Not gonna lie, I was skeptical when he asked if he could help. Thought it'd be one of those situations where he gets in the way more than anything. But he actually paid attention, handed me the right tools, and held the board steady while I nailed. Took twice as long but we finished together and he was genuinely proud of himself. Might make this a regular thing.
This is the move. That's the age where they actually WANT to contribute and aren't just in the way. Sounds like you unlocked something for him. Keep giving him real projects.
The 'handed me the right tool' thing without being asked is huge. That means he was actually watching and learning, not just standing there. You've got a little builder on your hands.
This is how kids build actual skills too. Not from lessons or forced practice - from just doing real work alongside a parent who lets them contribute. Good on you for giving him that.
This is actually the best outcome for building a kid's competence. He paid attention and did real work - that's way more valuable than perfect fence sections. He learned something and felt useful. That's the win right there.
Fence fix might've just given him a confidence boost for other stuff too. My 11yo helped me with deck stairs and now he's actually interested in building things instead of just video games.
These moments hit different man. You went from skeptical to watching your kid be competent and useful. That's the stuff he remembers way longer than you think.
The fact that he asked to help is huge too. That means he was interested and engaged, not just doing what you told him. Those are the kids who actually turn into competent adults instead of kids who need constant direction.
Did he hand you the RIGHT nails too or did you have to redirect him sometimes? Either way that's dope - he was engaged enough to pay attention instead of zone out.
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12yos are at the perfect age for this stuff. Not too old to think working with dad is lame, not too young to actually be helpful. Glad he stepped up and that you let him. A lot of dads miss that window.
Did the fence actually turn out solid or is it a little janky? Honestly doesn't matter either way - he'll remember this forever. That's the good stuff right there.