AIBU to think it's wrong to ban nerf guns

[mangomum1411]

Just interested to know what others think on this. My friend has 3 kids and I got them all nerf guns at Christmas. However she has just said they have a no guns policy in their house. Obviously I respect this, won't buy them any more guns.

Now I'm wondering If I should have the same policy at home? I've always believed kids rebel when you ban something and I don't see the harm (I had many supersoakers when I was a kid and have never had the desire to own a gun!)

What do others do?

[MooPointCowsOpinion]

I don't think weapons should be toys.

Let them pick up a stick and say pew pew if they want, at least they'd have to be outside, but buying plastic tat in for the purpose of playing a simulated violent game seems slightly appalling.

I've thrown out anything weapon related that's given to my girls. I concede it's harder with boys, but I argue even more necessary to teach them what a decent man should be.

[KittyLaRoux]

All mine had nerf guns and water pistols, as children we had western type cap guns. Can't say that playing with guns has turned us in to gun toting maniacs so I see no issue with it.

Each parent makes choices they deem fit when raising their children.

[exLtEveDallas]

I had the opposite - my sister that asked DD what she wanted for Christmas, but then baulked when DD asked for a nerf gun.

She got it in the end, but was very disapproving. DD however had a fantastic time playing nerf wars with her friends over the field.

Each to their own, I don't see the issue with them.

[MissBattleaxe]

I don't like my sons having guns either. It doesn't take away their primal need to play at shooting stuff with sticks, but at least I feel I'm taking a tiny stand. I don't think pretending to kill people should ever be entertainment, but sadly it very much is

[AuntieStella]

I'm OK with toy guns, provided they look like toys, not replica weapons.

I don't give toy weapons (whether gun, sword, light sabre) or associated clothing (uniforms, pirates, stormtroopers) as presents unless I know for absolutely sure that it's a house where toy weapons and fighting paraphernalia are allowed.

That someone else has a different view to me on this one wouldn't lead me to change my mind, and more than I would expect my choice to lead them to change theirs.

[MissBattleaxe]

Agree Auntie Stella. I accept that not everyone has the same stand and I wouldn't take issue.