Quote:
Originally Posted by darkpear
I'm just curious as to where people draw the line, and why. I appreciate the responses and hope to read more
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Over the years I've come to believe that my kids' play is mostly not my business. There is very little a child can totally control, and his fantasy life is one thing I choose to leave alone. I don't think their toys alone will dictate their future level of aggressiveness, and there is just no actual violence anywhere in their real-lfe experience. None of my boys has been obsessed with toy weapons, or has ever spent much time with them, but it has consistently been a type of play they do from time to time. (one exception is ds2 who spent about a year VERY into Peter Pan, and hence a sword)
If one of my kids seemed to have trouble controlling his behavior and it seemed related to the gun play, I'd certainly limit it. We've done that with a couple of video games.
I draw the line at gun play in the house. My boys have toy guns and swords but they all stay outside. Guns, in particular, make me ill. I just don't get the attraction, and I don't want to see it, so outside they go. I've been known to allow a small wooden sword to come in the house (that was for the peter pan kid). I don't allow guns that shoot things out of them, except water and occasionally some foam things. I also don't allow guns that look realistic - so, no black or silver things. Guns also tend to get left in the rain (woops!) or squashed by the van (oops again!). They buy this stuff with their own money.
This is a tough topic. To be honest, it's simpler not to pick the battle, and I haven't seen any negative outcomes from giving them some sovereignty on this issue.