Would You Work for a Family that Has Guns in their Home?

There seems to be no more hotly debated topic in America at this moment than gun control.

No matter a nanny’s opinion on the topic, the reality is that an estimated one-third to one-half of American homes with children have firearms in them. It is a real safety issue for children. All nannies should be educated and informed about keeping children safe in homes that have firearms.

Just as nannies should ask parents if their children have allergies or medical conditions, if they own pets, and about the parents discipline style, nannies should ask if parents keep guns in their homes during job interviews.

Being upfront will save time for job seekers that absolutely refuse to work for a family who store a firearm in the home. For job candidates that are completely comfortable if a family owns hunting rifles for sport or for protection, they must ensure the weapons are safely stored before caring for the children in that home.

Although all child care providers should be knowledgeable about gun safety, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that the safest home for a child is one without firearms. Research shows the most effective way to prevent unintentional gun injuries, suicide, and homicide to children and adolescents is the absence of guns from homes and communities. Studies show that even toddlers find guns. And many studies show that teaching kids about gun safety, or to not touch a firearm if they find one, is not enough.

Here are common firearm safety tips:

1. Gun Safe:

All guns in the home should be locked and unloaded in a safe made to secure firearms.

2. Store Ammunition Separately:

Ammunition should be locked in a secure safe elsewhere.

3. Hide Keys:

Make sure children and teens can’t access the keys or combinations to lock boxes or gun safes. Keep keys for safes hidden and do not tell children the combinations to locks.

4. Talk to Children:

Teach kids what to do if they come in contact with a gun:

• Stop what you’re doing.
• Don’t touch the gun.
• Leave the area where the gun is.
• Tell an adult right away.

Click here for more safety tips for more firearm safety with children in the home.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics

Project Child Safe

Champion Safe

Written by Stephanie Felzenberg