Introducing Kids to Modeling and Getting Started

Sat at Hobby Lobby while I was making my picks an older couple was looking at cars trying to make since of them and pick a few for their grandson. As they were trying to figure out the skill 1,2,3 system, I explained and they were grateful and asked questions on and off till they picked 2 of the diecast bodies with rolling wheels since he could play with them after they were done, a skill 2 for him to try along with an acrylic auto detail paint set and glue. I hope he like his gifts. I'm suprised that the model manufacturers don't have a flyer or brochure that stores cam put out to help with selection. Lots of hobbies do.

I think you have hit the main points Dave, and the comments from Gip and Courtney are right on too.
If one is so fortunate to have a mom & pop LHS handy, having your kids start a relationship with them is a great way to build on all these good things.
My kids benefitted from that, and they are still modelling through their teen years.

A friend and I got tired of all the local complaining about kids having nothing to do, and we started a RC plane club, learn to build over the winter and fly in the summer. We got some free meeting space from the community and support from the hobby shops in the form of price breaks, and in the spring we hooked up about 6 kids with the local RC club and got them in the air. Now we are searching for our own flying field so we can expand.

Most of the kids brought a parent along, and the builds turned into a great parent/son activity as well. If anyone else want sto stand up and try to make a difference just let me know and I'll try to help as best I can from where I am.

Bruce

Thanks for updating this and posting that link David...
Heather is working on her bug right now doing some painting...Im basically letting her do it but Im close by to check on her and answer questions....Shes doing GREAT so far. She's also seen the forums and some of the content and has some things to ask that Im not sure on...so I told her I would let her ask them later this weekend with me posting in proxy for her....

I will add a fourth or fifth "yay" to the part about letting THEM pick the kit. I made this mistake the first time and it won't happen again. They have strange taste - but they enjoy it tons more !

QUOTE: Originally posted by erush I would say letting them pic the kit (within reason of course) and lots of praise and encouragement is the main thing. Also, help them if they ask for it, as most will, but don't take over as was mentioned above. They will have a blast and you'll be part of it!! Eric

I totally agree with that letting them do it themselves. I build my first kit by my self. I think Mom may have helped me snap somethings in place. Painting was a little differant Mom drew in the color boundries and life me to paint it. It shows. Maybe I'll get some pics of it. Still sets by my bed at home:F18 in blue and white.

Even though my son is only three he is very interested in the things that I build at my Desk, which he never approaches without premission.

What I have done so far I let him watch what I do and answer questions he might have.
At times I also build level 1 skills and easy snap-together kits (zoids), here I often let him put a simply and easy part on which he really enjoys.

He loves to borrow the instruction sheets for Models and also look at the parts in the Box and has started to work a few things out by himself.

Maybe I am on the right track here, btw, I am doing the same with TJQ for him.

If anyone missed it, there's a good article in the OnlineExtra section.

Modeling with children
Encourage the next generation and increase your own modeling enjoyment
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/article.aspx?aid=1356

As mentioned in this thread, http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9361 , my 5 year old son Zack is doing his first model... HE IS SO PROUD!!!! We got a note from his teacher today that said, all he was talking about in school was the monster truck he is building with his dad....

Dave is right, sometimes we lose site of whats around us, and something tlike this helps bring us closer together, that and Board Game sundays..... all we do most sundays is watch the NASCAR race and play board games.....

I would say letting them pic the kit (within reason of course) and lots of praise and encouragement is the main thing. Also, help them if they ask for it, as most will, but don't take over as was mentioned above. They will have a blast and you'll be part of it!!

Eric

My 5 year old wanted to one so we got him a die cast snap together one. Thought one that had not so many pieces and simple to put together would be best plus be able to tell if he would loose his interest in it. An hour later he was done and ready to do another. As they get older it would let them be more interested in history by getting hands on with it and hopefully wanting to learn more about what they are building and it's significance.

I think that would be nice cassibill. Be a real good place to go get a nice smile when you need one.

you know some one ought to start a thread for posting pics of their kids' projects. kids expect their families to say good things but an outside compliment is really considered at face value. plus a little kid to kid interaction might not be a bad thing.

QUOTE: Originally posted by styrene I once heard a person say that if parents work at capturing the hearts of their children at an early age, they don't have to worry about their hearts being taken later by the undesirable and despicable things parents are wont to loathe. It looks as if modeling may be one area in which parents can accomplish exactly that.

I think we, as parents, need to be reminded of things like this. At least I do. Nowadays it is so easy to lose focus. When I read things like this, it makes me think about my relationship with my own children and how it can be improved. Thank you.

Just a couple more:
1. Provide LOTS of praise and encouragement. Children learn by mimicing their parents. If they see Dad (Mom, too) having fun with a kit, then they get the idea that they can have fun, too. Make sure it's an enjoyable experience for them--in spite of the glue smears all over the clear parts.
2. Get your children kits that they like, not the ones you want them to like. I wanted to get my son some aircraft for Christmas, but it turns out they're not the ones he likes. Likewise with some cars I saw; and he really doesn't like armor that much.

I once heard a person say that if parents work at capturing the hearts of their children at an early age, they don't have to worry about their hearts being taken later by the undesirable and despicable things parents are wont to loathe. It looks as if modeling may be one area in which parents can accomplish exactly that.
Gip Winecoff

Very considerate of you David.....nice to have these kids around...welldone to their parents. anything that turns people away from silly and bad activities is well worth the praise.

Just a side note, but that works with adults, too. My wife, bless her heart, has finally decided to join the industrious elite and started her own model! To say the least, I was floored. The kit she started was the Revell 1/32 Bell X-1, which is a fairly simple build. The verdict is still undecided, but she seems to be enjoying it. She has asked more questions about that kit than there are pieces to the model. Patience is a virtue when pertaining to new builders. I'm just glad to share the joy.

demono69

AS mentionned earlier somewhere else on those Forums, if you have several kids, anticipate that they'll all want to build models. So have enough supplies and space for all. In particular, enough glue bottles, cutting mats and knives. If not, there will be some fighting and eventually, I assure you, spilled glue and tears!

As 'mentor', do not expect to do lots on your models while the rest of the family glue and paint. They will want your advice with just about every part that they cut free of the sprue, that is until they get a bit of experience...

I also am introducing my son and one of my daughters to the world of modeling/ They saved enough money to buy a combination kit from revell in wich there is a me 262 and a p-51 b in 1/72 scale. It is very rewarding to see the smiles on their faces when working on something of their own it makes me feel good especialy when you know that in normal life they are sometimes like cat and dog but when they are modeling they team up together when they are modeling I usually put down my things and cherish this moment and I must say it is quality time spent together ans is this not where it is al about!!

rob

All Good Points David!
Chris