12yo boy - 2 wwyd questions

[Chelley00]

My son went to his first paintball party when he was 13, and he had a GREAT time!! All the boys did.

DS has an air soft gun, but it's where he can't get it without permission. He has to make sure it's only shot in the woods, at the range etc, and never pointed at people or things or pets. He's been very responsible with it.

 

[ksjayhawks]

1. no

2. yes


The reason for no on the first is that it can resemble a real gun. A friend's ds pointed one at a girl and simulated shooting her and got in trouble with the police. Put on diversion, had to attend classes--he and parents. So, potential for trouble is there, at least in my book.

 

[cristit14]

I wouldn't have a problem with it. My son has gone to a paintball party actually, I think it was for his friends 11th bday. He said he didn't like it too much though because it hurt.

 

[java]

No and yes- No to airsoft gun in the house- but yes to paintball.

 

[ThePetLady7]

No to the airsoft gun.

Yes to paintball party. DS went to a lot of those when he was that age.

 

[daisyduck123]

1. Yes...and my DS12 has his own airsoft gun.

2. Yes

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

1) No - I have enough rules to enforce, and wouldn't want to police another thing.

2) Yes - sounds like fun!

 

[RadioNate]

1) doubtful. Just not really my 'thing' and we don't have anywhere to use one. If we had acreage or something maybe.

2) absolutely, my DS would love it.

 

[abdmom]

Add me to the No and Yes group.

 

[Tinijocaro]

My 11 and 15 year old sons play airsoft and wear goggles when playing. I debated with my oldest but it turned out fine. I would say if your son is responsible, let him play.

Paintball is a riot, you can get some nasty bruises so it's important to wear layers.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Add me to the No and Yes group.

Ditto

I have played paintball. It hurts and it is fun. Wear long sleeves, pants, jacket and a hat.

As far as the airsoft gun, where is he planning on playing with it? That is my thing. Like a PP said, I would not want to police another thing.

 

[Tinijocaro]

I have a friend with a son 5 years older than mine. When he was little she swore up, down and sideways that he would never have a toy gun and never play with one. She finally gave up that idea when she realized that he was building his own toy guns with his Lego blocks.

M

My son did the exact same thing!

 

[Mermaid02]

yes
yes

My son got a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas last year- it almost got forgotten it was over by the desk.....

 

[Luv Bunnies]

My younger son just turned 12 two weeks ago. I don't allow my kids to have guns of any kind, nor have they ever asked for them. They have no need, not to mention a place, to shoot anything.

I would allow my boys to attend a paintball party as long as it's in a controlled setting with the proper protective gear and supervision. In fact, my 12 year old is going to two lasertag parties this weekend. That doesn't bother me. Having a gun at home and shooting things at random does!

 

[Tinijocaro]

1. no

2. yes


The reason for no on the first is that it can resemble a real gun. A friend's ds pointed one at a girl and simulated shooting her and got in trouble with the police. Put on diversion, had to attend classes--he and parents. So, potential for trouble is there, at least in my book.

All toy guns, including airsoft guns have the orange tip. If it doesn't, it's been altered.

 

[binny]

no airsoft is NOT a paintball, paintball I wouldnt have an issue with.

Airsoft guns were actually illegal in the last town we loved in, they can cause some damage.

I did let my 13 year old son go to an airsoft party once, on private property, that was well surpervised. He did fine but I wouldnt go out and buy one. JMTCW

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

My DS12 actually went to a panitball party over the summer and had a great time. My husband went with them and said that the 1 girl invited to the party pretty much kicked all the boys behinds!

 

[Hannathy]

yes
yes

My son got a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas last year- it almost got forgotten it was over by the desk.....

Where you too busy looking at his new pajamas?

 

[krcit]

1) doubtful. Just not really my 'thing' and we don't have anywhere to use one. If we had acreage or something maybe.

2) absolutely, my DS would love it.

Same here. I would really stress the protective goggles thing though since I have a friend whose ds is now blind in one eye from a paintball. He wore the goggles the whole time and right when he pulled them off he got hit directly in the eye. What are the odds

 

[tonilea]

#1 - If it was something that he was into - Yes. If it was just a whim him asking for it, no. Paintball can get VERY pricey.

#2 - HECK YA I'd let him go. And then I'd be sitting at home with the green-eyed monster over him getting to be there and not me. It really is fun to do.

ITA! It is a blast!

ETA: DS has a BB gun and a .22 Cricket. Both stay locked up in the gun safe. DH is a firearms instructor, so there are lots of rules.

Off topic, but I don't think he has ever asked for a toy gun.... We own guns, preach gun safety all the time. I suppose he doesn't really see them as toys.