Woodworking with Wee Ones

Kids’ imaginations are inversely proportional to their attention spans.
By David Ross Puls
Page: 58

From the August 2010 issue #184
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Want to take up woodworking with your kids, but find it difficult to keep them in the shop? I share this desire and dilemma. I sheepishly admit that the diffi culties arise from my needs and notions, not those of my son. He is, of course, perfect in every way.

I believe that all of us old-fart woodworkers need to give up our foolish notions of design, technique, function and even completion if we are to encourage our kids to join us in our ligneous endeavors.

I learned quickly with my son that allowing him to follow his muse was utmost. It also took the pressure off me. He happily does as he pleases and I get to look brilliant with almost no effort. My son, Elvin, and I have clocked a gazillion hours (his count – it has only felt like a couple zillion to me) working on countless projects in my shop. And, I can honestly say that I have absolutely no idea what many of our creations are. They are of the highest caliber, however, and are of maximum coolness, according to Elvin.

Blog: Read Editor Chrispoher Schwarz’s adventures in the shop with his youngest daughter, Katy.
Web site: Our “I Can Do That” page features projects that are ideal for budding woodworkers (with adult supervision, of course).
To buy: One of our favorite collections of beginner projects is John Nelson’s “The Big Book of Weekend Woodworking.”

From the August 2010 issue #184
Buy this issue now