I love that time with her and it seems that she enjoys it too. She helped me build a large workbench and shelves in the garage about 4 years ago and it was a time I will always remember. I did most of the heavy lifting of course but helped her start screws into the wood so she could do a lot of them. We have a lot of stripped torx screws, lol. But worth it.

 

Those are very valuable skills for her to have.

Do you have any other children?

 

Yep. Older son. We did many projects when he was younger as well.

 

Perhaps the most important aspect of that type of activity is the confidence they learn from knowing it can be done.

 

This is a good way of looking at things. I think most people nowadays think you have to buy everything. A new work bench, or shelves, or pretty much everything, when most of the time you can make or build something that will really last. Not to mention the great feeling that comes with using something you made. Or the idea that you have to call someone every time something breaks at the house, rather than learning how to fix things yourself. You both save money, learn a new skill, and are not at the mercy of waiting for a someone to come rescue you. Sure there are times where it makes sense to call a professional. And I also get that many people don't have the skill level, or don't want to try to attempt to learn that skill, or don't have the right tools etc. It killed me to do it, but I had to have a HVAC guy come to my house to help test our ac line pressure lines and top it off. Other than that I hate calling anyone to do anything. I guess it all boils down to your comment. My kids may not continue to fix things in the future when they have their own places, but they at least know that they "can" fix things, or build things themselves. And I will of course come help when I can if they still live close by. End rambling

 

My younger son bought his house two years ago. He's now looking at budgets of things.
slowly the cheap, I-can-do-that-gene, is finally expressing itself.

 

^^I'm glad my son caught that bug too. So far two bathrooms done and the kitchen is next!

 

That is one thing my son has done with every house he has owned. Non-stop improvements limited only by amount he can spend.

 

That's a good thing if the jobs are done well. I know one guy who is most frugal and a do it yourself kind of guy. Let's just say some of the work done in the house is obvious.

 

Nothing like being forced to either wait until you get the money saved to repair something or to suck it up and just try to fix it yourself. That gene will surface quickly!