So last weekend, I took my oldest daughter with me to my property. After we got done working, I asked her did she want to shoot. Of course she said yes. So, I grabbed the old 20 gauge out. I kneeled down, held the gun and let her pull the trigger. The smile on her face was priceless.
When I got home, the first thing she told her momma was that she got to shoot daddy's gun. My wife really didn't have a problem with it.
Well, word got around to her and my parents. They seem to have a problem with it. Said she's too young (she's five), too small etc.
It really pissed me off. First off, she's my dang kid. We don't have a lot in common, but I love both of my girls. I just wanted to try to have her have fun and see what she can do. I'm really just trying to get her involved in the outdoors so I can spend as much time with her and bind.
Second, I think its the best way to teach a child gun safety. At this age, it seems kids have an easier time learnin stuff by doing instead of reading/listening. I want my kids to get that guns are tools, not toys. That they can and will kill without scaring them. It's how I learned, and I seemed to turn out just fine.
Last, I remember shooting a gun when I was her age. My grandpa would take me out to the woods (with that very same 20 gauge) and let me shoot. I got my fist gun at het age. Hell, I was in the woods harassing game with a bb gun, by myself mind you, at her age. My parents didn't have a problem with it then.
I think the problem is its she's a girl. I've always taught my daughter's that they can do what ever they want. I see no difference in gender. They have the same right to the outdoors as boys do.
Sorry this is so long guys. Just had to get this off my chest and hear yalls opinions.

Yeah that sucks they are like that, but keep up the good work

Thanks BMD... I realize that in a few years she'll probably be more interested in boys, so I'm just trying to make every moment I get with her count.

I wouldn't "sweat it", that is their opinion. much like our opinions, would it matter or change the way you feel? Just an opinion.
I say do what you feel is right, then live with the consequences that follow. My youngest (daughter) didn't take to hunting, so you may end up "bonding" with her at one of her preferred hobby's (band can be tough to sit through LOL). It is convenient if they take to the woods/hunting, but be prepared if she doesn't. Either way, it doesn't change the love you will have for her.

Coming from a girl, IMO do what you can to bond with your daughter no matter what. If she likes it and is interested those are memories you and her will cherish forever. I started teaching my daughter (who is 8 now) about guns at 4 or 5. I guarantee you that she knows more about guns than most older kids. Don't worry about what other people think even if it's your parents. Take their advice with a grain of salt and if they continue to butt in, politely tell them that she is your responsibility and not theirs. Sometimes I have to remind my family about that. Ingraine in her young that girls can do anything that boys can do and you will raise a strong confidant woman. Keep up the good work.

Wouldn't worry about it. Same thing has been said for 100's of years regardless of the situation. Think about it.

I think you did right regardless of what others say!!! You are bonding with her and teaching her valuable lessons about guns and gun safety!!! I think the "hands on" experiences are best!!! Its how I learned also!!!

I had the same issue with my mother in law last year before christmas. My youngest daughter wanted a gun of her very own. My MIL found out and said, in front of me, "you aren't getting a gun. None of my grandkids are gonna have guns." She went on to tell some BS about gun accidents and crap. I promptly informed my MIL that they are my children and I will buy them guns if I see fit. She disagreed. It was about 5 months before I allowed her to return to visit my home. Since then she hasn't opened her mouth in a negative way about guns in mine or my kids presence. BTW, 3 out of 4 kids got new guns for christmas last year.

Funny thing, I can see that it absolutely kills her when my daughter and sons tell her about going out to shoot AR-15s and Aks. I only wish my other daughter showed an interest in guns. She wants to bowhunt, but has ZERO interest in guns. So this year, I am gonna try bowhunting for the first time so she too can have hunting memories with her old man.

Water + Rain + Duck = No Big Deal

Parents + Inlaws + You = ___________

Fill in the blank.....

Seriously: your life, your kids, your house, your guns, your control of the situation. Like it was said, don't let it bother you.

You are doing your daughter a great service by teaching her young. She may lose interest but she will have the memories and more important the KNOWLEDGE of guns and what they do.

Doesn't matter what the in-laws think and doesn't matter what your parents think. They did their job and are a great source of advice, but that is where their say ends. The decision is between you and your wife only. Boundaries must be set and maintained. They have an opinion, but not a say.

I am reaching the end of a great weekend with my almost 4 year old, and I don't care who doesn't like what she was exposed to, besides mama.

Maybe not, I have made I to high school with mine with her losing zero interest

Please don't go around worrying about other peoples opinions. It's just mindless blabber and I suggest just letting it go.

I would tell them to K M A ( kiss my axx) my little girl liked shooting handguns, in laws were twisted. They got over it. Now she's just had her 2 nd annual 29 th b- day, goes to the gun shows with us, Her little one 7 has her own Custom OTTS pink camo AR in 5.56 and a CMMG .22 kit.

You are right BudMan,keep it up, the best gun safety is learned at home. I had loaded guns in my house for years,my kids knew the rules. I made some lasting memories with my kids when they were young. They grow up and move on way to fast. Do what you feel is right. One thing about inlaws they do go home,just not as quick as we would like sometimes.

Bless her heart (MIL). Keep up the good work. Your daughter may or may not start/continue hunting, but at some point she'll be able to say "yep, I started shooting my dads 20 when I was five..."

Take her back out and take some pics of her shooting and use them on your Christmas cards this year

I'm right there with ya bud-man. My kid is 4, and loves to go fishing with me. I plan to start her out shooting very soon too, although i doubt I'll get too much flack from the family about it since they already have been, for non-related issues, informed of their place in my child's raising.

You are absolutely right Bud. That is your kid first of all and the do learn to be safe from practical teaching. And mine did at around that same age and it shows today.

Get her involved as much as you can, my nine year old comes hunting with us,she will kill rats, she will skin rabbits, she fishes, she tries to get involved as much as she can , its greast to see the young uns wanting to be out and doing it all, like you said its your daughter so you encourage her as much as you want ,

I've taught my two daughter's gun safety as soon as they were old enough to hold a weapon. I think it was around age 7 or 8 I took them to the range to show them safe and proper shooting skills. Started them off with a very old .22 short Winchester pump rifle that was their grandfathers 1st weapon. They were hooked. Now they are regular pros and they both can lock-n-load .45 semi-autos.

Brother, don't give up. Hunting and the outdoors (when done right) teach life lessons that stay with a person forever. Responsibility, stewardship for the land, conservation, following rules/laws, patience, self-esteem...the list goes on. I'm hoping to pass it on, myself. Here's mine when she was 6.

And last year:


She now tells ME to remember to put on the safety, tells me when it's safe to load and when it's time to unload, and helps me locate downed birds so they don't go to waste.

Keep up the good work. I always respected (feared) the girls that knew how to use a gun. When she does get more interested in the boys, you will have less to worry about. I would make it a point to get some pictures of her with an AR, AK, Shotgun, anything else that would be offensive to the parents and frequently send them emails with updates. My siblings refer to that as poking the bear, and we love to do it.

Who complained first, MIL or FIL?

Send them a pick of the youth model rifle\shotgun combo and ask there opinion. When given, let them know, you already bought it, you just wanted to see what they'd say.

Go buy a small .22 pistol and send them a pic of her holding the pistol, and a pic of 10 shots in the 10 ring. Text under the pic should read, "she a natural! :)"

Or, you could tell them to stop sucking up the social security and go meet Jesus already.

But that's just me.