“Dika, please bring me a pen!” Mr. Soni called his son Dika.
“What pen, dad?” asked Dika, who was still in third grade.
“The one in the closet drawer,” Mr. Soni replied.
Shortly after, Dika shouted again: “What kind of pen, Dad?”
“The one that looks like a marker!” Mr. Soni exclaimed again.
“What kind of marker, Dad?” Dika asked again.
Increasingly impatient, Mr. Soni stopped answering his son’s questions. He quickly went downstairs and searched for the item himself, feeling annoyed. Instead of helping, Mr. Soni became irritated by his son’s questions. He considered Dika stupid and incapable of helping with chores. He was angry because his son didn’t understand such a simple tool. Without considering whether his son had ever been taught about the specific tool or not, Mr. Soni blamed Dika.
Perhaps we have experienced a similar situation, due to our children’s lack of understanding of simple objects or tools that we use daily at home. We assume that our children should already know the tools or objects we are referring to, but this is not the case.
It’s accessible that we feel angry or frustrated when our children don’t know the objects or tools around us. still, the question is is it fair to express our frustration to our children when we have not tutored them these effects in the first place? It does not feel wise to condemn them without tutoring them first. This situation makes it feel like our children are being tested before they’re tutored.
Such a scenario would not occur if we had given them lessons beforehand. Perhaps we are the ones who refuse to recognize that children will not understand unless they are taught. How would they know about tools like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pens, hammers, adjustable wrenches, and other tools if we never told them? Unfortunately, what often happens is that we blame children for not understanding a particular tool without having taught them about it.
Therefore, it is important to familiarize children with the objects and tools that we frequently use at home and their functions. This includes tools related to carpentry, electrical work, appliances and other equipment. This issue may seem trivial, but if left unaddressed, it can lead to problems like the case described above. It would be very beneficial for children if we were willing to teach them.
Introducing tools has several benefits, whether they are related to carpentry, electrical work, or other household equipment. First of all, children will gain basic knowledge about the names of these objects. They will understand what is meant by pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, pens, wrenches and more after being informed. By introducing specific tools and their shapes, you will at least have an idea of these objects.
Secondly, at a more complex level of understanding, children will be able to describe these objects using simple language. Through real-life presentations, they will learn and be able to describe the objects or tools we use daily. This way, children will not experience situations like the one illustrated above.
Third, children will accurately understand the functions of the tools they encounter. This reduces errors in choosing their tools because they know the function of each tool. Consequently, they will be able to choose and use the appropriate tools according to their functions.
Fourth, children will be able to use the tools correctly. Once children know the names and shapes of tools, it is important to show them their benefits and how to use them. Give children the opportunity to observe firsthand how these tools are used. This is especially important for tools with different types or sizes that have different uses. Explain each tool specifically so they can use them correctly. For illustration, screwdrivers come in two types Phillips and flathead, each with different uses. The same goes for wrenches, which come in numerous types and sizes.
Fifth, give children the opportunity to try using the tools. Once children have learned and observed how to use certain tools, it is good to give them the opportunity to try using them themselves. Don’t hesitate to give them the opportunity to try. Give them some experience. Especially if they ask. The key is to accompany them to avoid unwanted situations. Be a good mentor to them so they feel comfortable and safe.
If we are willing to explain and give them the opportunity to try, children will gain a meaningful experience. We will avoid disappointment because our children do not understand simple tools. Plus, if they understand them and can use them, they won’t feel confused when we ask them for help.