Here's an example. My dad kept a small revolver in his drawer. They told us repeatedly to stay away from guns......you think I didn't show people that thing? Wrong. Of course, he didn't keep any ammo near it, which is probably a good thing.
Just tell your children that if the situation arises, and someone asks them to look at a gun, to get themselves out of that situation as soon as possible. And tell them if they have any questions they should ask you, and you can find the information together.
My neighbor-rest his soul-was told that alcohol was the devil when he was growing up, and he was never allowed to touch it. As soon as his father and mother passed away, he started to drink-heavily and didn't stop until the day he died.
It was a-I was never allowed to have this so now I'm going to try it thing.
My children have toy guns. They are not allowed to shoot other people with the guns. They have been told that they are to treat the toy guns as they would a real gun. I don't have a problem with that.
My husband is an avid hunter, has been his whole life. Since our oldest was old enough to walk, he has gone hunting with his dad. They both love it more than anything else plus they spend the time with each other and know each other well. They both have a respect for what guns can do.