by Russell Roper

Created on: July 03, 2009   Last Updated: July 05, 2009

There is one thing kids of all generations have in common and that is the desire to help, or simply be with, mom and dad when they are working around the house. When given the responsibility of holding the flashlight, passing needed tools, or helping prepare a cake gives the children a sense of belonging and closeness to the parent. However, not all jobs are suitable for all children due to the possible injuries that could occur.

Once your child reaches the age of wanting to help in the woodshop there are several issues that must be addressed first. Now, the decision of when to let your child(ren) accompany you into the shop is, or should, be based on several points;

1) Are you ready to have a Little helper in what was once just your space? If you are going to get aggravated or tend to be irritable when working then it would probably be a good idea to find something else for you and your child(ren) to do together. As anyone who has ever worked in a woodshop knows, the moment you're not concentrating on the job at hand is when accidents happen.

2) How mentally mature is your child(ren)? This question is not necessarily about age. If your child is six and follows directions well, is eager to learn about working with word, and understands that your shop is not a play area then they would be a good candidate for helping out in the shop.

3) This point is actually a continuation of question two. If your child is truly interested in becoming a woodworker you don't want to discourage them with negativity. Don't use excuses of why they would not make a good helper; simply tell them how serious it is working around all the various tools in the shop. After you have had the discussion, set a date of when they can start helping in the shop. Setting a date will let them know they are not being left out and it will also give them something to look forward to.

Once you have considered these points, and have decided to take on a helper, it's time to introduce your child to your workshop. Just a quick tip; while it is one thing to allow your own kids into your shop it is not recommended that their little friends come in when work is in progress. The reason is simple; if they get hurt, you're responsible, period.

The first step should be a complete tour of the shop and equipment. Explain what each machine or tool does, how it is properly operated, and the safety equipment required. Explain the safety practices required when in the shop and when any of the machines are in operation. Then, after the tour, it is time to introduce your child to their primary duties while in the wood shop.

Woodshop duties are typically based on the age of the child. Some jobs that would be suitable for the younger kids would be restricted to shop clean-up. Jobs like sweeping and taking out the trash are about the only positions these children should be allowed to perform due to safety issues. The children should only perform these duties under strict supervision and while the shop is not in operation. Then as their age and skills advance, so too can their duties, until finally reaching the status of machine operator.

So, by teaching the children the required safety rules they can enter the shop ready to share in your hobby. Then, after following your guidelines the shop can turn into a family activity on which memories are built.

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