If You Build It...

If You Build It...

Raising more than a roof.

The Field of Dreams, a classic movie with Kevin Costner, the "if you build it, they will come" has been a punchline for decades now.  In the movie, the line refers to building a baseball field in the farmer's cornfield, much to the chagrin of his banker.  The cornfield can bring back legendary baseball figures...and the main character's father for one more game of catch.  Today, we wanted to talk to you about the physical act of building something.  We've talked about the importance of being a creator, not a consumer, here for years.  In today's day and age, it's easy to go through life in near total comfort without lifting a metaphorical or physical finger along the way to build anything.  

Skills matter.

The act of building something - fort, tree house, shed, cabin, playhouse, playground, etc., is not only a learning opportunity but more importantly a time for bonding.  Beyond the shared time in working together on something physical, it leaves behind a tangible marker to "I did that" that your children can build confidence upon.  In the recently released Toy Story 5, the tech "toys" talk about their lifecycle of a few months.  A physical thing you and your children build may last decades.  The skills that they'll develop, such as trial-and-error, planning, toughness, math, etc., are all useful in any occupation.  Should they choose to go into the trades, they're also well-positioned with the basics.  And, bonus time, when they have routine maintenance around their own homes later, they'll have the confidence to get it done.  

Even the dog 
can help.

Before you talk yourself out of it, it's easier now than perhaps ever before to undertake a project of pretty significant magnitude.  First off, the "how to" is more taken care of now with things like YouTube and, ironically, AI.  Chances are, there is a near full-length tutorial on any building project you could dream up.  And, when you get stuck on a particular step, AI can help break down the instructions in a step-by-step fashion.  In the old days, you largely had to grow up in an "apprenticeship" style culture where you learned from a master.  That's still great today, but not necessary.  Now that you have the know-how basics, you can move on to the logistics.  

It's easier than you think.

In getting ready for any new building project, the research, planning, budgeting, safety, risk management, and executive functioning for a parent-child team are a huge part of learning success.  This phase can last months as you keep an eye on the second-hand stores (i.e., Habitat ReStore), Yardsale circuit, and Facebook Marketplace.  Chances are, you can find the basic tools necessary and most of the building materials for next to nothing if you're a bit patient and open-minded.  We've had success with most of our building projects "one board at a time," like Johnny Cash's infamous Cadillac.  

Forts count.

If you say you don't have the room, chances are you have more room than you think.  And, if you're really out of room, consider asking a friend, relative, or neighbor if you can build something there.  Check in with the local senior center to see if anyone in their community needs something touched up.  Our backyard isn't anything out of the suburban ordinary in terms of size, but we've built, torn down, re-built, repurposed, etc., many creations along with several more permanent structures.  The kids have a "move-in-ready" treehouse, fort, dog "palace," and cabin/shed/thing, which have all fit into our backyard without appearing "crowded.  

And bridges.

The ability to be handy, capable, and confident cannot be overstated for our children.  The bonding time has been some of the best.  And, their ability to be systems thinkers who can put together a plan, budget, orderly steps, etc., will serve them well for years ahead.  The projects have also given us the shared reminders that we can make do with whatever we have and make things work, which can save tens or hundreds of thousands over a lifetime when incorporated as a mindset.  When all of us have had the minor dings, mashed thumbs, and such... the building has given us the conversation starter about being tough and getting the job done anyway.  

So do neighbor
service projects.

As we wrap up, giving you (and your children) the gift of building has countless tangible and intangible benefits.  The barriers to entry are not nearly what you might think...like most barriers, they're mostly in your own head.  As you prepare your kids to enter an ever-changing world, being grounded, capable, and confident may be more important than ever before.  And...if you're not convinced yet that "you've got this," go hang out at a Habitat for Humanity project for a few weekends to brush up.  Because, deep down, it's worth it...and "you've got this."  Good luck and happy hammering! 

With you in the arena, from ours to yours...Happy Trails!

Call to Action: 

• Pick out a few small projects to get you started with some basic tools, skills, and confidence.  Then pick a capstone for this year to put together.  Start the steps now to getting it done.  
• 1 - ___________________ 
• 2 - ___________________
• 3 - ___________________
• Discussion: Consider what you/your family could/would/should (level of commitment) and start/stop/sustain (action) in terms of building something physical together as a family.

Further Reading, Motivation, and References:

- You might just build your own house one day - Kyle's Cabin

- Or a heckuva lifestyle making content - Bushradical