Ben got his first Nerf gun for his birthday (courtesy of Andy) and now one of the kids' favorite games is for Ben to shoot Lucy in the tummy with his Nerf darts. She laughs uproariously every time he pops one at her and I'm conflicted about whether I should be happy that they have so much fun or be concerned about guns as playtoys. I didn't think much about it until I was at a friend's house last week and she had Ben put his gun away since they don't play with guns at their house. I didn't grown up with a father who hunted, so I'm not comfortable with having a real firearm around the house, but figured that playing make believe with guns is part of being a boy. It goes along with the whole light saber/sword thing. What do you think? Do you have a rule about certain games or toys that are off-limits?
Ben, locked and loaded.
Ambushed as I walked down the hall today.
For Bekka, here are some pictures of the kiddos. This is us at McDonald's using Ben's coupon for a free Happy Meal for completing his summer reading club goal. He hasn't put the toy down since we got came home three days ago.
Feed Me! Miss Lucy in her favorite spot with a mouthful of banana.
10 comments:
We don't have any guns at our house, nor do we watch tv or shows with guns - yet my kids STILL manage to create guns - with sticks, toys, or just their own hands. I think it's just a kid thing. (especially boys!) I wouldn't be too concerned about it. Even if he didn't have a nerf gun, he could find another way. For that reason I think it's pretty funny people try to ban their kids from playing "guns". (and the same with swords).
Guns, Swords, Wrestling, Boxing.....aarg...aarg...aarg!!! It's a man thing Nollie...Embrace it!
Spencer
I played Mortal Kombat all the time growing up and I turned out okay. No really though, I am trying to figure this all out myself. Like most things, I think some middle ground is best...I dont see any harm at all in a Nerf gun!
I totally agree with Rachel. All my nephews were completely banned from playing with guns (in fact, in one home, the word was not even allowed) and yet the boys somehow still turned everything into a bazooka of some sort - even their little sister's barbie. I also think there's a little boy convention out there that teaches them all how make really good machine gun noises.
Having four older brothers I was also always surrounded by guns and destruction as a kid (our sacrament programs always have some war scene drawn all over them)and yet my brothers are still caring human beings (although they do love Halo and other violent video games). I think I am definitely going to draw the line at the video games. Imaginary play is one thing - actual visual death is another. This is an ongoing conversation in our household...
I still remember my stepfather cleaning his guns at the kitchen table...it's the source of my neurosis. Thanks for understanding! I guess I'm just not ready for my boy to be a boy yet :)
B, no worries. I'm glad you enforced your house rules, which we will totally abide by. It made me think more deeply about what types of media and play I want to encourage, which is why I've been against buying Ben any type of cartoon figure that I feel glorifies violence or disrespect. I'm still stymied as how Ben loves Sponge Bob so much since we've not watched it here, but he says it's his favorite TV show.
Guns shmums, let's talk about how adorable those kids are! Lucy is so big (and has some hair!) and Ben is like a man child. He looks so big. Next time I see him he'll probably be sporting a mustache. They are growing way too fast. I miss you guys. Thanks for appeasing my request so quickly:)
Thanks for the blog-a-palooza. Lucy is such a big baby! She looks giant in her crib, especially after seeing pictures of HB in hers. Ben looks so old too, even though I just saw him. He looks like Andy a lot in a couple of those pictures. I miss you guys. Next summer: Nanny in Columbus. Start soliciting me now. Any takers?
I once read that research suggests some connection between the Y chromosome and gun play - really! I think there's a difference between allowing typical gunplay and violent behavior. If all else fails, my rule for pretend play is that you can't ever make anyone else feel scared or unsafe. So as long as Lucy is a willing participant, and Ben isn't fantasizing about actually shooting his sister, I'd say you're A-OK. Can't wait to see you!
Hey Nollie,
I can't believe you were able to hold out until Ben's fifth birthday to get him a nerf gun. Ryker has had a couple..the rule around our house is that the guns aren't allowed to be pointed at people. Hopefully as he gets older he will remember this rule, especially when Jon decides to take him hunting with his own gun!
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