8 year old son has anxiety - Need model suggestions

The Revell lights & sounds Star Wars kits are awesome for youngsters. The Force Awakens kits included the Falcon, TIE, and black X-Wing and grey X-wing. The Rogue One line included the AT-AT, U-Wing and a large scale star destroyer.

Hobby Lobby 40% off coupons make these affordable, but I've found them on clearance at stores like Meijers, Target, Walmart. I think the First Order TIE fighter was the best kit.

I am NOT a professional psychologist so my recommendation and 5 loons will get ya a coffee.

   Perhaps take your son, him only not his brothers, to a local hobby shop. Let HIM pick the kit he would like keeping in mind the skill level required and tools available, model building can be an expensive hobby to start as you know, then let him enjoy the build. As for kits Star Wars is a great subject. There are MANY reasonable priced snap and glue kits available.. They are reasonably priced so the hit to the bank account is minimal. Remember he is 8yrs old, a Tiger or Jagdpanther with a gajillion parts may cause more ansgst. What ever your son chooses, be in the wings ready to help if he needs it. DO NOT build it for him, the satisfaction of completeing a project may help him gain confidence with other aspects of his life. Hope this provides some help.

You have to be careful when letting younger kids chose a kit themselves. They will want what they want, regardless of whether it is age/skill level appropriate. They will also get discouraged when their model does not resemble the professionally painted kit on the box art.

The pre-decorated kits by Revell are great for kids. Some older ones are a little more challenging, but the lights and sound kits can be built in minutes and are sturdy for playing.

I've raised six kids between the ages of 32 and 13. I've let each of them try modeling. A couple of my older sons were unhappy when their kits did not look well built (back when they were kids). Youngest son built all the Revell Star Wars kits that light up. His friends are impressed.

Revell-Monogram also does some box scale pre-painted fighter kits that are cheap and easy to assemble.

Hi all,

Thanks for the responses thus far.

The plan is for him to come with me and pick something out he likes. My request was more to feel out which kits may be appropriate for a beginner skill level. He has built a couple of the Star Wars kits with lights and sounds and he enjoyed them very much. Only issue with those is that they are a very low piece count and he has them built in just a few minutes. I was hoping that some of you fine folks that have kids could impart a little knowledge on which kits are great and what others to avoid due to fit (or other) issues. The last thing I want is for him to pick up a kit that is a lemon and for it to leave him even more frustrated.

This community is great! Hopefully some others will chime in with other great ideas and advice.

Cheers,

Greg

The older Revell pre-decorated Star Wars kits have a higher parts count and are pretty good model kits. I found Skywalker's X-Wing and Vader's TIE on clearance at Hobby Lobby. Kylo Ren's shuttle ran me about $10 and is a nice kit.

Personally I would just recommend a standard level 2 Revell (or whatever brand) car kit. That's probably what most of us started with when we were kids.  He can paint as much or as little as he likes.  I remember not painting the body of the kits but I did paint everything else.   As a kid they looked fine to me, but looking back they were awful!  But, I really enjoyed it though.

This sounds pretty familiar. I have one like that.

First of all, therapy is a must. It is hard to line up, but you sound focused on that.

You are dealing with fragile self-esteem. So it helps if success is a high probability. There are probably other issues in the bundle, primarily OCD. So in order to keep his interest, for sure pick something he's interested in, with a high "cool" factor.

Apart from that, given his age and situation, I would look really hard at the possibility of bullying going on.  Mine has a lot of PTSD from versions of that that have caused some problems. 

I have really fond memories of doing stuff with my dad like bench carpentry.

