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Weapons & Halloween Costumes: Yes or No?

Posted: Oct 29, 2012 11:12 PM

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What would happen if a police officer or a soldier didn't have a gun? What if Thor didn't have his hammer? What if Hawkeye didn't have his bow and arrow? It's hard to imagine these people without their weapons.

This Halloween, kids everywhere will dress up has super heroes, every day heroes, and other people who carry weapons. Experts at Costumesupercenter.com gave their opinions on whether kids should carry pretend weapons with their Halloween costumes.

Kathryn Snyder, a Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, says kids should NOT carry pretend weapons. They hit too close to home and with recent shootings, it is inappropriate. She said kids are desensitized to the reality of guns if they are given toy guns.

Christine Hoskins-Tardibone, a School Counselor and Adjunct Professor at Syracuse University, says yes, it is absolutely fine to have a pretend weapon as part of a costume. She says as long as the adults in a child's life show appropriate gun safety and model it, there is no reason to not allow pretend weapons.

What do you think about pretend weapons? Would you let your kids carry pretend guns, swords, etc. as part of their costume? Does it make a difference if the costume is a super hero or police officer or soldier compared to another character, like a horror story villain?

Topics: pretend guns, kids and guns, costumes with guns

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