Every parent and grandparent wants their child to grow and learn. They want them to be well-rounded individuals and respected in the world, so they teach their children and allow them to explore a multitude of skills, trades, and hobbies. They try to broaden the horizons of their child’s world. It’s both practical and fun to teach your children a wide range of life skills, and one such skill is craftsmanship, a valuable tool for every individual.
With appropriate supervision and tools, a child can learn the basic fundamentals of woodworking. Typically, a child should be at least four years old to benefit and safely learn the tools of the trade. Below you will find some of the top tips for woodworking with children:
Emphasize safety.
Safety is the most important component of woodworking with children. You must set ground rules and be sure the child has a full understanding of what they are doing. Safety is important to every woodworker (Even experienced craftsman can hurt themselves in a moment of carelessness.), so make sure that the child understands the importance of being careful.
Teach the child slowly by giving step-by-step instructions and introducing only one new idea or technique at a time. This will also help the child master one tool and skill before rushing into learning another. Introduce tools with respect and with a detailed explanation of what they do. This will help to control a child’s desire to test the tool out on their own without your supervision, which could easily result in injury.
Finally, regardless of how simple the tools that the child is using may be, children should always wear the proper clothing and safety goggles to protect themselves. Accident can occur quickly and without warning, so it’s best to take the necessary precautions. Additionally, make sure your work space is clean and that your workbench is in a highly visible area. Safety and supervision is necessary in any woodworking environment in which children are present.
Help them to truly enjoy learning the trade.
Woodworking is an educational and skill-building experience for any child. From learning how to properly use tools to knowing which types of wood to use, the skills learned in the woodworking area can benefit a child all throughout his or her life, especially when they come to own their own home.
Teach your child about the trees and types of lumber that craftsmen use, and have the child explore the grain, smell, texture, weight, and differences among the types of wood. Sensory experiences not only benefit children by broadening their horizons, but they’ll also pique the child’s interest in the hobby.
When the child is first starting out, remember that some of the best types of wood to use while learning the trade are white pine, cedar, fir, and redwood. By starting with these types of wood that are generally easy to work, you help to prevent the child from getting discouraged at the difficulty of woodworking.
Woodworking will also help the child build skills and techniques that will help them to better themselves. Hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, creative thinking, imagination, conceptualization, and cooperation are just some examples. Not only that, but teaching your child such an intricate and time-consuming hobby will also help to teach both you and your child how to interact with patience and purpose.
Enjoy the bonding experience.
While safety and education are important to teach to your young craftsman, it’s also important to remember to have fun. The experience can be rewarding and beneficial to both of you. During your woodworking lessons, you can bond and learn about your child. The experience of working and teaching/ learning together can open communication barriers and let you get to know your child better. Woodworking is an excellent hobby to enjoy with your child as they mature into a young adult.
Find the right lumber.
Woodworking is a great skill to teach children. Not only is it a practical ability, but it can also help to teach children many important skills. J.Gibson McIlvain Company, one of the nation’s oldest and most reputable lumber dealers, is a valuable resource for information on all kinds of lumber needs for you and your young craftsman. For more information on all that McIlvain Company has to offer, click here to visit them online.
Visit the lumber blog.
For woodworking tips, information on trends in the lumber industry, or updates on what’s new at McIlvain Company, visit their blog today. Check out the selections below:
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