I cannot help but think about gun play and how adults react. Children act out gun play naturally at some point in their development. If we call attention to it, add our (often) negative adult values and perspectives especially at school, children are more drawn to it. Children take to hiding and lying if we condemn the thoughts. They will say, “It’s not a gun, it’s a fire hose” or tattle, “Teacher, Johnny’s playing with a gun”.  

We must consider that there are professions and hobbies that involve guns and our families might be in either/both categories. What does that feel like to a child and their family when we dismiss their way of life? Collectively we need to accept the fascination children have and make sure that we need to react to create a safe space for open dialog which allows children to trust us and talk to us. We need to have candid hard conversations instead of shutting children down.  

On the street in Mexico, three young children were playing with Legos. They had made guns out of three pieces and were shooting us loudly as we walked by. Someone unseen said something to them as we passed by. My husband and I were able to converse about this as we walked down the road wondering what their experience was, what did the adult say, was it protective, corrective, positive, or negative?  

Let’s remember to seek perspective when we might be uncomfortable!