As a father, you’re in charge of the home repairs, from plumbing, electrical walls to electrical fixes. While you work on them, you most likely see your kids hanging around watching every action. After all, kids are brimming with curiosity, eager to mimic what you do and learn what you’re up to. As such, take the opportunity to introduce your kids to tools and how to use them safely. Not only do you appease their inquisitiveness, but you get to impart them valuable knowledge they can use later in life. With that, here are some effective ways to teach kids about using tools in a safe manner.
Pick age-appropriate tools
Teaching your kids about tools should be step-by-step by process, depending on their age. The youngest ones can start with using sandpapers. As they grow, they can begin to learn about the screwdriver or hammer. Save the more complicated tools, such as an electric drill or saw, for last. You can introduce them to this equipment once they have developed the knack for handling and using tools safely.
Educate them how and how shouldn’t tool be used
Once you’ve picked a tool, it’s time to educate your kids about the purpose of each tool. For instance, let them know that a hammer is used for pushing nails into different objects, such as wood. Meanwhile, screwdrivers are for fastening screws with slotted heads.
Afterward, you can go ahead and demonstrate how to properly and safely use each tool. Remember, your kids will most like to emulate the way you utilize the tools. Be spot-on and display proper behavior.
Of course, don’t forget to inform your kids about the improper ways of using tools and the perils when using them. For example, educate your kids to point blades downward. And while it seems cool, never use screwdrivers as a lightsaber or the hammer to summon lightning from the sky.
Use safety gears
Some tools may require safety gear, especially those used for cutting, striking, or drilling. For your kids’ protection, it’s best to have them wear protection at all times, more importantly, if they are still learning down the ropes. Remember to convey to them why they need to dress for safety and the value of their skin, hearing, and eyesight. Through that, they can be more willing to wear all the safety gears stuff, such as:
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Boots or closed-toe shoes
- Hair ties or hair covers
Avoid distractions
Using tools requires concentration and precisions, which is why you need to ensure that no distractions are around. If your kids’ attention gets diverted, they can fail to absorb the essential points you’re teaching, or worse, miss out on properly using tools when they use them. As much as possible, no TV or smartphones should be allowed. The more focus they have, the better they learn, and the fewer mishaps that may happen.
Clean the workspace and store tools properly
After each session, get your kids to develop the habit of cleaning their workspace and keeping the tools in their proper storage. Your kids can take care of placing the nails and screws in the trays and other small tools in the toolbox. However, keep an eye on where they store them so that you know where to locate the tools when you need them. Handle the unsafe ones and lock them away to prevent your children from getting access.
Teach them to ask permission
Some kids are eager to learn, wanting to try using the tools on their own. While it is rewarding to see that your children developed the motivation, their safety is still your top priority. With that, advise them to seek permission first before handling any tool. They should never go straight to your toolbox with your approval. That way, you can guide them appropriately if needed or let them go ahead if you deem your kids already have the dexterity to use the tools unsupervised. Still, asking permission prevents them from using tools without your knowing, decreasing the chances of injuries and accidents.
Takeaway
Those are the basic things you need in teaching kids about using tools. Cherish every moment as getting your kids to learn about them is a surefire quality time you can spend together with your kids. Accept that they won’t grasp things immediately. Devote your patience, and they’ll undoubtedly appreciate all your efforts in teaching them, even making it one of their favorite memories they have with you.