My 20-month-old son is fussing. He desperately wants the shiny, all-metal Cowboy Cap Gun that his older brothers are currently enjoying. The metallic clinks sound satisfying as they pull the trigger, aiming it at imaginary villains, the wall, and even each other. They wear their toy in a cheap holster, gearing up for an epic showdown.
Five years prior, I would have firmly opposed any gun-related play. My stance against firearms is strong; I believe that handguns should be banned altogether. I vowed that my children would never play with guns, especially not handguns, which serve no purpose other than to harm. I feared that allowing them to engage in gunplay would instill the idea that firearms were acceptable, aligning with pro-gun sentiments. Furthermore, such play could lead to dangerous situations, like toddlers accidentally shooting siblings. Guns, in my view, were unequivocally harmful, and I was determined to shield my kids from them.
The shift began gradually with the introduction of Star Wars. My partner showed it to our eldest when he was just three, and suddenly, “blasters” entered our vocabulary. Lacking a toy of his own, he began crafting makeshift blasters from Duplo blocks, which soon scattered across our home.
Outside, he found sticks and pointed them at friends and family, making instinctive “pew, pew” sounds. Some stick blasters were small, while others were quite large. He often insisted on bringing them along in the car, hiding them in his seat.
I realized that I was on a losing path. If I continued to confiscate his makeshift weapons, he would inevitably use his fingers as guns. So, I decided to make a compromise: he could play with “blasters,” but I emphasized that they were not to be aimed at real people, only at imaginary foes. My close friend, Melissa, made a similar decision, leading us to spend playdates instructing our sons to aim their elaborate Duplo creations only at “imaginary bad guys.” “We don’t point blasters at others,” I reiterated.
Despite our best efforts, we knew that when left unsupervised, the boys would likely point their toys at each other. We repeated our rule about not aiming at people, but eventually, the distinction between “blaster” and “gun” faded. We found ourselves using both terms interchangeably, continually reminding each other about our rules.
In time, I succumbed to the inevitable. Our sons were now creatively crafting their own guns, using Duplos, sticks, and a variety of toys, all while mimicking gun sounds. It wasn’t long before I found myself buying my eldest a toy blaster—rounded, somewhat cute, and equipped with a real trigger that emitted a generic space gun noise. He cherished it above all else, and since it was a reward, I felt powerless to object.
Once the floodgates opened, the influx of toy blasters was relentless. My eldest was nearing five, and his younger brother, at three, wanted in on the action. They soon amassed an impressive collection of light-up blasters, water pistols, and other pretend weaponry. While I maintained a firm stance against realistic-looking guns, my resolve was tested when my youngest earned a reward for successful potty training during a visit to a local store. He pointed out a cowboy cap gun, which I reluctantly allowed him to purchase—an impulsive decision driven more by convenience than ideology.
Now, I grapple with mixed feelings about the gunplay. Though I don’t endorse the constant shooting and “pewing,” I recognize that they predominantly aim at imaginary villains rather than each other. We’ve had discussions about the importance of recognizing real firearms and practicing safety. Although I remain a staunch advocate for gun control, I realize that parenting sometimes diverges from personal beliefs. Perfection is unattainable, and sometimes it means accepting that your children are engaging in playful battles.
In summary, navigating the complexities of childhood play and parental beliefs can be challenging. As parents, we often find ourselves adapting our ideals to fit the realities of our children’s interests. For more insights on parenting and home insemination, consider checking out this blog post. If you’re exploring self-insemination options, this site provides a comprehensive overview of at-home kits. Additionally, for valuable information regarding fertility insurance, this is an excellent resource for understanding your options.