How to Make DIY Projects Safe to Do with Children
DIY projects are a great way to spark your children's creative flair and create lasting memories with crafted pieces. While DIY is hands-on and fun-filled, when little hands are involved, you need to make sure safety is guaranteed, especially if power tools and cutting tools are being used.
By following a few easy steps, you can make your DIY sessions childproof, allowing you to fully focus on the bonding experience while ensuring the welfare of your children.
Inspect Your Workspace
To start off, check the space you’ll be working with your kids in. Get anything that can be a safety hazard out of the way, things like sharp objects, small parts that can fit in the mouth, and toxic substances. Loose items like cords and wires should be securely fastened so the kids don’t accidentally trip.
Also, try getting age-appropriate workbenches and chairs for your children so they don’t have to use furniture too big for them and run the risk of falling off.
Pick Projects That Are Age-Appropriate
You need to start simple if you’re working with kids that are relatively young. Choose projects that you’re sure match the skill level of your kid, and then after a while, you can work up to more complex projects. If they’re new to DIY, you can take on the more challenging tasks so they don’t get overwhelmed and hurt themselves in the process.
Use Non-Toxic Building Materials
When you head down to the hardware store, thoroughly inspect the materials you’re buying. Your priority should be non-toxic materials. For example, when you buy treated timber, ask your merchant what it's been treated with; older treatment methods use very harmful preservatives that contain arsenic.
Do a bit of research to find out possible toxic materials that can be found in paints and glues and read product labels to ensure they’re not a part of the ingredients before you buy the product.
Supervise Your Kids Closely
Remember your crafting sessions should be done together, always give them clear instructions on what they’re supposed to do and calmly explain the steps involved in the project.
Keep a close eye on your kids and do not leave them unattended for long periods. If their project involves power tools, sharp tools, or hot materials, always lend a helping hand or do the particular step that involves tools by yourself.
Clean Up
Once you’re satisfied with your session for the day, it’s time for you and the kids to clean up the workspace. Throw out any unusable chemical materials that can pose a health hazard. Stash the power and cutting tools away in the storage cabinet where the kids can’t get to. Get the kids to wash themselves properly with soap and water.
Safe Crafting For Maximum Fun
Being a parent, you can’t have fun when your children’s safety is jeopardised. Using the information in this article, you can create a safe space where your DIY sessions will become a fun and educational bonding experience for you and for your kids.