House renovation can often be a complex and strength-taxing activity, which makes it commonly regarded as an activity best left for adults and grownups. There are a lot of things and many parts within and around the house that need some repair, improvement, extensions, and other types of renovation. Before starting, it is better to get a house renovation cost estimate and check your budget. While these renovation projects seem to be best done with no kids around, there can actually be some renovation activities that your kids can take part in. With your close guidance and supervision, you can turn your renovation project into a fun, safe and educational activity for your kids. Let’s check out some of these house renovation activities which can double as activities for children as well.
House Painting
This task may not look anything like what your kids do in their art classes, but applying colors on a large surface will be a fun thing to do for them. Before letting the kids join in on the fun activity, you must prepare the necessary materials for the project. Lay out old newspapers on the floor and in areas where you don’t want to have paint markings. Use a water-based paint or chalk paint for easy removal and to ensure that the paints are safe and non-toxic. Be sure to give clear instructions on how to perform the painting task. Show them examples by doing the first few strokes so that they can follow. If your painting job requires more than one color or a combination of colors, you can show them how to create a new color by combining two different colors, like blue and yellow make green, yellow and red make orange and other combinations. Kids can be quite messy, but they learn effectively when they see and do things themselves.
Plumbing
Kids can make great assistants when it comes to plumbing activities. You just need them to be familiar with the plumbing related tools and items in the house like pipes, bolts, nuts, vice grips and wrenches. They can help by giving you the tools you need while you are under the cramped space under the kitchen sink or stepping on a stool fixing the basement pipe. Kids can gain the knowledge of basic plumbing tools and fixes while you explain these things to them as you work on the plumbing. You can also let them try out easy tasks like fitting and initial tightening of a nut on a bolt.
Basic Carpentry
You don’t have to totally keep carpentry projects off limits for your kids. You can still teach them a thing or two about carpentry and make it fun at the same time. Be sure to closely guide them and monitor their activities and let them wear protective gear like helmets, safety goggles and gloves. You can teach them basic tasks like measuring lumber length and width, initial fitting and tightening of screws and making the final hammer strike to a nearly sunken nail head. For all other activities involving complex machines, heavy tools and sharp materials, you can instruct the kids to stand back and observe what you are doing from a safe distance. You can also let them assist you by letting them hand over some tools which are light and safe, like a measuring tape, nails, screwdriver and pliers. Let them know the importance of basic carpentry skills and how home improvement projects can help make your home safer and stronger.
By keeping the safety of your kids the top priority, you can convert some house renovation projects into fun and educational activities for kids. Just keep in mind to closely monitor their activities and assist them when needed. Be ready to come up with answers if they are going to ask questions and provide some useful information to them to keep the activity engaging and interactive. Involving kids in some of your house renovation projects can make a good foundation for their independence and resourcefulness when they grow up.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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