Do You Teach Your Kids DIY Projects?
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My 3 year old can mud drywall better than some people. He knows what a p-trap is and what it's for. I try to let him see me do anything from changing wheels on a car to framing a wall. He loves watching construction shows on tv and wants to be a construction worker when he grows up. Cool kid.
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My daughter showed no interest when she was young. Now she complains she can never find a (insert tool name here) when she needs one. I suggested she buy her own tools and paint them pink, since no self-respecting male would be caught dead using a pink tool (grandsons only). I got a murderous look from her husband.
Working in many homes over the years, I must have answered thousands of questions from assorted "peanut galleries" and have some suggestions:
Working in many homes over the years, I must have answered thousands of questions from assorted "peanut galleries" and have some suggestions:
- Teach safety first and always. Yours and theirs. They are like sponges and will soak up anything around.
- Kids are great at learning by example, so never do anything in a manner you wouldn't want a child to do it (even when you think they aren't watching).
- Explain what you're doing and why. E.g., When to wear eye protection and why.
- KISS (Keep It Simple Silly). They are kids after all.
- Don't assume they know things you learned long ago, but now do automatically. E.g., Which way to turn a screwdriver to remove a screw.
- Teach using the correct tool for each task, care of tools and returning them to their proper place. And don't forget the why for each one.
- Enjoy the experience of teaching them. They grow up so darn fast!
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I have my kids help all the time, plus my GF's son. A lot of times before I begin I point out the problems and ask them what they would do to fix it. (Sometimes I think afterward "Huh...that's a better idea than what I had in mind!"). I know they don't always want to help out with projects but I'm trying to plant a seed in their little noggins. My Dad was uber handy and I had to help all the time. Drove me nuts sometimes, but now I see how valuable all that hands-on really was.
One time I was repairing a section of my deck that had odd angles. So I had my oldest son measure the area, told him what size PT I was going to use, then had him calculate how much lumber I would need to buy. I told him write it down and show his work to me. When he was done he handed it to me and said "OMG...I had to use algebra and trigonometry. You really do use this stuff in real life!!"
:biggrin2:
One time I was repairing a section of my deck that had odd angles. So I had my oldest son measure the area, told him what size PT I was going to use, then had him calculate how much lumber I would need to buy. I told him write it down and show his work to me. When he was done he handed it to me and said "OMG...I had to use algebra and trigonometry. You really do use this stuff in real life!!"
:biggrin2:
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I try, but my daughter shows very little interest.
But then again, she's 8 months old . . . :biggrin2:
But then again, she's 8 months old . . . :biggrin2:
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My 6 month old's dad got fired from sitting duty when he allowed mud from the diaper to be used for practice wall mudding the two adjacent walls to the baby bed.:surprise:
This is quite interesting, as the people I've spoken to that have kids generally speaking have less than positive or any experiences to speak of. I've been told that either their kids aren't at all interested in tools/projects, the parent's either lack the patience, time or in certain cases, the Mother doesn't want the kid to be involved in anything "dangerous".
To be fair, some work is dangerous and shouldn't be done unless you absolutely have the right knowledge of what you are doing. Personally speaking, I am not willing to risk my life or the lives of others to save a few dollars. By no means do I have a infinite amount of cash, but I've learned from experience what is within my realm of knowledge and when this time to have a licensed professional do the work.
But I also, can see how this was be exceptionally frustrating trying to teach a person that has no interest in the subject. Been there myself and sometimes success happens and sometimes this is best to move on. Sure there are variances, yet in the end, a person must have the desire and the motivation to go forward.
To be fair, some work is dangerous and shouldn't be done unless you absolutely have the right knowledge of what you are doing. Personally speaking, I am not willing to risk my life or the lives of others to save a few dollars. By no means do I have a infinite amount of cash, but I've learned from experience what is within my realm of knowledge and when this time to have a licensed professional do the work.
But I also, can see how this was be exceptionally frustrating trying to teach a person that has no interest in the subject. Been there myself and sometimes success happens and sometimes this is best to move on. Sure there are variances, yet in the end, a person must have the desire and the motivation to go forward.
Time will tell for me. My LO is two and loves "helping." It use to freak me out a bit, having a 9 month old running around is scary enough w/o a screwdriver in his hands.
Even then I loved and encouraged his fascination with handy work. It's amazing to watch the determination and concentration in his eyes when he's working with me. I know there will be no shortage of "honey-do's" with my wife, so as I said, time will tell if he stays interested. If he does, I'll be supporting him.
My second is on the way so I'm hoping to have him help with the nesting phase which is just about to drive me nuts!
Even then I loved and encouraged his fascination with handy work. It's amazing to watch the determination and concentration in his eyes when he's working with me. I know there will be no shortage of "honey-do's" with my wife, so as I said, time will tell if he stays interested. If he does, I'll be supporting him.
My second is on the way so I'm hoping to have him help with the nesting phase which is just about to drive me nuts!
Haven't had them help out yet (2.5 year old twins Boy/Girl) but once this Canadian winter is over I hope to get them helping out around the house. I'm sure they will love to be a part of things, at least for a short bit before their attention span expires.
I have both a boy and a girl, and will attempt to teach them both if they are willing and interested. We got my son a toy plastic workbench/tools for Christmas. Last month my mother broke her foot and he stood there with his plastic screwdriver in hand staring at the cast trying to figure out how to "fix" it.
I have a large amount of power tools, but they will learn the basics of hand tools.
I have both a boy and a girl, and will attempt to teach them both if they are willing and interested. We got my son a toy plastic workbench/tools for Christmas. Last month my mother broke her foot and he stood there with his plastic screwdriver in hand staring at the cast trying to figure out how to "fix" it.
