Building On Imagination

I’m thankful for builders.

- Derek James

Although I have improved my fix-it abilities somewhat since becoming a homeowner 12 years ago, I am still terrible at making things. If there’s a way to screw up putting together even the most basic piece of IKEA furniture, I will find it. In the build-it department, I’m awkward, clumsy and slow. While I realize that you have to be bad before becoming good, I’m not sure there will ever be enough time for me to make that jump. That’s why I’m so impressed by builders — from people who construct homes to people who make furniture and crafts. For those reasons, I want my sons to be better builders than their dad.

Given the opportunity, kids are natural builders and makers. Be it those first wooden blocks that are soaked in drool before getting used, or those intricate 500-plus piece Lego sets, kids love to put things together, take them apart, and build them up again.