Through The Eyes Of A Child

Throughout our journey over the past 5 years to get where we are today. We have learned, refined, and honed our approach. Most of the important lessons that we have learned has come through seeing how children interpret our firearms from their perspective. What seems logical to us, as parents, is different than how our children see things. This is the most valuable lessons that we can take away from the process. As the President and founder of the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation, I literally have 2000 hours in front of the kids demoing and honing our program. I have heard it all. It never ceases amaze me how a childs mind takes in, processes, and repeats the information that we present. This has been invaluable to what we do as an Organization.

In today’s society there’s so much talk about changes that are intended to “save lives.” What is never discussed is how our children are going to benefit from this. Our most vulnerable citizens are our children and it’s important that they, 1. understand the process and 2. Understand the intended effects. I do believe that it is very important to protect the innocence of our children. I do believe that we do have a responsibility to normalize firearms. The reason I believe this is because we live in a “Gun Culture” or “Gun Society.” Whether you like it or not guns are in every part of our society. Until recently there were guns in cartoons, toy aisles, TV, and video games. It is very common for us to go into public and see a sign or image of a gun almost everywhere. Guns are NORMAL and are NOT going anywhere, period. While those that fear and would like to regulate an inanimate object, they simply can’t erase every aspect of everyday life. Fear mongering will never stop the issues that we face as a society. Especially because kids will see signs of firearms potentially everywhere that they look.

We want our children to have a better life than we possibly had. As society changes we continue to lose sight of traditional values that were common when we were growing up. As technology changes and plays a bigger role in the development of our children, it’s important to realize how this impacts them. Some of the funnest experiences I have had while being in front of the kids is how they use new terms, new forms of media and other things to actually educate me. I like to think of myself as being somewhat hip, but I learn quite frequently, that I’m not as hip as I think. Understanding how our children see the world and potential dangers is an important concept to help keep them safe. When we make things a taboo and don’t talk about them. It makes kids naturally inquisitive. The most important thing that you could do is to talk with them. Don’t talk at them. Help them understand the dangers, help them see the purpose of the education. It’s about their safety. Our kids are going to hear about guns, would you prefer that information comes from you? We recommend it and can be a trusted resource to help your family start the process. It can be a fun and rewarding way for your family to bond in a different way. You will learn new things about the way your Childs mind works. I hope this blog post reinforces the importance of breaking down stigmas for the sake of keeping your kids safe. We look forward to continuing the important work that we do to protect children. We hope to meet your family soon, to help you all with your journey. Until then, be SAFE!!