by Scott Dobek

Created on: March 11, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2010

In this age of high-tech and computer based entertainment, woodworking has almost become an anachronism in our society. The public school system, due to budget and overcrowding constraints, have phased out industrial arts programs such as "Wood Shop" and "Metal Shop" in favor of basic academics and computer sciences. While this may be necessary, it is this woodworker's opinion that this change-over in curriculum comes at great cost to our children's future and ultimately the future of our society.

While becoming a doctor, lawyer, accountant or technician may be your child's future, basic knowledge of hand tools and simple power tools is vital in maintaining a home or apartment. The processes of designing and building are fantastic exercises for the mind by developing problem solving skills and hand/eye coordination. The finishing and use of a hand made item raises self esteem and promotes confidence. The craft is also a stress reducing release that takes you away from the pressures of modern living and the problems they create.

Besides, are we learning to rely on others to fix stuff for us all the time? If we are, where will these "others" come from? Where will they learn their craft?
As a parent or guardian, you may have a few qualms about arming your nine year old with sharp instruments, a stack of boards and a can of nails and letting him "go to it". It comes down to responsibility and judgment. Many children are respectful and trustworthy enough at the ages of six or seven, some at eleven or twelve. Heck, some adults I know I wouldn't trust with a pocket knife when my back is turned. You must decide when the time is right on an individual basis. See how they take care of their toys. Note how they manage problems. Do they admit when they make a mistake? This shows that they will take responsibility for their actions and is a good indication that they are capable of more. A certain amount of stress is required to improve, while too much can be detrimental. A sense of balance must be achieved. There are no hard and fast rules here.

Above all considerations, safety must be a priority. While nicks and scrapes are inevitable childhood rites, proper guidance is mandatory to avoid the opening of veins, decapitation or death caused by misuse of major woodworking machinery. You don't go out and buy an eight year old a table saw and just leave him or her to their own devices. As with anything else, common sense should prevail. Hand saws, whittling knives, hammers and planes are tools that may be sharp and capable of injury, but not serious injuries. If you are in doubt, contact someone in the trade or research the tool through the manufacturer or any number of woodworking clubs that are available. Search your area for woodworking classes at vocational schools, community colleges, private schools and even your local "home center". Many of these have courses for the novice. You may even elect to take the class yourself along with your child, building a stronger bond between you. Who knows, you may actually learn something as well.

By encouraging our children to ask how and why something is built and searching out avenues to gain this knowledge, regardless of their future professions, we bolster their self-reliance and add a facet to their character from which they will be able to draw on all their lives.

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