Building something special
Free Kids Construction Workshop
Trending
HOUGHTON -- The sound of hammers pounding nails into wood heard could be heard throughout the Portage Lake District Library Thursday evening. The reason -- Local children learning how to use construction tools while building their own creations. Tree House Family Resources put on its Free Kids Construction Workshop providing an opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their little ones.
The construction workshop is part of Tree House's Dad's Days events, aiming to get fathers more involved in their children's play times and lives. "Dads have a lot of influence in their children's lives," Fatherhood Coordinator Kevin Weir said. "More and more is expected of Dads as time goes on."
Fathers made up about half of the parents present; around thirty family members were in the multipurpose room at a time. One father, AJ Wilds, said activities like this give him and his son, Archer, something to bond over. "It gives us quality time together," he said. "I think it gives them confidence in themselves. Makes them want to do what you do."
Program Manager Kelly Raggo said both parents play important roles in their children's lives and their importance cannot be understated. "Every family member has an important role to the kids. Sometimes Dads don't necessarily feel it the way the Moms do," she said. "We really like to bring attention on what a difference they can make too."
One mother, Hannah Shaw, showed up with her three children. She said it was great that her kids were learning something new. "We're all laughing about it and smiling. It's so fun," she said. "Look at [him], he's learning how to use a hammer and a screwdriver at two years old. You can't beat that."
According to Weir, the craft kits were donated by Home Depot and the kid's tools were provided by Harbor Freight.
Raggo said there are other programs that Tree House offers to parents, including those aimed at new mothers, caring for infants and other dad-centric offerings.
"We have a Baby Closet that offers diapers and clothing for little kids and their families," she said. "We have the Dads Program that helps support fathers in their role as a father. Whether they're in the home or not in the home."
For more information regarding fatherhood services at Tree House, email programs@treehouseresources.org, or call 906-482-9363. You can also stop by the main office at 850 W. Sharon Ave., Suite 6 in Houghton.