Credit: Megan Mclain
We’ve shared before about the fun that the kiddos can experience at the Home Depot’s Kids Workshops a few weeks ago. Today we have a guest post from Megan, aka Mrs. Wonder, of the blog SunshineWonderland.com, who shares her experience at the Lowe’s Build and Grow weekend clinics with her son.
For months I’ve wondered what my mother-in-law was going through when she took my son for their twice-a-month date to Lowe’s for their Build And Grow projects.
Every other Saturday, the routine was the same. He cheerfully waved goodbye as he leaped into her van when leaving and upon arriving he had to be carried out, ketchup on his cheeks from a lunch out with Grandmama, clutching a wooden toy with lopsided stickers.I finally went to check out the Build and Grow project day and was impressed.
Each child is supplied with an apron (and goggles if desired) and a free project. Hammer and project materials are provided, and also stools for the more vertically-challenged handy-kids. The projects are designed for kids aged 4-8, although my son is not the only habitual toddler/preschooler there on a regular basis.
Just know your kids well and be patient when helping them, but projects like these may surprise you with their abilities!
My mother-in-law places all of the pieces according to the diagram and has my son help find the right ones, and he helps hammer in the nails after she starts them, and puts on the stickers.While the stickers don’t last, the toys he made has well after the day is up. I just hid some away from his first time almost a year ago to give them a break. And he beams every time he sees his apron, now covered with iron-on project badges, and I love seeing him strut in it, even though it hangs to his knees.
I think the experience with the projects has not only taught him about using a hammer and nails, but also manners around them. He is patient and waits for everything to be ready before he starts hammering and loves to look at what step is next on the paper.
This summer, the Lowe’s ‘Build And Grow’ projects are featuring Deamworks’ Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and Shrek movie-themed projects. The next is a Kung Fu Panda Spinning Attack next Saturday or Sunday, July 14-15 at 10am on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays. Oh and the project are FREE! Love Fun and FREE!
Go to http://lowesbuildandgrow.com for info about project days in your area.
Have fun hammering!
