Before I embraced motherhood, I had a laundry list of things I vowed I would never do with my children. My kids would steer clear of tacky character shirts, my daughter would rock chic one-piece swimsuits, and we would maintain a strict policy of family dinners where healthy meals were non-negotiable. I’d even commit to wearing jeans at home to avoid the slump into sweats. Thank you notes would be a must upon receiving gifts, and screen time would be limited to just one show a day. The list went on, driven by the idealism of a non-parent.
At the top of my list was a firm stance: my children would never play with toy guns. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself gradually dismantling each of those well-intentioned rules. Television became the go-to (and free!) babysitter, family dinners turned into a distant memory, and I quickly discovered that tankinis are quite adorable. Thank you notes? They could wait.
And then there were the toy guns. After resisting for three years, I finally gave in one summer with a simple water gun for our local pool. Little did I know, that was just the beginning. It opened the floodgates to a collection of Nerf guns, bullets, and targets that now clutter our home. We became the household I once swore we wouldn’t be; evenings are now filled with my kids chasing each other, shooting and pretending to fall dramatically.
Recent tragic events, like the heartbreaking shooting in Colorado that claimed numerous lives, have made me reconsider my choices. I feel an urge to gather every toy gun in the house and toss them away, resurrecting my former rule. After all, two-piece bathing suits are one thing, but how did I let something as serious as guns become a part of my children’s play?
While I understand that children with toy guns aren’t responsible for real-world violence, I can’t shake the feeling that allowing them to view guns as toys might not be the best idea. On the other hand, knowing my boys, they will likely turn everyday objects like spoons and wands into makeshift weapons anyway. So, what’s the solution? One thing is certain: I don’t want my kids running around pretending to shoot tonight.
If you’re in a similar boat, you might find inspiration in our other blog post discussing the nuances of parenting choices here. And for those considering at-home insemination options, I recommend checking out Make A Mom for reliable syringe kits. Additionally, for anyone seeking more information on fertility services, Hopkins Medicine is an excellent resource.
In summary, parenting often leads us to break the very rules we set. While I grapple with the toy gun dilemma, I remain committed to navigating this complex landscape of childhood play and the lessons it brings.
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