Tool safety for kids

I loved to help my dad when I was a kid. When I became a teenager, I still loved to help, and by then, he was happy for any help he could get. He would ask for a certain tool, screw or nail, and I would deftly reach for the right one. Safety was his biggest concern, and now that I am a parent, I fully understand why he aged prematurely.

Safety in the workshop is the number one priority of every parent. Buying kids plastic tools to play with only keeps them entertained for a very short length of time. Plug in the real power drill, and a child forgets all about his plastic hammer.

This Old House has a fantastic article on workshop safety for our kids. When we teach by example, our kids are sure to follow. Always wear safety glasses so that kids understand that eye protection is a number one priority. Keep dangerous tools out of kids' reach, so they will understand that they could get seriously hurt if they use it when unsupervised. Dressing appropriately for the job, and supervising your child when they are using a dangerous tool will give them the confidence they need to use the tool correctly.

The article is full of advice and safety measures to keep our youngsters safe when working around dangerous tools. My oldest daughter loved to help us when we built something, and she always wanted to be right there. As you can see in the picture, she didn't quite understand yet, but was always willing to learn.

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