders. It was as if she had been carrying this great burden and now it was gone.
Take the time to talk to your kids! I know when my other two get home, we will be having the same discussion.
Thanks for listening INGO, and I'm sorry this is so long, but I didn't have the time to make it shorter!
-chtheo