jumpjunkie2004 0 #1 April 4, 2005 My 13 year old would like a paintball gun. Is putting a paintball gun in hand and sending him off to shoot at his friends encouraging him to be violent? I think it sounds like harmless fun, but some of my immediate family is completely opposed.Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrunkMonkey 0 #2 April 4, 2005 They're called "markers." No, it does not encourage violence any more than football or rugby does. Would you prefer he smoked pot or knocked up the girl next door? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skolls081102 0 #3 April 4, 2005 Not so long as you TEACH your child that what he is doing is a GAME! So long as he can comprehend that what he is doing is being done for enjoyment, and not to hurt or kill other people I think you're ok. Just make sure you explain the difference between paintballs and bullets. The sole intention, is learning to fly.Condition grounded, but determined to try.Can't keep my eyes from the circling skies.Tongue tied and twisted, just an Earth bound misfit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #4 April 4, 2005 My sister refused to let her little boy have a squirt gun or pop gun or cork gun or any toy. Guess what - little boys make guns out of sticks, point their fingers and go bang, etc. Within the year of her making this statement, they ended up letting the little guy have squirtguns etc. I'd ask your immediate family why they think you aren't a good enough mother to teach him right from wrong without their incredibly biased input and demands. I've met you, I think you'd do just fine. Them asking that question isn't about the 13 year old, it's about you. And it's extremely out of line. (By that I mean they didn't suggest or give an opinion which is appreciated from immediate family, instead they are "completely opposed" and that's out of line) You are the parent, the "Village" can sod off. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #5 April 4, 2005 QuoteThey're called "markers." No, it does not encourage violence any more than football or rugby does. Yup. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpjunkie2004 0 #6 April 4, 2005 My father is a hunter and my son has spent a number of hours doing target practice on our farm. So, I know he understands the difference between paintballs and bullets. I'm just curious about the aspect of actually aiming a gun at someone and pulling the trigger. I've rationalized it by comparing it to playing with water guns, but trying to convince my immediate family is not working. Can you get hurt by a paintball?Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites DrunkMonkey 0 #7 April 4, 2005 QuoteCan you get hurt by a paintball? If hit at close range, it'll leave a minor welt. It's no worse than a weak pimp-slap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpjunkie2004 0 #8 April 4, 2005 Immediate family = husband (a city boy)Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpjunkie2004 0 #9 April 4, 2005 Quote Would you prefer he smoked pot or knocked up the girl next door? Would he be sharing his pot...just kidding Those are both scary things to consider.Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Darius11 12 #10 April 4, 2005 13 year old i think will be fine. Just give them the basics on safety because paintball guns can hurt, and injure also.I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." - Kurt Cobain Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites justinb138 0 #11 April 4, 2005 QuoteQuoteCan you get hurt by a paintball? If hit at close range, it'll leave a minor welt. It's no worse than a weak pimp-slap. If you're not wearing a mask, it can be much worse. I've seen some serious damage done to someone's face because of that. With the proper gear, the chances of getting hurt (other than being sore for a few days) are very slim though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites DrunkMonkey 0 #12 April 4, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteCan you get hurt by a paintball? If hit at close range, it'll leave a minor welt. It's no worse than a weak pimp-slap. If you're not wearing a mask, it can be much worse. That goes without saying... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites justinb138 0 #13 April 4, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteCan you get hurt by a paintball? If hit at close range, it'll leave a minor welt. It's no worse than a weak pimp-slap. If you're not wearing a mask, it can be much worse. That goes without saying... True, but I've seen people go out and play w/o them before (Not at a paintball field). First time I went I saw a guy get hit right in the crotch from about 3ft away. I've never heard a man scream like that before in my entire life. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #14 April 4, 2005 QuoteIf you're not wearing a mask, it can be much worse. I've seen some serious damage done to someone's face because of that. With the proper gear, the chances of getting hurt (other than being sore for a few days) are very slim though. Exactly! Wear the proper clothing and always wear a full mask/goggles. Also you can have the shop where you buy the marker chrono it for 250fps which is 50fps under regulated field rules, that'll give room for error for environmental influences. Gloves are a good idea as well, even if they're short fingered gloves.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpjunkie2004 0 #15 April 4, 2005 Thanks so much for the 411. I think there are several places where we can rent equipment and try it out before we buy. It might have to be a mother/son outing the first time around just so I can see what it's like.Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rehmwa 2 #16 April 4, 2005 QuoteImmediate family = husband (a city boy) Why wouldn't you say that directly? That changes my comment considerably. When the two parents disagree, the father and mother need to come up with a position together and stay consistent on it when dealing with their child. (I think the dad here has a nutjob position on this specific issue, but the parents are responsible for the child, I don't know the history of how you raised the boy so who's to say which of you is the reasonable one here - so you guys have to find a position to agree on presenting to the boy - even if one of you disagrees or had to compromise to the extreme on. Edit: Even if one of you just complies with a decision, it's counterproductive for them to allow an activity and then grumble about how it's wrong. If he agrees to let you make this decision, he also must agree to not badmouth the decision behind your back....... (end of edit) On the plus side, a 13 year old could be old enough to start fielding different/conflicting views from both parents if you trust him enough to make good judgement on the conflicting politics of more subjective issues (I don't consider this very subjective though). In this case, obviously your husband doesn't consider him mature enough for that yet). Let's see (13x12+9)/3 = 55 th trimester I believe that in the 55th trimester decisions concerning a fetus fall under both parents. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpjunkie2004 0 #17 April 4, 2005 I've raised our son by myself with his financial support. I am married, but my husband does not participate in 97% of the decisions regarding our children. That's my job. He's from an anti-gun family. I'm a farm girl and used to be a member of the NRA. So, when he weighed in on this issue, it made me curious if I'm downplaying the symbolism of paintball. We've all played with squirt guns when we were kids - that was ok. So, I look at paintball as an evolution of outdoor play. Is it any different than aiming a squirt gun? I don't think it is. 55th trimester - Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #18 April 4, 2005 QuoteIs it any different than aiming a squirt gun? I don't think it is. Its obvious you've never played paintball...its more fun then water guns.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpjunkie2004 0 #19 April 4, 2005 I can't wait to get out there and give it a try. I'm sure it will be a blast. I know that my husband will not say anything against my decision to our son, but he will to me. Oh well...he didn't want me to skydive either Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rehmwa 2 #20 April 4, 2005 Hi Sarah - 1 - Sounds like you have legal custody (but your phrasing is confusing to follow so I really don't know). So no issue on who makes the decision. The dad's say in this then hinges on his willingness to be involved with other aspects of the boy's life (apparently 3% of the decision). 2 - When people don't want to follow common sense, they purposely complicate things that aren't complicated - making up an argument where there isn't one. Paintball = paintball, it's that simple and stops there. Paintball does not equal (<>) "symbolic wierd little goofy things that mean more than they do". This is only an opportunity for the boy to learn an activity. It's called "paintball". It 'symbolizes' paintball. Anyone symbolizing it to anything else has too much time on their hands and an agenda they're pushing. The best result is to make sure he learns to do 'paintball' well and safely and to have fun and for him not to also 'symbolize' the activity for something it's not. There is nothing more complex than that. As a farm boy from way back, it's simple common sense. You have the right of it of course. And you already know it. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites justinb138 0 #21 April 4, 2005 QuoteI can't wait to get out there and give it a try. I'm sure it will be a blast. If you do decide to buy a paintball gun/gear, you'll probably see things that look like dirtbike chest protectors with the rest of the paintball gear. I don't recommend them. While they will stop it from hurting if you get hit in the chest or back, they will also make you the target of pretty much everyone else on the field. Just a warning. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpjunkie2004 0 #22 April 4, 2005 Hey Bill - We all live in the same house, but husband isn't interested in participating in family activities or being a hands on dad. Complicated story that doesn't belong here. My original question got lost along the way. I was just curious if paintball was encouraging my son to be more violent. Do I have a skewed perspective because I was brought up around guns? I was wondering if I was downplaying the symbolism of it because it seems like a harmless activity to me. paintball = paintball = funJump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpjunkie2004 0 #23 April 4, 2005 No chest shield - So we should just dress in layers for extra protection?Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lummy 4 #24 April 4, 2005 grrrr.... [START rant] I think the keyword in this arguement is "responsibility". If you are confident your son is mature enough to take on the responsibility to use his marker gun correctly and abide by all rules regarding it's use set down by his parents and or local laws, if he's responsible enough to know not to give in to peer pressure to go do something stupid, lastly, if he knows the consequences of not following the rules and the parents will follow through on those rules, then I would say let him have fun. Unfortunately, in my case, I just confiscated my 13 year old's painball gun indefinitely . I had to pick him up at the police station Sat nite because he decided to go with the friend who he was spending the nite with, and shoot a bb gun at cars. My son said he knew it was wrong and didn't want to do it , yet he went along to watch. I've known the other kid for 8 years or so and he's a really bright kid and not a troublemaker. I'm not sure what they were thinking or even if they were at all. All I can say is that they are extremely lucky they didn't hurt anyone, nor do any damage. [END rant]I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites justinb138 0 #25 April 4, 2005 QuoteNo chest shield - So we should just dress in layers for extra protection? I usually just wore a t-shirt and jeans and some gloves w/the fingertips cut off. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. 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jumpjunkie2004 0 #6 April 4, 2005 My father is a hunter and my son has spent a number of hours doing target practice on our farm. So, I know he understands the difference between paintballs and bullets. I'm just curious about the aspect of actually aiming a gun at someone and pulling the trigger. I've rationalized it by comparing it to playing with water guns, but trying to convince my immediate family is not working. Can you get hurt by a paintball?Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrunkMonkey 0 #7 April 4, 2005 QuoteCan you get hurt by a paintball? If hit at close range, it'll leave a minor welt. It's no worse than a weak pimp-slap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #8 April 4, 2005 Immediate family = husband (a city boy)Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #9 April 4, 2005 Quote Would you prefer he smoked pot or knocked up the girl next door? Would he be sharing his pot...just kidding Those are both scary things to consider.Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darius11 12 #10 April 4, 2005 13 year old i think will be fine. Just give them the basics on safety because paintball guns can hurt, and injure also.I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." - Kurt Cobain Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #11 April 4, 2005 QuoteQuoteCan you get hurt by a paintball? If hit at close range, it'll leave a minor welt. It's no worse than a weak pimp-slap. If you're not wearing a mask, it can be much worse. I've seen some serious damage done to someone's face because of that. With the proper gear, the chances of getting hurt (other than being sore for a few days) are very slim though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrunkMonkey 0 #12 April 4, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteCan you get hurt by a paintball? If hit at close range, it'll leave a minor welt. It's no worse than a weak pimp-slap. If you're not wearing a mask, it can be much worse. That goes without saying... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #13 April 4, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteCan you get hurt by a paintball? If hit at close range, it'll leave a minor welt. It's no worse than a weak pimp-slap. If you're not wearing a mask, it can be much worse. That goes without saying... True, but I've seen people go out and play w/o them before (Not at a paintball field). First time I went I saw a guy get hit right in the crotch from about 3ft away. I've never heard a man scream like that before in my entire life. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #14 April 4, 2005 QuoteIf you're not wearing a mask, it can be much worse. I've seen some serious damage done to someone's face because of that. With the proper gear, the chances of getting hurt (other than being sore for a few days) are very slim though. Exactly! Wear the proper clothing and always wear a full mask/goggles. Also you can have the shop where you buy the marker chrono it for 250fps which is 50fps under regulated field rules, that'll give room for error for environmental influences. Gloves are a good idea as well, even if they're short fingered gloves.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #15 April 4, 2005 Thanks so much for the 411. I think there are several places where we can rent equipment and try it out before we buy. It might have to be a mother/son outing the first time around just so I can see what it's like.Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #16 April 4, 2005 QuoteImmediate family = husband (a city boy) Why wouldn't you say that directly? That changes my comment considerably. When the two parents disagree, the father and mother need to come up with a position together and stay consistent on it when dealing with their child. (I think the dad here has a nutjob position on this specific issue, but the parents are responsible for the child, I don't know the history of how you raised the boy so who's to say which of you is the reasonable one here - so you guys have to find a position to agree on presenting to the boy - even if one of you disagrees or had to compromise to the extreme on. Edit: Even if one of you just complies with a decision, it's counterproductive for them to allow an activity and then grumble about how it's wrong. If he agrees to let you make this decision, he also must agree to not badmouth the decision behind your back....... (end of edit) On the plus side, a 13 year old could be old enough to start fielding different/conflicting views from both parents if you trust him enough to make good judgement on the conflicting politics of more subjective issues (I don't consider this very subjective though). In this case, obviously your husband doesn't consider him mature enough for that yet). Let's see (13x12+9)/3 = 55 th trimester I believe that in the 55th trimester decisions concerning a fetus fall under both parents. