When you teach your child how to operate tools for building and repair, you are providing him with important life skills. Both boys and girls gain a sense of accomplishment as they master the use of the same kinds of tools used by adults. Whether you are working with your child in a garage, workshop or at the kitchen table, it is essential to observe safety precautions. Remember that at all times you are not only demonstrating the use of tools, but also modeling safety and injury prevention for your child.
Instruction
When your child is ready to learn about tools, start by giving him instructions on using basic tools such as a hammer and screwdriver, and provide plenty of opportunities to practice. Make sure your child knows the proper way to carry a tool and hand it to another person. Teach your child how to care for and store tools so that they stay in good working order.
Supervision
Until you are satisfied that your child completely understands a tool's use and follows all safety precautions, you should provide careful supervision. Use this time to warn your child about all potential dangers when using a particular tool. Be sure to have a first aid kit in your work area, and teach your child how to use it.
Protection
Provide your child with the proper clothing and eyewear when he is using tools. Both you and your child should wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris and dust. Teach your child about the dangers that loose clothing, exposed skin, dangling hair and unprotected feet can present with certain tools, and make sure he is attired with workshop-appropriate clothing and shoes.
Kid-Sized Equipment
Children can have the best control over the tools if their workspace is child-scaled. If you are working at an adult workbench and your child is elevated so he can work beside you, make sure that the object he is standing on is sturdy and wide. Look for tools sized especially for children. The This Old House website suggests letting children start with a lightweight hammer for ease of use, and a short, sharp, fine-toothed saw with more than 12 teeth per inch, since it is less likely to snag in the wood.
Materials
Carefully consider the safety of the materials your child will be using. Soft woods such as pine, poplar and cedar are much easier for children to drill, cut or sand by themselves than hard woods like oak or maple. Allow treated lumber time to age and dry before using, and wear gloves when handling it. Be sure that you and your child wear dust masks when you are cutting or sanding treated lumber, suggests the BuildEazy website.
Warning
Some tools are too dangerous for a child to operate alone. Place a lock on the power cords of table saws and other power tools which are too heavy for a child to use safely without assistance. Store any smaller sharp-edged tools which could be hazardous in a locked tool chest.
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