How to Amuse Toddlers

Step 7 Pretend to fix things with tools

Give your toddler some tools and something to fix. It helps if you are fixing something along side the child. Avoid tools that have sharp edges or are likely to pinch. Wrenches and screwdrivers are fairly safe. Just don't let them run around with a screwdriver in hand. And don't leave them unattended with a flat headed screwdriver and an exposed electrical outlet. A very dangerous and tempting combination! :( You may just want to stick with Phillips head screwdrivers since they won't fit into an outlet slot. (You really should have outlet covers on all toddler height outlets anyway.)

Comments

[geodez]

even though hammers do not have sharp edges, they are a bad idea too.

[Jyssa]

My 3yr old and 1yr old sons LOVE hammers! You just have to make sure they have appropriate objects to USE them on, or they will bash anything. But supervised hammer and drill play is great for wee kids, and is a good environment to teach them about safety (better than playing with matches to learn about fire!)

If you never introduce your child to (controlled) danger, they won't learn to recognise it or protect themselves from it.

[geodez]

i suppose you are right, but i learned the hard way from a lot of things.

[porcupinemamma]

My son is 25 yrs. old. There was a small work bench with tools in his kindergarden class.  It was a wonderful experience for him. He still has all his appendages and is a happy and creative young man.  The kids at the kindergarden knew the rules. Wood was often slightly pre-drilled to make hammering nails in easier.

[geodez]

that is good, and i had something like that but in second grade, (no saws though.)