4 Reasons you Should buy your kid a KNIFE
We started buying our son knives when he was about 4/5 years old and many people looked at us like we were crazy. Pocket knives are an essential tool that many people carry around with them every day. However, when it comes to giving a pocket knife to a young child, many parents may feel apprehensive. After all, knives can be dangerous if not handled properly. However, despite the risks, there are several reasons why you should consider buying young kids a pocket knife.
- Practicality and Utility
Pocket knives can be incredibly useful tools for children to have, especially when they are outdoors. Whether they are camping, hiking, or simply playing outside, a pocket knife can come in handy for various tasks such as cutting rope or twine, sharpening sticks for roasting marshmallows, or even opening packages. Buying them a knife will open up creativity and occupy them for hours on projects that they otherwise would have run into a dead end on.
- Responsibility and Trust
By giving your child a pocket knife, you are placing trust in them and showing them that you believe they are responsible enough to handle a tool with care. This can help boost their confidence and sense of responsibility, as well as their self-esteem. Before you give them a knife, you have to shape them into the type of child that is trustworthy. If you don’t teach them discipline, limits and obedience, then do NOT buy them a knife. This is a tool that should only be given to responsible children and you can tell a child that. We thought that our son was showing good self-control and discipline around the age of 4 and so we got him a knife. This boosted his confidence and he has grown even more responsible. We also spoke out the good things we saw in him as he handled his knife properly and this only increased his character more.
- Safety and Education
While there is no denying that knives can be dangerous, teaching young children how to use them safely can actually make them less risky. By teaching your child how to use a pocket knife properly, you can help them understand the importance of safety and responsibility. This can be a valuable life lesson that can stick with them for years to come. We want to raise competent children, not safe children. I don’t want them growing up afraid to try new things. So we give them hard things in a safe environment to help them grow their capacity. Has he cut himself a few times? You bet! Did he cry and bleed? Yes. Is that the end of the world? No. Did he grow tougher because of it? Yes.
- Bonding and Connection
Finally, giving your child a pocket knife can be an opportunity for bonding and connection. By teaching them how to use a knife safely, you can spend time together and create memories that can last a lifetime. Additionally, sharing a love of knives and tools can be a great way to connect with your child on a deeper level. My son and I have started carving little wood blocks together and it has been a great chance to just sit and be together. We purchased this carving set and watched Carving is Fun on YouTube and have a great time.
In conclusion, while it may seem counterintuitive, giving young children a pocket knife can actually be a wise decision. Not only can it be a practical tool, but it can also help boost their sense of responsibility, teach valuable life lessons, and create bonding opportunities. If you do decide to give your child a pocket knife, be sure to educate them on safety and proper handling, and always supervise them when they are using the knife.
Our favorite beginners pocket knife: https://amzn.to/3JHkXeQ
