Getting Kids Started on DIY

Kids love building things, that's why Lego and Meccano have been so popular for so long. But you don't need to spend hundreds of dollar on building sets – small DIY projects that they can do with dad will satisfy their creative hunger and allow them to spend precious time together.

Just like all building projects, it's important to have the right tools, the right materials and the right safety gear. When it comes to tools you can get some really great little tool boxes that come complete with smaller versions, which are much easier for your young DIY enthusiast to operate and handle.

Now as far as materials go, you can't go past Balsa wood, as it's versatile and easy to work with. A Glider is the perfect beginners project.

Draw your glider design on paper first making sure you have the right measurements and a template for all the pieces.

When you have the glider design on paper, trace it onto the Balsa wood.

Cut around the outline using a Stanley knife, but be careful to not press to much as Balsa splits and breaks easily.

Sand off any rough edges with fine sandpaper.

Cut 2 slits in the fuselage the size of your wings, centre and tail – not too big as the wings will slide around and fall out easily.

Next, gently push the main and tail wings through the slots, add a little wood glue to secure it into place and then add the decals.

Now it's ready to fly! There are plenty of projects that the young ones can get into, and the satisfaction they have is priceless.

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