| One day it's Legos and then suddenly your kids are | | | | can be an exciting way to bond and get to know |
| asking for Airsoft guns for their birthday. For many | | | | your children's friends and their friends' parents. When |
| parents, games involving fake guns can create some | | | | the game is over, be sure to lock the Airsoft guns in |
| anxiety, especially when the fake guns look so | | | | a cabinet safely out of reach of children as you |
| realistic. However, talking to your children about | | | | would with a real firearm. |
| certain important aspects of Airsoft will ensure that | | | | 4. DO NOT REMOVE THE TIP: The orange tip of the |
| players remain safe and give you the chance teach | | | | Airsoft distinguishes it from real guns; explain this to |
| kids valuable lessons about personal responsibility and | | | | your children and make sure they understand why it |
| teamwork. | | | | is important to leave it on and the legal repercussions |
| | | | of removing it. |
| 1. RULES: Familiarize yourself with the rules of Airsoft | | | | 5. KNOW THE LAW: In most states there is a |
| and help your children understand why they are | | | | minimum age for Airsoft play and in some, like |
| important. Be sure that all players understand and | | | | California, an adult must be present. Talk to your |
| follow the rules when involved in gameplay. | | | | children about why they think it is necessary to have |
| Compromise with them - you will let them play if | | | | an adult nearby. |
| they follow certain rules. There are many resources | | | | 6. RESPONSIBILITY: understanding Airsoft means |
| available, from Airsoft websites and blogs, to people | | | | understanding that it is still a firearm. Making sure |
| in your community that you can turn to for help, | | | | your children know this, and are familiar with gun |
| information and advice. | | | | safety, makes them more responsible. Education |
| 2. SAFETY SWITCH: Teach your children how to | | | | about how to handle guns is the best way to ensure |
| switch the safety on and discuss why it is important | | | | that all players play fairly, correctly and without injury. |
| to have it on at all times when not playing. Explain to | | | | If you are able to listen to why your kids want to |
| them the possible repercussions if gun safety is not | | | | play with the latest Airsoft guns, they will be more |
| practiced. | | | | likely to listen to your concerns and follow your rules. |
| 3. SUPERVISION: Make sure the games are | | | | The most important thing for parents to understand |
| supervised by you or another parent. Getting to | | | | is that Airsoft is not dangerous when safety |
| know the game and why the children enjoy playing it | | | | precautions and game rules are followed carefully. |