#13 Build a Model Together

 

Build a Toy Model Together:

The lost art of building a toy model together is a great way to spend one-on-one time with your child. A great date idea for a rainy Saturday afternoon!  Putting together a model is something you may or may not have done as a child, but it is a great way to spend time with your child. All you will need to do is pick what kind of model you want to do together and sit down and enjoy the hour or two; it might take you to complete it. Don’t dismiss this idea if you have girls, building a dollhouse is a fantastic way to spend time with your daughter!    

WMTDS (What Makes This Date Special):

A couple of things makes this date special. First is just the simplicity of it. Its a perfect date idea for a quiet couple of hours at home. In the busyness of today, the model is not only the lost art but sometimes just a dull afternoon at home is as well. It just goes to show that it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive; your child wants to hang out with you. Second, this is an excellent way for them to have a visual display of something you did together. When finished, it can go in their room, and when they see it, they are reaffirmed of your love and devotion to spending time with them.        

Teachable Moments:

Following directions

Patience

Budgets/Money  

Variations:

There are lots of variations, but most are found in the type of model you decide to do together. There are lots of different toy models you can build together. If you’re extra creative, you can make something like a model from scratch without using a kit. Toy model kits have come a long way over the last few decades; you might be surprised at what all is out there.

Categories:

Creativity. Crafts. Hobbies. Indoor.

Expense:

Although this date isn’t free, you can control the cost by what type of model you choose to purchase. You can spend $30-200, it just depends on what model you want to select and what your budget is. Involve your kids in that discussion, anything related to making a purchase it a great teachable moment about money. 

Planning:

This date idea doesn’t require much preparation. You may want to pick out your model ahead of time (e.g., order on Amazon) so that your one-on-one time together can be the model itself. It’s not a requirement, though, especially if you have a craft or hobby store in your town, and you want to do this date last minute.  

Materials Needed:

You will need materials for this idea, but those will be based on what model you select. Make sure and have your list of required materials before you get started.

Reference Websites:

A beginner’s guide to model building

The ten best tips for model building beginners

​5 Tips For Building a Plastic Model Kit

Amazon Resources:

(Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means if you choose to make a purchase, I may possibly earn a small commission. This commission doesn’t cost you anything at all. The commissions earned help to allow me to provide the resources offered on this site. If you would like to read my full affiliate disclosure, you may do so here.)

Alternatives:

#6 Capture your memories on a map

For a list of other ideas on how to spend one-on-one time with your child, see the full list here.

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