[legion]

I have three kids: 2, 4, and 8.

From 2-7, I teach them what is in the Eddie Eagle curriculum. I teach them the difference between a toy gun and a real gun. I teach them that real guns are dangerous.

From 7-on, I teach them how to shoot. And yes, that first session is mostly talking. I have a Savage Rascal single-shot bolt action, and I sit next to them and load it. I teach them to treat it like it is loaded at all times. I teach them how to check if it is loaded. I teach them how to unload it. I teach them how to check that the range is safe. I teach them how to keep the range safe. I teach them how to call for and respond to a cease fire. I teach them how to aim, and how to pull the trigger. Loading comes at a later lesson.

I also start the discussions about the more difficult situations. What do you do if you're at a friend's house and he wants to show you his dad's guns? What do you do if a friend asks to see our guns? A "wrong" answer is met with a response like: "Are you sure? Why don't you think about that a little." And we will pause the conversation for a future date.