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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Would you let your child play with plastic swords &/or squirt guns?
Two months ago at my boys double celebration, I had inflatable swords & squirt guns for the kids....well, I'm just NOW hearing that MH's cousin's wife is still pretty upset that I had that out for the kids. ?She's telling the other relatives that I'm promoting violence and she feels bad that I'm teaching that to my boys.
My thing is - inflatable swords? they have them at pirate parties, right?
Squirt guns? It was a hot day & the older kids were cooling each other off by 'loading' the guns with ice cold water.?
I think she's over reacting and so does a few other family members. ?
But, I'm curious, would you let your child play with swords &/or squirt guns??
Re: Would you let your child play with plastic swords &/or squirt guns?
Omg I can't believe she is making a big deal out of that. I don't have kids- but I hope that when I do, I won't be that oversensitive--- dragging someone else through the mud because of a decision- if she had such a problem with it, she should have left, or just not allowed her child to play with the TOY.
I was watching a TV show on this yesterday actually. They did a study of children who played with "violent" toys such as those you mentioned, and then the children who did not play with those same toys. After following them for several years, they determined that playing with those toys did not affect the boys' desire to know more about guns or swords--- it didn't matter if they had played with them or not, they were still interested in learning more about guns and swords, etc...
So I really think she was overreacting- her kid can live in a bubble forever. I think it is important to educate children about respecting weapons, not fearing them. Maybe respecting them and understanding them better will help keep the curiosity down, and keep kids from getting into trouble with those weapons (such as holding a loaded gun in the household and accidentally discharging it).
It was a pirate party? does she oppose to eye patches, parrots and the phrase "arrrrrr" too? I wouldn't care... as long as you weren't going all "bandura behavorism" (google it : ) ) and showing them how to beat the crap outta each other, no problem here. Cartoons are violent too.... just sayn.
Squirt guns.... wtf?! I don't oppose to squirt guns, the "hand gun" type ones may be more controversial (sp) but it's watter... what's next.... watter ballons too? You know... they have the ones that look like grenades(sp)... those are promoting warfare and mocking our military.... give me a break.
you were fine!
(that was a rant of mine, yikes ) : )
I personally do not see what the big deal is...they're toys...that's it. I think kids pick up more violence in daycare, video games and on tv. C collects guns and goes target shooting quite a bit (each gun has a lock and all guns are in a gun safe)...I was raised with guns in the house...we plan to raise Sarah with a respect for them and not to fear them.
I think she really overreacted...especially if she's still ticked about it now! She needs to move on!
Didn't all of our DHs play with G.I. Joe?!?!
Are *they* running around "going comando" on everyone?!?!
Sharra - my thoughts exactly!
Lena - What's the name of that show you saw? ?We see her in a week for a birthday party and since it's a 'Camo' theme party, I'm going to tell her she should watch it. ?She'll probably be having a heart attack in the corner with all the camo/military decorations! hehe!
I swear some people are just dim wits. Really you if think having squirt guns and blow up swords around is promoting violence then you are an idiot. Shiit anyone that has watched kids boys play they make anything into a gun sword what every they can think of. I wish mothers would stop trying to make their little boys play the way little girls like to play.
Tell her to get some books about raising boys maybe then she will understand.
So true. ?Just last night, my older son took a hanger and started shooting at the lizards in the back yard.?
It's a sword. ?She was appalled that the kiddo was Yoda for Halloween last year, complete with a light saber - I didn't know she felt that way until the gun/sword drama came about.
In her book, I am a violent teaching mama. ?Sucks to be her son.?
OMG! C is currently searching the web to find the perfect Star Wars costume for Sarah to wear at Halloween. We have a SW room complete with a light sabre (that Sarah is dying to get her hands on).
Her poor kid...
No. Mine was forced to play with Polly Pocket, rememeber?!?! : )
Back to the OP, that's ridiculous. Eric has squirt guns AND plastic swords! (GASP!) I can't believe she is telling other relatives she "feels bad" that you are promoting this behavior...
Wasn't she an Ewok last year??
OMG she was upset about a Yoda costume???
Lori - A Star Wars room!?!?! I
you. I saw an ADORABLE baby Chewbaca costume online.
Good memory! Yes she was! I think C is going to get her the Princess Leia costume this year. I can't wait!
Yup...C is a HUGE fan so we did our family room all with Star Wars stuff. I on the other hand have only seen 1 of the movies - much to C's horror. You guys will all get to see it at the GTG!
Thanks everyone! I knew that she was over reacting, but at the same time it was kind of upsetting that she was going around telling family that I am 'promoting violence'. ?Like seriously, that was going overboard....and to still be talking about it 2 freakin months after? eh.
Guess it looks like the IE kids will all get along
?
After 2 rounds of IVF & 2 rounds of FET, we were blessed with identical twin girls!
Sorry the reply took me so long... power has been out all afternoon (due to DH's attempted installation of the whole house fan, lol! Just one more hour he keeps telling me!
)
I'll try to figure it out--- I was only 1/2 way paying attention because I was annoyed at some of the moms on it... I'm thinking it was like a dateline special.... it was yesterday, and it was on whatever channel Army Wives and Drop Dead Diva is on (not good with channels, I don't watch much TV). I'll let you know if I can figure it out!
Here is one interesting blog with a good perspective IMO: http://bloggingboutboys.blogspot.com/2009/06/gun-play-and-boys-yay-or-nay.html
An article from Education.com
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Ed_Boys_Guns_Okay_Play/
Another interesting article- gives a little bit on both sides:
http://www.parentkidsright.com/pt-toyguns.html
She's confusing squirt guns w/the red cap plastic ones.
C won't be playing w/squirt guns. You can do more damage w/the bazooka super soaker
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This.