Home Improvement: Family Projects

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

13 Jun 2006 04:42 AM

When it comes to home improvement, many people tend to think of such projects as "grown up" work. I do it myself at times. I take the kids somewhere for a special activity or find something to keep them busy elsewhere in the house or outside while I work on a project. There's nothing wrong with that, and it is sometimes necessary, but it's also good to find projects that the entire family can get involved in.

Even if there is only a small task that each child can assist in completing, getting kids involved is important. It not only gives them a sense of feeling needed, but it also gives them a greater sense of pride in the home they share with the rest of the family.

Home improvement projects are also great opportunities for spending time together and they can be great learning experiences.

Here are some ways that children can get more involved:

• Older children can help sand surfaces, while younger children can wipe the surface afterward to remove sanding residue.
• You can teach older children to prime and paint (the right way) or to do the cutting in. The more people priming or painting, the sooner it will be done.
• If you don't feel your kids are quite ready for painting, they may be able to help with the prep work.
• While kids can help with clean up, be sure to let them do some of the "fun" stuff too. They won't have much interest in helping if all they get to do is clean up.
• Small children enjoy helping, so having a child act as your assistant may be a good start. Your child can grab tools for you, which will also help him or her begin learning to recognize different tools.
• Children can also offer opinions. Since they tend to be very imaginative, they may inspire you or help you creatively solve a problem.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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