Carrying out family-friendly DIY

No one likes to part with their hard-earned cash, especially for something they could do themselves, hence the birth of home DIY.

DIY projects have become especially popular recently, particularly during lockdown, with more people building a home office or taking matters into their own hands, as the cost of a professional job skyrockets.

Home decorating and DIY work can be time-consuming. Given many adults work full-time, you may be wondering how to spend time with your children, while getting your renovation done. You might consider whether you can get them involved in the project, after all, many hands make light work.

Here are some tips for carrying out family-friendly DIY.

Let the kids have their say

A bit of DIY can be a great way to spend some quality time with the family, while working on something everyone will get enjoyment from. You don’t need to wait for something to break either. Upcycling old furniture or redecorating the living room could be just the ticket.

Let the kids get involved as much as possible and encourage them to help make some of the decisions. Perhaps don’t let them loose when it comes to choosing a paint colour for your guest room, but maybe they could select the cushions?

Teach new skills

It can be extremely beneficial for children to be exposed to life skills such as cooking, cleaning and home maintenance, especially from a young age. Encourage the kids to get involved or watch what you do to help them develop the skills they’ll need for adult life. If they learn to swap a fuse before leaving home, they won’t be calling you to their first flat share when the power goes out!

Be mindful of the suitability of the project and what risks are involved. Obviously a six-year-old shouldn’t be changing lightbulbs, but perhaps you could show them how to sand a piece of wood.

Safety first

Any DIY project has its risks, and whether you’re carrying out a project alone or with your family it’s important to take precautions. Determine the risks of the activity and what can be done to prevent an accident or injury.

Wear safety goggles and masks for sanding, keep spaces well-ventilated when painting and have a first aid kit nearby just in case.

DIY projects often involve the use of tools which can be dangerous if misused. Keep these locked safely away in a toolbox to prevent accidents. Children can be curious, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.