In case you hadn't realised I am really into non violent living.
I don't believe guns or other weapons are okay for my children (or any children... to play with. I don't believe "pretending" to shoot another child is okay role play.
My children go to a school that supports this ethos - guns, or other weapons (or vioence in communication and play) in play are not acceptable and it is explained kindly and compassionately why not.

Basically I believe that there is enough killing, maiming and harm that happens in real life without encouraging it in play.

My ex husband has always supported that - we all know he has mental health issues and he is quite motivated by anger and turmoil at the moment.

However, he has now introduced toy guns to my son. My son, who has always been told that pretending to shoot someone is not okay - that we don't have guns or weapons in our home. He goes to a school who doesbn't support this.

He came home from his fathers on the weekend confused about Dad's interest in guns now... He bought me a gun Mum and showed me how to fire it... It isn't a "real" gun - yes, there was a fleeting moment when I thought he meant a real one!!!
But, Mum it was fun & it also felt wrong...

What do I do... I didn't handle it well - I actually said: "this is part of Dad's thing at the moment - but guns are not okay and it shows he is in a bad place that he bought it for you"... Maybe I said too much but I tell you what it infuriates me. I know he is only doing it to **** me off. It worked!

How would you handle this?