The Harder Question: Studies show that most children don’t remember things that have happened to them if they occur before the age of four. Keeping that in mind, if you are the caregiver of a child, who at the age of three, got hold to a handgun and accidentally shot and killed a sibling/cousin/friend of about the same age, would you eventually tell him/her when he/she’s old enough to understand the ramifications of such actions?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I would not make it a point to tell them. If it came out in the future somehow after they were grown, that's a different story.
I would tell them. Hiding “history” is never a good thing and it never fails that those family secrets come to light sooner or later. Furthermore, I think a tragic event would be in a child's memory if the child is 3 or 4. Simple everyday events, probably not.
I would not tell them. Telling them only would give the grief and guilt to carry around for life. I could not willingly damage some a child for life with my words. I do no believe its the childs burden to bare. Whoever owned the gun, its their burden to bare. As the caregiver who was watching the child at time of the accident, its also their burden to bare. Adults are responsible for children that young. I dont think a child so young would hold malice of that type to intentionally shoot and kill, thats why I say I wouldnt tell them.