Are you an avid fan of woodworking? It’s always fascinating to create intricate shapes and patterns out of a block of wood. Some people even say it’s therapeutic, and it’s hard to argue with them. This hobby can be a whole lot of fun. You also have the option of selling your works to make some money on the side, especially if you create unique and high quality carvings. All this justifies why you should encourage your little ones to take on this hobby as well. Read on for some tips on how to introduce kids to wood work.
Many parents are skeptical of allowing their kids to do woodworking projects. Their primary reason is that this craft entails using different tools that may be too dangerous for children. As you may already know, the tools used for carving wood are very sharp. Some may be even too heavy for little kids. But this shouldn’t be a problem if you make sure that you supervise your children throughout the course of the project. What’s more, you can choose what projects the kids can do that match their current skill level.
It’s always a good idea to take on woodworking projects together with your kids. Through this, you can serve as a guide that lets them know the basics, especially when it comes to proper handling of tools. You can also enroll your kids to woodworking classes or buy woodworking books for them. This craft should keep them occupied during long summer breaks or any free time they may have regardless of the time of year.
There are numerous woodworking projects specifically designed for kids. These are very simple to do, yet functional enough to let kids know that what they do can be useful in the future. Some of the most common examples include a stool, a dog kennel, a pencil box, a small table and a herbs and spice rack. The kids will only need wood, glue and a couple of tools to complete the projects. Some projects may require the use of hammers and nails. Be sure to provide adequate assistance to your kids to avoid any injuries.
If you are not proficient at the craft, this shouldn’t stop you from letting your kids pursue it. As mentioned earlier, you can purchase books about easy woodworking projects to help your kids get started. Even better, you can find websites that offer countless woodworking plans. In most cases, you can download these plans for free.
When searching for woodworking plans, make sure that they contain images of the finished product, a step-by-step guide, and detailed measurements. Some plans also come with difficulty ratings to let you know what best suits the skill level of your kids.
Wood work isn’t only for adults. You should encourage your kids to try out this craft and see its benefits at an early age. Just be sure to provide proper guidance especially when it comes to using different tools.