by Nick Somoski

Created on: June 30, 2009

As a parent, I know how important it is to keep children active. Especially in these summer months, when school's out and "I'm bored" is being said more often, introducing your children to the workshop could be beneficial. Woodworking doesn't just have to be a job . . . in fact, it can turn into an exciting hobby for even the smallest of children.

A child's first time in the woodworking shop should be an exciting adventure for them. Playing with tools and putting nails into wood could keep them entertained for hours. You could also turn it into an educational experience for them, showing them the importance of safety while teaching them counting, shapes, and measuring. Simple woodworking projects will keep them determined, and motivation will be at an all-time high.

When introducing your children to the woodworking shop, there are many things you can do and many tips you can keep in mind to make sure they'll have the time of their lives.

1. Make them knowledgeable of their surroundings

Before working with the tools, your child needs to know the tools. It's important to give them the proper knowledge for each tool; they should know how to use them, when to use them, and what to use them on. Your child should be familiarized with each tool, as well as the wood, nails, and other woodworking items. Showing them around the wood-shop and keeping them out of the way of larger, more complex tools is best for learning the basics. Ask them questions and start a conversation with your child. From this they will learn the most.

Since you'll be working with wood, it's a good idea to first introduce your child to the different types of woods. Show them the different attributions to pine, oak, maple, and others that make each unique. What makes them different? Which are the best to use for certain occasions? These are the questions your child should know before working with the wood.

2. Stress the importance of safety

Safety always comes first. Some kids may be turned off by the sometimes scary thought of getting cuts and bruises, which can occur when using woodworking tools. As you explain the value of each tool to your child, it's important to let them know that these tools are not as dangerous as they may look. As long as you use them in the correct way, carefully and surely, there's no reason to be scared.

Teach your children how to handle each tool safely and properly. No matter what age, children have to be aware of their surroundings, and always make sure they're

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