My kids are now 17 and 20 so I no longer have to worry about what will happen if they are at a friends house and find a gun. I started to introduce them to firearms when they were around 5yo as well. Before I had a change to get them a gun of their own to shoot, my dad got them a small framed .22lr single shot bolt action.

With that said, I used to worry about it. From the time I thought they could clearly understand what I was telling them, I taught them that I had guns and offered to let them look at them all they wanted - with me right there; all they had to do was ask. Several times through the years they asked to see them. I pulled them out, reminded them that they could be very dangerous and required a lot of care and respect when handling, and let them have at it. I'd show them how the guns worked and let they try things out (empty of ammo; of course). I'd always take the time to go over the 10 Commandments of firearms safety too. I think it sunk home. I look back on things and wish I'd taken them to the range more though.

I also taught them that if they were ever at a friends house and saw a gun in that home, or outside, even if they weren't sure that it was real or not, to immediately leave the area and to tell an adult.

Again, now they are 17 and 20 (18 & 21 in one month). They both have handguns - of course, my 17yo son won't officially own his 1911 (.45ACP) until next month. My daughter is looking to move into an apartment with her boyfriend (yeah, it's killing dear old dad) and she has already made comments about taking her XD9 with her.