8 year old son has anxiety - Need model suggestions

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 have 3 kids myself ages 8 (Twins) and 10, I will buy mine either snap tite kits or relatively easy glue kits. I also bought the cheap acrylic paints like you will find at Walmart or Hobby Lobby. You can get a whole assortment of colors for less than $10. Also look for clearance models on sale if they aren't too picky in the subject. I think this is a great idea and will help him following instructions and it serves as something he will never forget doing with you.