Bill

We have thought that bullying may be an issue. He had a kid that picked on him last school year but that seems to have been resolved. Unfortunately he won't open up to us and tell us what may be going on! He says everything is fine but something is definitely upsetting him and causing this. Therapy is in the works but there is a great lack of qualified folks who can help him. And the ones that can have wait lists a mile long. Still we will soldier on and do whatever it takes. As I mentioned above in my original post we have read that art therapy and such is a real help. While he's not interested in art he has definitely asked a million questions about modelling. He did build a couple of Star Wars "kits" he got for his birthday and he loved them. This is what led me to lean towards a productive "craft" that will help him focus and perhaps escape some of the things that are troubling him. The hope is that finishing a model will build some self confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Thanks again to all who have replied thus far. It really is a help.

Cheers,

Greg

GMorrison

This sounds pretty familiar. I have one like that.

First of all, therapy is a must. It is hard to line up, but you sound focused on that.

You are dealing with fragile self-esteem. So it helps if success is a high probability. There are probably other issues in the bundle, primarily OCD. So in order to keep his interest, for sure pick something he's interested in, with a high "cool" factor.

Apart from that, given his age and situation, I would look really hard at the possibility of bullying going on.  Mine has a lot of PTSD from versions of that that have caused some problems. 

I have really fond memories of doing stuff with my dad like bench carpentry.

Bill

 

I was thinking the MCP Titanitc that HL has.  It's already painted and with the 40% coupon, that might be a thing.  The thing about that kit is it might also be a history lesson.  I mean how many of us research something before we build kits, or why we build kits.  

Hi GregFK,

I'm an HS sophomore and do models in my spare time... helps me keep busy when I'm not with friends or doing other things. I'm passionate about WW2 aviation and armor so I have great interest in the hobby. If your son has interest in any military or fantasy subjects, model building can be a great pass time and something he will keep interest in his whole life. He can meet people at IPMS shows and his Local Hobby Shop (if the LHS hosts competitions). 

If he is interested in star wars, I would recommend Bandai star wars kits, specifically their 1:72nd models of the X-wing, tie fighters etc... Another option is Airfix's 1:72nd starter kits. Get the starter kits because they come with a brush, glue (but I just recommend getting Tamiya extra thin cement it will be easier for him), and the paints needed for the model. The paints are acrylics which is probably better for an 8 year old, you can thin the paints a little with water and paint 3 light coats just so the paint flows on easier and doesn't clump. The good thing about these airfix starter sets is that you can get them from 10-15 dollars (with the material). The kits aren't too complex, but can be made into nice results. I would recommend getting a wide brush to paint the wings and underside. 

If budget is a concern and you want to make a model last longer and not have to keep buying some, have him make small dioramas. Use a foam/wood/cardboard base from the garage and use some dirt from oustide and elmers glue to make a muddy airfield. Or maybe paint a runway with strips etc, or a aircraft carrier wooden deck for a naval plane. 

That's all I have to ramble on about, I'm sure you get the idea; there's alot in the hobby and surely he will find his niche. 

Kien

You may also want to look at Gundam kits. The youngsters love the cool factor and they have kits that are entry level, as well as more advanced types as well. They are all snap tites and molded in color with articulated joints so they can be posed or played with. 

Some can be built in a single session and some take lots sessions to build.

There are quite a few "Starter Kits" out there that come with paint to complete them. If I remember right (), they are not that expensive either. For starters, craft acrylic paints are great. No odor, easy to use, thin and clean up with water, and as was said above, available in lots of stores including Joanne Fabrics for about $1.50 for a large 2 oz. bottle. I've gone in and hit a sale with them at 10 for $10.00. Stocked up on that one.

Hope that this helps.

Jim  

Perhaps legos may be another choice.  You could start with lego kits that build up to something specific like star wars ships.  If he seems to be taking to it and even getting creative and building from his imagination then a simple snap tight kit next or a few then glue kits.

To save money on legos, go to thrift stores or used lego kits on ebay.

Testors made some easy to assemble 1/72 scale planes. Only 20 or so parts so it wouldnt be overwhelming and  with just  some basic painting  they make into a decent kit.

