Tool Time

My husband is a collector of cool, old garage things from engines to anvils to hammers. Our car collection is extensive and widespread. I can't say that I'm much better when I gave him a car (1959 Rambler Wagon) for our anniversary that we hauled from Colorado when I was nine months pregnant. All of the collections looked less cool when the boys were in the garage all over everything, and I kept worrying about Tetanus shots. Now that they are a bit older it's much better, and the collecting continues.

My husband has spent a lot of time making room in the garage for the boys. When we are all in the garage the boys get their hammers, hand saws, and scrap wood. We have low saw horses for the boys to have their wood clamped down. We put nails in part of the wood for them to practice hammering, and the other half they can saw. A lot of people think we are crazy to give our sons real hammers and saws, but I would much rather have them learn the safe way to handle things. I realized that the alternative was to have the boys watch us use them, and then try to imitate us with no instruction. Why not just keep the boys out of the garage you might ask. Well, what fun is that? Instead of making the garage toddler proof, teach your toddler to be safe. It's a life lesson. You can't toddler proof the world, so teach them to be safe in it. 

I like the hammering nails activity because it's great for dexterity and concentration. The sawing is more a determination test because if it doesn't work the first couple of times they really have to work at it. They also really have to follow instructions and listen carefully. If they don't follow directions then they can't be in the garage. 

My husband has taught me a lot about what a 4-year old and 3-year old can do. At first it was a lot of him telling me to trust him. I do completely, which is why garage time works. Thanks Jeff!!

FYI: No injuries have occurred. I also plan to teach my daughter about garage time too.