As a parent of two children aged 11 and nearly 8, I recently undertook an exercise to assess the number of playdates my kids have experienced throughout the years. To arrive at a conservative estimate, I calculated two playdates per child each week. While it’s likely they’ve attended more, this approach ensures that I don’t overstate the situation. I only included playdates where they were old enough to visit friends’ homes without my supervision or that of a designated caregiver, even for just an hour.
For the sake of clarity, let’s assume that prior to age five, playdates were primarily Mommy-and-Me or supervised by a nanny. I might consider adding a few extra playdates for the rare instances when I left my preschooler at a friend’s house while I ran errands, but these occasions were infrequent. After doing the math, I realized that my children have attended around 1,000 playdates (combined) at the homes of others, including time spent with friends, neighbors, and new families from school.
So, why did I take the time for this tally? It stemmed from a video I watched by the Brady Campaign, which deeply unsettled me. This prompted me to dive into some research. Regardless of your stance on gun control—where many compelling arguments exist on both sides—there’s an undeniable problem with gun violence in the United States, particularly affecting children.
According to recent Pew Research data, one in three American households contains a firearm. However, Gallup reports that nearly 47 percent of Americans claim to have a gun on their property. Political affiliation appears to have little to do with gun ownership; while 55 percent of Republicans own guns, a significant 40 percent of Democrats do as well. This means that regardless of whether you reside in a “blue” area like Brooklyn or San Francisco, or a “red” city such as Dallas or Des Moines, the issue is relevant to you. It’s quite possible that my children—and yours—have played in homes where a firearm was present, whether it was secured or not.
Startling statistics reveal that nine children are shot in the U.S. every day due to accidental gun incidents. I frequently come across these tragic headlines, and they always evoke a profound sense of empathy for the victims’ families. However, when children are the shooters, they too are victims. These heart-wrenching incidents often seem to affect other families, and I find myself in denial that it could happen to mine.
Eighty percent of unintentional gun fatalities among children under 15 occur not in public spaces, but within the home. Many people might associate gun violence with gang activity, which is certainly a pressing issue that deserves attention. Yet, we must not overlook the frequency of accidental shootings, which tragically take young lives every day, predominantly in home environments.
Gun violence ranks as the second leading cause of death among American children and teenagers. This statistic is shocking! Only car accidents surpass gun-related fatalities in this demographic. As a protective parent, I’ve often inquired about various safety measures when my children are invited to playdates, such as the presence of pets or knowledge of EpiPen usage for allergies. Yet, I’ve never once asked, “Do you have firearms in your home? Are they stored securely and unloaded?”
Admittedly, it feels awkward to pose such a question. However, with the prevalence of accidental gun violence at home, why shouldn’t I ask? Why shouldn’t you? We should all be comfortable addressing this issue upfront and respectfully. The Brady Campaign’s Asking Saves Kids initiative provides valuable resources for parents to educate themselves and learn how to discuss gun safety with one another in a non-confrontational manner.
Ultimately, we share a common goal: to protect our children, regardless of our views on gun ownership.
By the way, June 21—Father’s Day—is recognized as National Ask Day. If you’re interested in learning more about ASK events in your area, click here.
Reflecting on my children’s 1,000 playdates at other homes, I challenge you to consider how many playdates your children have attended. Are you prepared to ask about gun safety during playdates?
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Summary
It is crucial to include discussions about gun safety when considering playdates for our children. The alarming statistics surrounding accidental gun deaths highlight the importance of addressing this topic directly with other parents. By fostering open conversations about gun safety, we can work collectively to protect our children from potential harm.
Keyphrase: gun safety and playdates
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