Encouraging the Young Mechanic in Your Family

An outstanding mechanical aptitude is a talent as definite and recognizable as that of musical talent. Often before the child can talk, they will begin to show a marked preference for things mechanically related. And even though their talent does not show itself at this early age, if it is there, it will eventually become apparent and should, after recognized, be encouraged and appreciated for its true value.

In this age of computers, consumer electronics, and other personal electrical appliances, skilled technicians are necessary just as they were during the age of automobiles and aircraft. These fields offer all manner of positions in maintenance and management. Mechanical aptitude is valuable to architects, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, as well as to metal smiths and machinist. And there must be trained men and women to teach these skills to others.

Perhaps the most outstanding profession open to the mechanically inclined individual is engineering. It in itself is a very broad and varied field. Not only do engineers build great buildings, bridges, and other structures, but they also design your cars, computers, can openers, and other complex machinery that make life easier for the masses. There must be men and women to design the machinery necessary to build other machines and tools also. All the interlocking processes of manufacturing and production are in the hands of the engineers. Mechanical engineering is another expanding field the mechanically inclined youngster may thrive in.

It is important to begin home training your young mechanic to encourage interest. Mechanically minded children, just like those who are interested in musical or artistic pursuits, lay the foundation of their interest and training at home. Just as you seek to develop standards of character and habits of health in your children, so you should also help to develop their mechanical talents.

The mechanically inclined boy or girl child will want to build, take things apart, and put them back together. Their toys, ranging from the simplest construction set during their youngest years to more elaborate construction sets later on, can fill their need and thus often save the family clock, toaster, and other electrical appliance from their curious fingers. Model building also has its value in their education. Once they are old enough to handle tools reasonably well, investment in a set of good ones and a place to use and keep them offers additional home training.

During this development stage you should be generous with your praise. When they come in with their latest creation with shining pride in their eyes, vocalizing "Look what I made-a new invention!" do not let them down. Ask them about it. Help them improve it, but don't take over the job, do it with them. What is needed most during this stage is warm interest, encouragement, supplies, and equipment to create with.

In fields such as mechanics, machine work, and engineering, it is of particular advantage to be neat, careful, and methodical. Be sure you take special pains to encourage habits of orderliness whenever possible in your child.

There is another trait that is of inestimable value to engineers, inventors and those engaged in experimental or development work. It is the ability to accept each failure they encounter as a lesson and a learning step, not a tragedy. The ability to accept failure and continue on is important. During these formative years when your child's projects fall short of expectations, as they will from time to time, be neither too critical nor too sympathetic. Just treat the matter casually and call the child's attention to the fact that in understanding why they did not succeed has added something of value to their storehouse of knowledge.

When they begin school it may be necessary to help them a little with their math, not because they can not do as well as their classmates, but because they need to be outstanding in that field. If they do well in arithmetic, they will enjoy mathematics. It usually follows that what one likes, one does well in. A strong foundation of arithmetic is a necessary prerequisite to the higher mathematics and sciences they will encounter later on in their education. Number games at home, flash cards, computer games, and other practice devices will help, but make the homework assignments you give fun or the effect will be bad instead of good.

Do not feel that encouraging your child's interest in mechanics that you are pushing them into a profession which they do not wish to follow. They will let you know, if not by word, by action. An individual who is handy with tools is an asset to any business and any home. The benefits of encouraging the young mechanic in your family will have far reaching affects.

Gharold, author of The Unclaimed Money Finders [http://unclaimedmoney.infogine.com/] Guide has published numerous other opinions you may or may not find interesting at The World According to GHarold.