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Forget DIY It's DIWF
Do It with Family By Sue Marquette Poremba
Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware's "Helpful Hardware Man," says as kids get older, they can help with carpentry jobs, like building a deck. "The important issue is that parents need to use common sense as to what they allow their child to do," he says. "Power tools should not be used until a child is at least 13, and then it all depends on their maturity level."
Considering the child's maturity level is important on all levels of DIY projects. Don't be surprised if a younger child gets bored after 15 minutes and the novelty wears off. Also remember that not every member of the family will have the same level of enthusiasm or perseverance as the person initiating the project. Let family members take breaks or ask for help in small time increments, but make it clear that they are expected to help finish the project. No one should be able to quit until all the work is done. Finally, remember that not every DIY project needs to be for home improvement. Sometimes it is fun to join together to create a project that is for pure enjoyment. For Eric Stromer, one of those fun projects involved building a small stage. "For young children, anything above 3 inches off the ground becomes a stage," he says. "Build one with the kids, and then let them plan their play while you and the other adults enjoy an extra glass of wine." After all, the memories and bonding these DIY projects provide are as important as the skills they teach.