Growing up, I was interested in building stuff. Sticking wood together and using my dad’s drill became a weekly need. I remember when I got my first toolbox. A blue, metal, toolbox. The traditional one with the two sides opening out to show the underside tray.
Getting those first tools, was great. My own hammer, screwdriver and pliers. This is a great setup for those that want their children to understand the basics of maintenance. There’s nothing wrong with preparing for those small fixes, in the their future.
I want to think about the access to tools, now. There are so many cheaper tools that can be gotten. With charity shops often filled with tools and boxes, adorning your child with their first tool box is easier than ever. Looking at the cheaper shops in the UK, a full set of screwdrivers are as low as £6. You must always accompany your child when they use tools, but you can rest in the knowledge that they will set to mend.
You can also enjoy the delights of working together. You get and assistant, they learn, and you can create quality memories with them. Some of the best times in my childhood were spent tinkering. I eventually fixed bicycles and even my first cars. I dabble here, an investigation there, I am pleased with what I was offered at a young age. Now, we are more encourageable towards girls trying this, too. I am a big believer in giving everyone the chance to channel their inner-construction-monster.
So, what am I trying to get across with this post? What am I presenting, other than a mass of words that might make sense? Well:
- Let children understand the use and dangers of tools,
- Give them chance to experience their use, supporting them,
- Make new memories as your new assistant helps you with that project,
- Help to release those that are hands on, allow ideas to formulate, early on,
- Embed an idea of their own skills, leading to a future vocation.
This is not for all, many simply want to stay away from the physical jobs and are happier at a computer, or out and about. But for those that are hands-on, I’d like to see them understand that there is more for them than confusion.
