Yep that sounds like a kid, amazed by what they know, then it all goes away the next time they open their mouths
Just figure out when they zone out, then its time for something new or time to stop. Less aggravation then by a large margin!
Good luck. If he likes it, he'll go with it. Maybe if it's only a few short years. Let him do, and encourage him to do, what he likes, as long as it's in grandpa's perameters of whats right and wrong, as far as being a person, a human, and interreacting with others.
I put together a MTH "O" scale set, for my grandson, that a co-worker wanted to sell, along with more track, to fill a 4' x 8', and a box of cars I picked up on Ebay, over time, and he loved it, and so did the neighbor kids. Now, with computer stuff like "Mind Craft", and sports, he's moved on, and the neighbor kids, and his friends, did like-wise. Still building, and using his imagination.
I never did, and never will, push or "nudge" any of my kids, or my one and only grandson, into anything. My son and daughter learned their mom and dad's work ethic, and are doing just fine, along with my grandson. They find, and pursue, their own interest.
Just help "guide" them along the way, as grandpa's do.
Mike.
My You Tube
Gotta add.........
I'm 72, and I realize there are a lot of other forum members within my age group.
For us, we grew up when trains were a major moving force and toy trains were standard childhood playthings. And when we got a little older, cars became the center of life for many of us.
Well, succeeding generations didn't grow up that way. Trains are just not a big deal to them, and cars are just a means of getting around.
So don't be surprised if the young folks are not interested in our trains or cars and related hobbies. Ha, if we approached them with a new model "I" this or that -------well then they would jump all over it.
Of course I am generalizing here, for there are exceptions. I just wish one of them was a kid of mine.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Without the intention to hijack this thread, but while I was reading the latest replies, a question came to my mind, which is somehow related to the OP´s issue.
How do you hook the younger generation on trains in general, when trains are not a part of your every day life anymore?
When I discovered my love for trains, we did not have a car, so all family travels were done by train. In those days, most of our summer vacations were spent in Switzerland and the train ride to our destination was always an adventure of its own! Trains for that purpose meant vacation, leisure time, summer, sunshine, adventure! I remember how disappointed I was when we went on our first vacation by car! It was just boring, rather dreadful, being locked up in a small car for hours.
IMHO, if you want to interest your kids or grandkids in model railroading, you have to develop their love for trains first!
Take the railfanning, take them on a steam train ride, tell the how you discovered your love for trains!
Sir Madog Without the intention to hijack this thread, but while I was reading the latest replies, a question came to my mind, which is somehow related to the OP´s issue. How do you hook the younger generation on trains in general, when trains are not a part of your every day life anymore?
For a generation of kids born in 1930s, 1940s, and even the 1950s, an electric train set was a real innovation, compared to wooden toys, wind up toys, and the like. Steam engines were a primary mode of transportation in real life. They were big and powerful and stately.
Today's kids have been brought up on computers, electronics, automation. A model train layout doesn't have the appeal that it had to an earlier generation. It is no longer an innovative "toy", if you will. And, trains are no longer a primary mode of transportation, except for commuters.
I believe that Ulrich has offered some positive suggestions to get kids interested in trains. Take them on a railfanning trip. Get them close up and personal to today's trains. Take them on a steam excursion so they see what got you excited as a kid.
Rich
Alton Junction
There is a practical reason behind my question.
A friend of mine bought a Marklin starter set for his grandson, plus a few additions to go beyond just an oval. His grandson was only 5 when my friend intended to give him the set as a present - way too young. Now, knowing that I am "into trains" he asked how to get the kid started.
The family has never traveled by train, so little Max has no connection whatsoever to trains. A "train set" will be nothing more than a toy, bound to get boring soon and put aside in favor of more "gadgety" electronic things.
I really don´t know what advice to give Max´ grandpa , who does not have a love for trains himself.
Mel:
I have to apologise for assuming that you were going to teach Eli how to use the table saw at his current age. I should have given you more credit.
As far as him 'fearing' the saw and the knife, I think that is a good thing to some extent. I'd have been more concerned if he had jumped right in.
