Owning a firearm comes with a commitment to gun safety—not just for yourself, but for everyone in your home. At Ozark Sportsman, we take pride in helping families become more confident and capable around firearms. But safety doesn’t stop at the range. One of the most important steps in responsible gun ownership is making sure your children understand what guns are, how they should be handled, and most importantly, what to do if they ever come across one without supervision.

Whether you’re a lifelong hunter, an everyday carrier, or someone who simply keeps a firearm for home defense, talking to your kids about gun safety should be part of your family routine. Here’s how to make that conversation meaningful, memorable, and age-appropriate.

Start Early and Keep It Simple

When it comes to gun safety, younger is better. Even preschool-age children are capable of understanding basic safety instructions. For little ones, simplicity and repetition are key. A great place to start is with the four-step message taught by the NRA Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program:

“Stop. Don’t touch. Run away. Tell an adult.”

This program has been widely adopted across the country and has helped thousands of kids understand what to do if they encounter a firearm. It’s not about teaching children how to use guns—it’s about making sure they know how to react responsibly and stay safe. Repeating this message often, in a calm and clear tone, can help your child instinctively know how to respond in a real-world situation.

Be Honest—Not Fearful

Children are curious. If you try to avoid the topic or shut down their questions, they’ll go looking for answers elsewhere—friends, video games, movies, or social media. It’s far better for them to hear the truth from you.

Keep your tone respectful and honest. Make it clear that firearms are powerful tools, not toys, and they must be handled with serious care. You don’t need to scare your child to drive the point home. In fact, instilling fear can backfire. Instead, focus on responsibility, awareness, and respect.

Let them know why you own firearms and how you keep them secure. Invite them to ask questions and praise them when they do—it means they’re thinking critically, which is exactly what you want.

Set Clear Boundaries and Safety Rules

Just like you set rules for riding bikes or crossing the street, your household should have firm expectations when it comes to firearms. These rules should be clear, easy to understand, and reinforced regularly. Some examples include:

Never touch a firearm without permission and adult supervision.
Always assume a gun is loaded.
If you see a gun somewhere it shouldn’t be, tell an adult immediately.
Guns are never something to play with or show off.

Posting these rules or reviewing them frequently can help children remember them and take them seriously. It also sends a strong message that gun safety is a priority in your home.

Lead by Example

As with most things in parenting, your actions speak louder than your words. If your child sees you treating firearms with respect—always checking the chamber, storing them safely, practicing safe handling at the range—they’ll learn to do the same.

Be sure you’re storing your firearms securely at home. Use a gun safe or lockbox, and store ammunition separately when not in use. A curious child will explore—secure storage ensures they never stumble onto something dangerous.

Practice Together at the Range

One of the best ways to reinforce gun safety at home is by spending time together at the range. Practicing as a family not only builds skills, it also creates an opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce proper firearm handling in a real-world setting.

At Ozark Sportsman, we welcome families who want to train together in a safe, controlled environment. Whether you’re introducing a teenager to the basics or sharpening your own skills, the range is the perfect place to model responsible behavior, answer questions, and build confidence through repetition.

By shooting together, you show your children that gun safety isn’t just a rule—it’s a way of life. And when kids see those values in action, they’re more likely to carry them forward for years to come.

Keep the Conversation Going

As your child grows, so will their questions and exposure to firearms—in media, through peers, and possibly at school. Continue to have open conversations and check in regularly. The more your child feels comfortable talking with you about guns, the more likely they are to make good choices in real-life situations.

Gun safety is an ongoing part of responsible parenting, and it’s one of the most important things you can teach your child.