(GSBP-002) Teaching Youth The Value Of Life

Comfort should never equal complacency. These are words to the unwise, to get wise. Firearm safety is one of those things, that should always be placed as the top priority. But how do we as adults, and parents go about delivering this message effectively to the youth in our homes, and our communities?

How many times does it take for a child to be told a rule, for that same child to remember that rule? Just one rule. Once? Twice? Ten or one-thousand times? Honestly, I don't know. What I do know is that, with my children, it takes at least one-hundred times for them to realize I am even talking, or so it seems.

How many ways can someone express an idea for someone else to understand it? What is understanding? Is it comprehension of words spoken? Being able to re-tell what was communicated? I don't have the answer to that either. But, what I believe is that, a more important notion needs to be considered; What does it take to communicate in a way that the recipient is able to grasp the value of the given content?

Value is, to me, as value is, to you. Even still, value is made variable by the inclusion of me and you. My value does not guarantee what determines value for you. Therefore, what I value isn't always equal to what you value.

Now, all of that being said, and hopefully considered, this critical thinking question needs to be asked; "What does it take to communicate the value of firearm safety to our children and the youth of our communities?" I believe the answer is repetition. Instead of trying to find a secret formula, magic number, or cure-all to firearm safety understanding for our youth, I propose that it is better to cast a wide, and frequent net. Speak to the youth about the importance of firearm safety regularly, and at different stages in their lives. Different ages present different levels of understanding, and retention.

In theory, once I tell someone any given thing, and an understanding is reached, in that instance a continued understanding should have been established for all time (in that perfect world none of us live in.) What was communicated, received, and understood should translate to tangible behaviors from all parties involved. So, why is it that accidents still happen? Why do individuals still manage to forget?

Complacency. When comfort gives way to a lack of attention to detail or respect in regard to a given process, complacency steps in to fill the void.

I would like to point to repetition, coupled with an emphasis on the value of safety, as a tool used to ward off complacency. It is through repetition that we learn. Once learned, repetition is needed in order to maintain what has been learned. It is why old habits die hard, as it has been said.

But, here at GripSite, LLC, we refuse to allow complacency to rob us and the youth of our communities of an opportunity to continually utilize safe firearm practices.

Frankly, if you have said it once, go ahead and say it one-thousand times.

1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

2. Maintain safe muzzle discipline. (Don't point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.)

3. Keep your finger off the trigger, AND out of the trigger guard until ready to fire.

4. Know your target, AND what's beyond it. (You are responsible for every round.)

Furthermore, utilize simple exercises to really drive the importance of firearm safety, and the value of it, home. If you are not sure where to start, try sitting down with the following questions:

1. How should your child respond when they come across a firearm, maybe in a friend's home?

2. What things can your child say or do if a friend wants to show them a firearm that maybe they found, or belongs to their parents?

3. Who should your child contact in the event a firearm is introduced with or without an (hopefully responsible and law-abiding) adult around?

These questions certainly do not cover the entire spectrum of scenarios to consider, but what is important is that the message of safe firearm practices is communicated regularly. At the end of everyday it is our hope, here at GripSite, LLC, that each and every one of us, and the children of our communities makes it home safe. It is crucial that we understand and communicate the importance of safety, and the value of life.

Thank you for choosing GripSite, LLC for training where YOU need it!

Piece!

James Washington

Founder/Chief Instructor