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 paying attention when using the tools. When working with hammers and nails, the hammer should always be pointing straight down . . . things like that a child should be aware of when in the workshop. If bigger tools, like saws or power tools, will be used, safety will be more important than ever.
Organization can also lead to a safer workplace. With a messy work area it is easier to trip, fall, and severely hurt yourself. Keeping the place clean with all your materials organized and insight will increase the safety level dramatically.
3. Working with your child on their first project
Now its time to get working with the wood. You and your child should work together to pick out a simple first project you both can work on. Kids at younger ages will most likely be occupied with the simplest of projects, like hammering nails into a board or shaving wood. For older kids, more complex projects can be used. Ones I've always found to be both challenging and useful are tables, chairs, or boxes. Of course, it's important to let them pick out a project that they want to do, while still suited for their abilities.
Before you start the project, sit with your child and come up with a design for it. This is where the learning experience can really come in handy, because the knowledge of shapes and measurements will help your child to come up with the best and most accurate design possible. The design should be a fun process for both of you, because their creativity will come shining through. Once you know exactly what you're going to be making, get all the tools and equipment you need by your side and ready to go.
Don't expect your child to know everything about the woodworking processes right off the bat. It's beneficial that you're there by their side working with them and helping them when they need it. Let them get in good practice, though. As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. Creativity will begin to develop as your child grows in their woodworking abilities.
4. Keep them comfortable in the workshop
It's vital to your child's experience that they be comfortable in their surroundings. Let the experience be enjoyable for them, and allow them to feel like they can achieve anything if they set their mind to it. They shouldn't be nervous to use all the tools, and they shouldn't be afraid to do what they feel is necessary to complete the project to the best of their ability. Most important: make them feel important. Always keep them a part of the project, and make your child the lead worker at all times.
If they feel comfortable with the simple tools, you can introduce them to the wonderful world of power tools. Of course, power tools do come with more hazards than your normal hammer and screw driver. Teach your child how to use them, and allow your child to become comfortable using them.
5. Make it an exciting experience!
Working in the woodworking shop should be an exuberant experience for any child and their parents. And as the parent, it's your job to keep things exciting. Go above and beyond with the project - use as many tools as you can, and incorporate as many materials as you can. In this case, the fabrications are what will make it the most fun for any child. Ask them questions and always keep them involved. If you see their interest waning, keep the focus on the project. Tell your child how great they're doing . . . patronizing will always make a smile appear on their face.
Bring out the paints and stains and add an extra dimension to the project. What kid doesn't love to paint something? I know when I was a kid and my dad was painting, I wanted to be right by his side doing it with him. Teach your child how to use a paint brush and let them paint the project once you guys are finished.
Probably most important of all, you want your child to gain the satisfaction of being in the workshop and completing a project that they worked on themselves. As a parent, I love seeing my child proud. Completing the project, while having fun and learning along the way, will be a gratifying experience for any child.
A child's imagination is like nothing else in the woodworking shop. This is where a kid can really come into their own. They can be themselves. They can express themselves. They can have fun, rake in the knowledge, and have an amazing time doing so. Next time you have time on your hands, or your child is expressing their boredom to you, take them down to the workshop and open up the world of woodworking to them, and see the creativity pour out of them.