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #17 April 4, 2005 I've raised our son by myself with his financial support. I am married, but my husband does not participate in 97% of the decisions regarding our children. That's my job. He's from an anti-gun family. I'm a farm girl and used to be a member of the NRA. So, when he weighed in on this issue, it made me curious if I'm downplaying the symbolism of paintball. We've all played with squirt guns when we were kids - that was ok. So, I look at paintball as an evolution of outdoor play. Is it any different than aiming a squirt gun? I don't think it is. 55th trimester - Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #18 April 4, 2005 QuoteIs it any different than aiming a squirt gun? I don't think it is. Its obvious you've never played paintball...its more fun then water guns.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #19 April 4, 2005 I can't wait to get out there and give it a try. I'm sure it will be a blast. I know that my husband will not say anything against my decision to our son, but he will to me. Oh well...he didn't want me to skydive either Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #20 April 4, 2005 Hi Sarah - 1 - Sounds like you have legal custody (but your phrasing is confusing to follow so I really don't know). So no issue on who makes the decision. The dad's say in this then hinges on his willingness to be involved with other aspects of the boy's life (apparently 3% of the decision). 2 - When people don't want to follow common sense, they purposely complicate things that aren't complicated - making up an argument where there isn't one. Paintball = paintball, it's that simple and stops there. Paintball does not equal (<>) "symbolic wierd little goofy things that mean more than they do". This is only an opportunity for the boy to learn an activity. It's called "paintball". It 'symbolizes' paintball. Anyone symbolizing it to anything else has too much time on their hands and an agenda they're pushing. The best result is to make sure he learns to do 'paintball' well and safely and to have fun and for him not to also 'symbolize' the activity for something it's not. There is nothing more complex than that. As a farm boy from way back, it's simple common sense. You have the right of it of course. And you already know it. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #21 April 4, 2005 QuoteI can't wait to get out there and give it a try. I'm sure it will be a blast. If you do decide to buy a paintball gun/gear, you'll probably see things that look like dirtbike chest protectors with the rest of the paintball gear. I don't recommend them. While they will stop it from hurting if you get hit in the chest or back, they will also make you the target of pretty much everyone else on the field. Just a warning. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #22 April 4, 2005 Hey Bill - We all live in the same house, but husband isn't interested in participating in family activities or being a hands on dad. Complicated story that doesn't belong here. My original question got lost along the way. I was just curious if paintball was encouraging my son to be more violent. Do I have a skewed perspective because I was brought up around guns? I was wondering if I was downplaying the symbolism of it because it seems like a harmless activity to me. paintball = paintball = funJump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #23 April 4, 2005 No chest shield - So we should just dress in layers for extra protection?Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lummy 4 #24 April 4, 2005 grrrr.... [START rant] I think the keyword in this arguement is "responsibility". If you are confident your son is mature enough to take on the responsibility to use his marker gun correctly and abide by all rules regarding it's use set down by his parents and or local laws, if he's responsible enough to know not to give in to peer pressure to go do something stupid, lastly, if he knows the consequences of not following the rules and the parents will follow through on those rules, then I would say let him have fun. Unfortunately, in my case, I just confiscated my 13 year old's painball gun indefinitely . I had to pick him up at the police station Sat nite because he decided to go with the friend who he was spending the nite with, and shoot a bb gun at cars. My son said he knew it was wrong and didn't want to do it , yet he went along to watch. I've known the other kid for 8 years or so and he's a really bright kid and not a troublemaker. I'm not sure what they were thinking or even if they were at all. All I can say is that they are extremely lucky they didn't hurt anyone, nor do any damage. [END rant]I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #25 April 4, 2005 QuoteNo chest shield - So we should just dress in layers for extra protection? I usually just wore a t-shirt and jeans and some gloves w/the fingertips cut off. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
