Kids show a natural interest in wanting to hammer, saw or measure from a young age, so below are a few woodworking projects for kids which will help them build on that natural curiosity and have fun at the same time. When it comes to bonding with children as a parent, there are many activities which can be undertaken. One of the less well known skills that can be passed between generations is woodworking.
Not only can this shared experience bring children and parents closer together, it has the added advantage of giving kids the chance to learn a skill which will stand them in good stead for adulthood. The child will gain an understanding of how to use tools, improve their hand to eye co-ordination and perhaps most importantly, learn how to use dangerous tools safely.
Buy the Essentials
The first project to do with your child when introducing them to woodworking is to go out and buy a specialized kid’s tool set. They are available from any good DIY store at a reasonable price and will pique the child’s interest in woodwork straight away.
Build a Toolbox
So, the kid has got the tools but has nowhere to put them. A perfect practical introduction to the world of woodworking is helping them to build their own toolbox. A quick Google search, or search in a ‘woodworking for kids’ book will provide plenty of plans from which a small box to hold the child’s kit can be made. Instantly, the child will feel a sense of achievement when the box is completed and valued by having a toolkit in a box all of its own.
Or a Birdhouse
Another relatively easy woodworking project for a kid to work on is a birdhouse. As with the toolbox, the benefits of building one of these are multi-layered. Not only are they learning the basics of how to measure, cut and affix wood or how to create holes, but will also promote an interest in the natural world around them.
Or Stilts?
Every parent knows the frustration of buying their child the latest expensive fashionable toy only to see it remain dormant at the back of the cupboard for months on end shortly after being purchased. The sense of achievement a child will gain from making their own toys will see even the most straightforward objects being played with over and over again. Stilts are a great example of a toy that can provide hours of entertainment and the minimum of effort to build.
Something More Complex?
As time goes on, and the child has mastered the basics of woodworking, then more complex projects can be introduced and tailored towards their own interests. Perhaps they are into trains – so why not help them make their own engine with moving parts? Or maybe they are more interested in storytelling, in which case making puppets with their very own theatre can be extremely worthwhile.
There are a wealth of woodworking projects for kids that are available online and in print that make this cheap and enjoyable pursuit a must for both children and parents alike.
