Reader Question: I Scared My Kid When Answering The Question “Why Do You Carry”. Now What?

A reader, Ryan, sent us this message a few days ago and we wondered what advice you would give to him:

I’m a new conceal carrier. My Oldest daughter who is 5 years old asked me tonight; “Why do you carry a gun?” I tried to explain to her why I carry, but I’m afraid that I scared her when I tried to explain that I carry one so that I can protect her IF someone ever tried to hurt her. My question is… Did I try to explain to her at too young of an age (5 years old)? If I did, when should I talk to her about it again?

Surely it’s not cut and dry, but what advice can we pass along to Ryan that could help him?