I have a large amount of power tools, but they will learn the basics of hand tools.
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Always love to get the kids involved. Key is patience when they are just learning. They will make mistakes, and things wont turn out sometimes as if you would do it, but eventually they will.
When our kids entered their teens, I bought each of them a tool box. Each holiday and birthday, I gave them a tool. They didn't appreciate that in their younger years, but they do now. Each has a full set of tools.
I usually look at the "deal of the day" on Sears website. During the year i buy wrenches, screwdrivers, voltage testers, etc , when they have the 50% off . Then when the time comes, you have a nice gift tool at a reasonable price.
When our kids entered their teens, I bought each of them a tool box. Each holiday and birthday, I gave them a tool. They didn't appreciate that in their younger years, but they do now. Each has a full set of tools.
I usually look at the "deal of the day" on Sears website. During the year i buy wrenches, screwdrivers, voltage testers, etc , when they have the 50% off . Then when the time comes, you have a nice gift tool at a reasonable price.
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Kids do soak stuff up though. I never did DIY stuff with my father. After I was grown up and out of the house the fact that he did so much himself made me realize you don't have to hire someone for every little problem. So even though I didn't do a lot with him one on one, I did come away with a lot.
The idea a lot of repairs or projects can be done by an ordinary person and doesn't need an "expert" seems to be foreign to many people.
Absolutely
My three year old has shown interest in everything I do. I believe it's easier and safer to show her how to do things right along side me than have her imitate my actions when I'm not around and possibly get hurt.
I've only got a few action pictures, but I'll share what I've got. She's been allowed to "help" use the impact wrench and help me rotate tires, and in a framing project, when I turned around to pick something up, had picked up my level and hammer to plumb up a stud in a wall I was working on (heck yeah she's wearing my Rigid safety glasses!). After the drywall was up on that wall, she helped me mount the hand railing by holding the drill and driving in the screws while I held the railing in place.
She does know that while I use certain tools she has to step away. She has to be behind a barrier whenever I'm using an air fastening tool - for instance, that framing nailer in the background, she had to step to the other room while I was toe nailing studs in place.
She's overall an awesome little kid.
My three year old has shown interest in everything I do. I believe it's easier and safer to show her how to do things right along side me than have her imitate my actions when I'm not around and possibly get hurt.
I've only got a few action pictures, but I'll share what I've got. She's been allowed to "help" use the impact wrench and help me rotate tires, and in a framing project, when I turned around to pick something up, had picked up my level and hammer to plumb up a stud in a wall I was working on (heck yeah she's wearing my Rigid safety glasses!). After the drywall was up on that wall, she helped me mount the hand railing by holding the drill and driving in the screws while I held the railing in place.
She does know that while I use certain tools she has to step away. She has to be behind a barrier whenever I'm using an air fastening tool - for instance, that framing nailer in the background, she had to step to the other room while I was toe nailing studs in place.
She's overall an awesome little kid.
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She even has on safety glasses!! Too cute!!
My kids are a little older than the ones referred to in this thread. But one thing that has never failed to excite them is "Do you want to help me tear this wall down??" Then during remodeling I let them scribble silly notes on the studs or inside the drywall than cover it up. They get a kick out of that.
My kids are a little older than the ones referred to in this thread. But one thing that has never failed to excite them is "Do you want to help me tear this wall down??" Then during remodeling I let them scribble silly notes on the studs or inside the drywall than cover it up. They get a kick out of that.
Please teach those little ones that outlet boxes are not to have things stuck into them.
A few years ago I was called by the daughter (mother of a 3 year old) of a friend to come see why her living room suddenly lost all power.
Started looking around and found a TWEEZER stuck in an outlet.
Those little ones are curious and watch you closely, so teach your children well.
ED
A few years ago I was called by the daughter (mother of a 3 year old) of a friend to come see why her living room suddenly lost all power.
Started looking around and found a TWEEZER stuck in an outlet.
Those little ones are curious and watch you closely, so teach your children well.
ED
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I taught my children how to be safe and do repairs plus build things from their imagination. Carried in on with grandkids and they are quite capable.
5 years ago got my then 13 year old grandson to help me construct concrete porches and ramps for my shop. We mixed our concrete from bag mixes and did our finish. He would not be afraid to tackle his own construction. Proud of the ramps as I am now about to need them.
Wouldn't think of not teaching what I know.
RR :smile::smile:
Good thread. Just love the kids expressions in the pics.
5 years ago got my then 13 year old grandson to help me construct concrete porches and ramps for my shop. We mixed our concrete from bag mixes and did our finish. He would not be afraid to tackle his own construction. Proud of the ramps as I am now about to need them.
Wouldn't think of not teaching what I know.
RR :smile::smile:
Good thread. Just love the kids expressions in the pics.
My son was always helping out. When he was a toddler, we 'd go into Home Depot and grab some PVC pipe fittings for him to play with while we shopped. When he was about 7, we pulled an engine out of my old truck. He insisted on pumping the engine hoist by himself. All along the way, he helped me, and when he started driving, we worked on his car. I'd do the first side of the brakes while he watched, then he'd do the second side.
Now 28, he's a mechanical engineer. Wonder where that came from?
Now 28, he's a mechanical engineer. Wonder where that came from?
Years ago, I did a gut and renovation of my first floor bathroom. My younger son would come to watch while I worked after he got home from school. He was 5 or 6 then. I did let him help place the tiles on the tub surround but guided his hand while he did it. My older son was a Senior in high school at the time and didn't have a lot of time to help or learn. But both boys got involved with the grouting of the tiles. This is the project in question http://www.diychatroom.com/f49/jims-downstairs-bathroom-project-66655/ . Completed in 2010.
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