A great way to learn how to glue stuff.

stikpusher

You may also want to look at Gundam kits. The youngsters love the cool factor and they have kits that are entry level, as well as more advanced types as well. They are all snap tites and molded in color with articulated joints so they can be posed or played with. 

Some can be built in a single session and some take lots sessions to build.

 

This is a great idae. I forgot that Toys R Us used to carry Gundam kits that were almost like action figures when complete. My sons built a couple of these. They didn't need painting and were very colorful.

Along the same lines, Bandai makes a line of action figure models called Sprue Kits. Toys R Us sells these in the Lego section of the store. They make Pokemon, Batman, Superman and Halo kits. Some of the Batman ones are from the comic, the video game and the last Dark Knight movie.

If you were in the US, I send you some of the kits that were my older sons that he could have.

Hi Greg :

   I hear you . My boy , God rest His soul . was almost borderline autistic and fragile emotionally . But while he was with us one thing was working . Not to belittle anyone on here and models .Have you considered buying any of the Star Wars LEGO sets for him ?

 Lego seems to click somewhere deep down . Don't know why . And LEGO has an extensive line of Star Wars from mini-kits all the way to the higher priced , awesome new ones . There is a heavy aftermarket and he can have a great choice .

 My suggestion .Go to www.LEGO.com and check it out Plus , there's Bricks and Minifigs and  Many more such as www.Bricklink.com . Give it all a go . Hope this helps

Hi all,

Thanks for all the awesome replies and suggestions. I'm especially touched by the stories that some of you shared relating similar circumstances. It truly means a lot. This is a learning experience for my wife and I as he is our first born and we have never had to deal with an issue like this. We have sought help and the school counsellor is involved. She says she will speak with him and assess his situation. She will escalate things if she needs to. In the meantime we will get him involved in activities to keep his mind focused and occupied.

Lego. He loves Lego. He has so many sets we have run out of room to store them all! Lego would be the ultimate answer but some of it is cost prohibitive. He does have plenty of it though so we can disassemble and rebuild as the need arises.

Never even thought of the Gundam kits. He is a typical 8 year old boy and loves robots. As I am in Canada I'm not sure if Toy R Us here sells them or not but we will be looking into it for sure! Brilliant suggestion.

When I mentioned buidling a kit alongside Dad his eyes lit up and he didn't even wait for me to finish the suggestion before promptly replying "Yes!". I showed him some of the kits on the Revell website and he immediately gravitated to the Grave Digger monster truck. I think that will be the first. We'll go and pick it out this weekend and make it an event.

Thanks again to everyone! It truly is nice to know that people out there who are "strangers" care enough to help out. It means a lot to me.

Cheers,

Greg

Greg, 

Check out the Tamiya dinosaur kits. Very simple build, he can paint them any way he wants, and create a really cool diorama if he'd like. I see them on Amazon for $8-10. 

Hi all,

Just an update. My boy and I went to Michael's and he ended up picking the Revell Snap-Tite Abrams tank. There was a lot of humming and hawing and he changed his mind several times before committing but he's happy with the choice he made. He and I spent over an hour together working on the actual kit. He did 99% of the work while I reassured him and helped him refer to instructions when he got stuck. All in all he was very happy with the end result. So much so that he already has the next 3 kits lined up in his mind! Did it help with his anxiety? Only time will tell. Either way he had a good time and I may have created a new hobbyist.

Thanks again to all who responded. I have mentioned Gundam and Dinosaur kits to him once his skills improve. He is excited at the prospect.

Greg

That's great news! I'm glad to hear that you two spent such time together. I'm sure that he will look back on this time fondly one day. Of the hundreds of models that I have built, only a handful were with my dad. And they still stand out in my mind to this day, unlike all the rest from that time. 

