Recently, while discussing Prepper Pete’s Gun of a Son: A Gun Safety Book for Kids, I was asked, “What message does it contain that’s different from the first two books in the Prepper Pete series?”  It’s a great question!

It really goes back to why I even started the Prepper Pete series.  I was faced with the task of explaining the idea of “prepping” to my own kids, ages 5, 7, 9, and 11.  “Prepper Pete Prepares” started down that road and “The Twelve Days of Prepper Christmas” was really a fun detour.

“Gun of a Son” brings the series back to the educational component, and one of my primary goals.  And just like the first book, this one is the product of my own lessons and somewhat “newness” to the topic.  While I’ve learned about firearms during my time in the military, I knew that I needed a more formal process for teaching my children.  Yes, there is a lot of information out there, but I wanted something that I could teach them with in a relaxed setting, yet convey to time on the range.

The NRA’s Eddie Eagle is great, but you’ll never see Eddie with a gun.  And beyond that, there aren’t really a lot of “this is how you do it” books for children. So we bit the bullet with Prepper Pete and ended up with “Gun of a Son.”  In all honesty, it’s also a detour from the original intent of the series, but I have to say that I’ve had a blast with it, my kids have learned a lot about safety, and I really think it’s going to take a life of its own.

With regard to gun safety, I would point out that, if the saying “knowledge is power” has merit, then in the case of firearms, “knowledge is safety,” and safety is paramount.  Knowledge and familiarity with guns for kids often helps avoid the “forbidden fruit” syndrome, which can create a safer environment. When they are an appropriate age, parents should work with their kids to familiarize them with firearms, and always stress the importance of gun safety.  My kids all know, “If you want to touch a gun… just ask!” – it dispels the mystery… something all kids are intrigued with.

Bottom line: I want to create a culture where we teach safety, not fear.  “Gun of a Son” has focused on gun safety, and we’re working on “Gun of a Son, Too!” that will focus on gun information for parents who want that option, as well.