6 easy ways to get kids into DIY and teach them a new skill
April 16, 2022 | DIY & Home Improvement | Fix First | No comments
Stuck for things to do with the kids? We’ve got just the answer! Teaching the kids how to repair their broken stuff won’t only help out your finances but also teach your children valuable skills that will help them in later life too. Through the art of repairing instead of replacing, they can learn problem solving, decision making, the value of items and ways to save money. Also, it’s a great way to keep them busy whether it’s the holidays, half term or you’ve just some spare time on your hands, plus it’s lots of fun too!
To help you get started, we’ve put together some top tips!
Your own little helper
Whatever is it you’re doing, kids love to get involved! So, if you’re planning on completing some DIY, get them started by letting them hand you the tools you need, helping with easy jobs and explaining what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. They will love to help out and will learn something along the way.
Start small
When the stuffing falls out of their favourite bear, teach them or show them how to sew it back in or when their train set breaks, teach them how to put the parts back together. If they are older and their gadgets break (the more expensive times) it’s a great time to teach them how to repair. Take them to one of the Restart Project’s Repair Parties and let them learn how to fix it themselves. You can find your nearest one here.
From toys to clothing
If they have mastered the art of fixing their toys and gadgets, teach them about repairing clothing. This can be from sewing a hole in a jumper to resurrecting a ripped pair of jeans into some trendy new shorts.
Take things apart
Reading that sentence might have filled you with dread but say the same thing to your kids and their faces will light up! Kids are born inquisitive so take the opportunity to teach them! We’re not saying take your expensive phone apart but maybe start with their toys then build up to gadgets. Just make sure you know how to put them back together first!
Teach them to recycle
This can be teaching them about rubbish recycling or reinventing old clothes (see point 3!) It’s important to teach kids that just because something is broken, doesn’t mean it’s no longer of use. Try and make something new out of broken items too. These genius ways of transforming broken appliances should give you some inspiration!
Easy household repairs
There are a few quick repairs you can get them started on that are pretty safe and easy for kids (still supervised of course.) Here are a few ideas:
Tightening screws – Teach them the ‘righty-tighty, lefty-loosey’ phrase and they’ll remember it for life. Tightening loose screws in towel racks, handles and bars is a great way to introduce them to DIY.
Oil squeaky hinges – Arm your kids with some trusty WD40 and show them how to fix annoying hinge squeaks then praise them every time the door opens without a sound!
Minor paint jobs – Maybe don’t let them repaint the whole room, but if there are nail holes or minor scuffs and marks that need covering, let your kids help by dabbing on some paint and helping you out.
Clean the drains – Use a natural cleaner and let your kids help with the dreaded drain cleaning job! You’ll get the job done and teach your kids something at the same time.
Looking for some other ways to fill your time? Check out these 6 quick fixes around the house that you could get your kids involved in too!
Tags: Fix First, Repair Not Replace, Repair Skills