GregFK

Hi all,

Just an update. My boy and I went to Michael's and he ended up picking the Revell Snap-Tite Abrams tank. There was a lot of humming and hawing and he changed his mind several times before committing but he's happy with the choice he made. He and I spent over an hour together working on the actual kit. He did 99% of the work while I reassured him and helped him refer to instructions when he got stuck. All in all he was very happy with the end result. So much so that he already has the next 3 kits lined up in his mind! Did it help with his anxiety? Only time will tell. Either way he had a good time and I may have created a new hobbyist.

Thanks again to all who responded. I have mentioned Gundam and Dinosaur kits to him once his skills improve. He is excited at the prospect.

Greg

 

I have been following this thread, but didn't comment because I don't have the knowledge that others have regarding kits.  I knew the forum would provide plenty of good information.

It seems your son may be having issues with confidence, which is why I highlighted the above sentance in your reply.  Having had success with his first shot at a model with minimal assistance could help with his confidence level.

Model building can help him to focus, and even better, get "out of his head" while he is building.  Doing it with you, as mentioned above, is something he will likely remember when he is older.

You are a good dad, and I am glad the forum was able to help.  Please keep us updated.

D

GregFK

that he already has the next 3 kits lined up in his mind!

Cool!! He's a true modeler! Pretty soon, those next three kits will be the start of his ever-present, ever-growing stash!

Glad to hear that things are going well. I have a grandson with autism, and he has severe issues when dealing with people. But, when he's in his safe zone, building Legos or a Snap-Tite kit, he has no issues - the way all modelers feel when we're modeling. And, it's GREAT to know that he has very caring parents to help him throguh all of this. May God Bless you and your entire family!

Gary Mason

Glad to hear things went well! My eight year old has some challenges with attention (more than normal boys!) and fine motor skills. We tried a few Shap Tite kits, some of them were a real bugger for a kid oriented kit! Eventually they went together, but I'm not sure he could have got them together all by himself. He liked the Airfix kits better, they are more like Legos. 

A bit off the modeling topic, but have you thought of involving hip in a sport? Individual or team. It helped me HUGE in fighting my own demons with anxiety/ bullying in school 

GregFK

Hi all,

Just an update. My boy and I went to Michael's and he ended up picking the Revell Snap-Tite Abrams tank. There was a lot of humming and hawing and he changed his mind several times before committing but he's happy with the choice he made. He and I spent over an hour together working on the actual kit. He did 99% of the work while I reassured him and helped him refer to instructions when he got stuck. All in all he was very happy with the end result. So much so that he already has the next 3 kits lined up in his mind! Did it help with his anxiety? Only time will tell. Either way he had a good time and I may have created a new hobbyist.

Thanks again to all who responded. I have mentioned Gundam and Dinosaur kits to him once his skills improve. He is excited at the prospect.

Greg 

Even if this first model only marginally helps, you've already given him a great gift in just spending time with Dad. Any time spent modeling and bonding with you will help with the anxiety. Great job!

castelnuovo

A bit off the modeling topic, but have you thought of involving hip in a sport? Individual or team. It helped me HUGE in fighting my own demons with anxiety/ bullying in school 

 

I gotta agree on that. My youngest had problems similar to those that  you describe for your son while I was in deployment. When I came home we got her involved with ice skating and it really got her out of her shell and did amazing things for her self confidence.

She also did some model building with dad for a few years until the teen years arrived, with all that associated stuff...

Hi all,

He was involved in soccer in the summer (he has been playing since he was 3) but with winter upon us he is in between activities. We have suggested martial arts as an alternative and he seems receptive to the idea. We have also suggested scouts which he seems really excited about. The key there is to find the right troop. Some around our parts are great but some have leaders who "phone it in". We want to choose the right one so he will benefit the most out of it.

2nd model is forthcoming. I will likely get it today and surprise him with it. He was torn between the Abrams, Humvee and AH64 Apache last time. Now that the Abrams is crossed off the list I will grab one of the other two to give to him as a surprise. I have also started a tool kit for him with a set of sprue cutters and some various files and sanding sticks. Once he graduates to glues and paints we will include those in his kit as well.

Cheers,

Greg