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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be pissed off with DH over DC and a gun

20 replies

numbum · 05/08/2012 15:34

DH has just got back from his parents with DC (5 and 7). He showed me photos he'd taken of both children holding and aiming FIL's shotgun.

I am beyond pissed off that he thought it was either appropriate or funny. But he says, as it wasn't loaded, he can't see why I'm angry.

AIBU??

OP posts:
Original poster
numbum · 05/08/2012 15:35

Should probably add we live in the countryside and FIL hunts pheasants. It's not just a randomly owned shotgun iyswim

OP posts:
honeytea · 05/08/2012 15:35

YANBU, he on the other hand is BVVU. Guns are not fun and they are most certainly not toys or props. What was he thinking?

Bossybritches22 · 05/08/2012 15:37

I have an issue about kids & guns as playthings.

However if you live in a rural community as I do where kids are around them & have a healthy repsect for them as part of country life then you have to change your views. Are your DH & FIL teaching them about safety procedures & how to handle a gun properly?

Olympia2012 · 05/08/2012 15:38

Can't see the problem!

lauratheexplorer · 05/08/2012 15:38

YANBU. I would hate it if my children played with guns, loaded or unloaded, plastic or real. In my opinion guns need to be taught to be dangerous and if they are taught to shoot they should be taught properly. Some people might disagree with me and see it as harmless.

Pandemoniaa · 05/08/2012 15:38

I live in the country too. Lots of people shoot (I can myself although don't own a gun). For all that, I don't think it is clever or appropriate to hand one to children as young as 5 and 7 for any reason. Let alone a photograph! So no, YANBU.

Sparks1 · 05/08/2012 15:38

In the context you've presented he's not being unreasonable.

The gun is licensed ( presumably) and is used appropriately.

Plenty of children are brought up around guns responsibly.

lauratheexplorer · 05/08/2012 15:40

I also agree with Bossy. Guns should be taught but not as playthings but with respect and safety precautions. Learning how to shoot can be valuable. Learning how to shoot with no respect for guns or life is dangerous.

WorraLiberty · 05/08/2012 15:40

In the context you've presented he's not being unreasonable

I agree

What are you beyond pissed off about OP?

JennerOSity · 05/08/2012 15:40

don't see a problem with the pictures per se. I would have an issue if he was larking around and not teaching them respect or appreciation for the dangers etc.

If they are being taught not to muck about, and the safety and responsibility the goes with it I would be fine.

Original poster
numbum · 05/08/2012 15:40

DH grew up with seeing his dad with a gun so I can see why he was puzzled by my lack of humour over it.

Seeing my kids holding a gun the same size as them and aiming it just didnt sit right with me though

OP posts:
Pandemoniaa · 05/08/2012 15:41

PS. I don't have issues with children learning about gun safety or, indeed, learning to shoot if they live in the country. But I do have an issue with guns being given to small children who aren't old enough to use them. Let alone learn how to use them safely.

JennerOSity · 05/08/2012 15:41

I would not want my children to play with guns. But to learn the function and responsibility properly and bring home a nice fat pheasant for a pie I would be OK with.

Original poster
numbum · 05/08/2012 15:42

I dont know why the gun was out or what the DC were told. I guess I should have found that out before posting my initial wtf post Blush

OP posts:
MaisyMooCow · 05/08/2012 15:42

Outside the Post Office the other week (day after the USA cinema shootings) I heard a mum tell her noisy toddler who was sitting in his trolley holding a gun (generating bubbles) to 'shut up and shoot people with your gun'. She then turned and continued her conversation to her friend.

I REALLY don't like guns as toys.

JennerOSity · 05/08/2012 15:44

MaisyMoo Shock

I used to work in a mobile phone shop which loaned phones out for customers whose phones was being repaired. One came back with pictures of a very young boy sat in car holding a non-toy gun in a gangster way. It might have been a replica not loaded, but it wasn't from toyRus that's for sure. That did would really bother me

Dprince · 05/08/2012 17:51

Since its a 'working' gun, I think yabu.
Dhs parents have a shot gun, for all the reasons above. Dd is aware of it seen it, held it and been taught the dangers of it including responsible gun ownership.

Ds hasn't been near it but then he is only 17 months. :)

FateLovesTheFearless · 05/08/2012 17:54

Yabu. Your fil shoots pheasants, lives in the countryside. Presumably the gun is licensed and handled by someone with experience. I was brought up around guns and using them, being an estate keepers daughter. I haven't shot anyone!

ILiveInAPineapple · 05/08/2012 17:54

YANBU! Why did they need to hold it? They have no need to use it, whether it is a working gun or not! It's not funny, and it certainly is not a toy. I am with you OP.

threesocksmorganwinsgold · 05/08/2012 17:55

yabu
I can't see the harm
as for the ott stuff about toy guns Shock
very ott, and tbh the idea that is a child plays with a toy gun they will go on to shoot some one is just stupid

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