sandie... I would say that you do not know how to "handle a firearm" If you did then you would know that there is very little danger having one in the house for the person who understands one... for you to think they are so dangerous is proof of how naive you are.
six has about the best reasons... Kids, especially boys that age can work a heavy double action revolver or rack the slide of a semi auto... I was taught, as were all my friends, at an early age that we were not to play with guns. My son (and daughter) was allowed to handle any of my firearms in my presence and... we went out shooting (plinking) so that they could see what firearms were capable of.
Alternately... Smith and several other companies make locks that lock the hammer with a key.
lazs