FWIW, both my kids were using my radial arm saw by 14 or 15 years old. Interestingly, I wasn't the one who taught them. They learned how to use bench tools of all kinds in shop class, and I have to say they were taught quite well. They were able to explain to me what I shouldn't be doing. If the blade would be coming anywhere near their fingers , or if the piece couldn't be held securely with a push stick or fence, then the cut was not doable. That's not to say I was taking risks myself, but they were taught to be much more conservative than I was. FYI, I did not allow them to run the saw without me present.
Anyhow, sorry to go off topic.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I think the best to get the younger generation hooked is just by showing our enthusiasm and excitment. That said, I'm considering my son, now eight. Of course, being a parent, caring for, playing with, and educating is a 24/7 job, unlike a grandparent, but as I high school teacher, I definitely know that if I'm excited about what I'm teaching, no matter how "wierd" I may be about it, that enthusiasm can spread to my students and my kids.
My current layout is version 3.0. I got back into the hobby about 4 years ago when Josh was 4. At that time he loved his duplo blocks and toy work bench. But he also loved following me around. Needless to say as I was building my L girders, Josh had to help out. While he didn't use the saws, I let home drive home a lot of screws. When I was tracing my track plan onto the plywood, he was "marking his plans" on the table legs.
Josh, like many other kids, had his short-lived fascination with Thomas -- I bought and added DCC to a HO Bachmann Thomas. And while many of us started with a Lionel or Tyco trainset, he started with a Lego train this past year.
Recently, I started weather track with some paint markers -- a couple of nights ago, we spent 30 minutes together paint ties and rails. After I finished installing my turnout control panel for the yard, he immediately wanted to learn how to read the schematic -- and he does a decent job setting the routes for me. Will he be a life-long modeler? Who knows, and who cares! I'm just enjoying our time together.
Jeff
Hey Mel!
Sounds like things are going well, and there is nothing wrong with teaching Eli that sometimes you have to be patient. Is there anything else that the two of you can work on while the papier mache (sorry, Canadian eh!) dries. Maybe painting some of the buildings, talking about trees and ground cover, how to do the roads....? Maybe spend a little time on the forums. And, what the heck if you do only manage a 1/2 hour or so this time? Keep it positive (I'm sure you understand that).
Good job grandpa!
RR_MelDave you are full of good ideas, even though you're a Canadian eh!
I resemble that remark!!!
Too bad Eli wasn't willing to do any train stuff. I know that's dissappointing for you. You are being very patient. Perhaps you should stop following my suggestions!
Regards,
hon30critter Perhaps you should stop following my suggestions!
Perhaps you should stop following my suggestions!
richhotrain Maybe it is just me, but I wouldn't be encouraging a 9-year old to mess with box cutters or Xacto knifes. And I sure wouldn't let a 9-year around a table saw. Rich
Maybe it is just me, but I wouldn't be encouraging a 9-year old to mess with box cutters or Xacto knifes. And I sure wouldn't let a 9-year around a table saw.
Times sure as change. My dad taught me to soldier and how to correctly hold and use a modeling knife when I was nine. At age 10 I built my first Penn Line steam engine kit a PRR 2-8-0.
Anyway Mel,my oldest Grandson was about the same way as far as interest.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Sir MadogHow do you hook the younger generation on trains in general, when trains are not a part of your every day life anymore?
NS and CF&E does a fairly good job around here plus there is the popular Train Sim.
Check this video out..Of course its heavily modded with add ons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iar3CO9EB9U
RR_MelWell sadly Eli has moved on to the high tech stuff. As his Mother predicted trains were a temporary thrill and he has totally lost interest.
Sorry to hear that.
Well Mel, you gave it your best try!
Mel,
I don´think that your grandson is, as you state, immature for his age. Today´s kids can´t concentrate on a single item for more than just a couple of minutes before they move on to different things. Ask any teacher and he/she will confirm that.
I am about to say they don´t make them anymore like us, but that´s not the reason I guess it´s caused by parents too well-meaning and generous with toys and gadgets - compensating for the time they don´t spend with their children.
I won´t go deeper into this, because than I would get into politics, which Steven "The Law" Otte will rightfully object to.
Sir Madog Mel, I don´think that your grandson is, as you state, immature for his age. Today´s kids can´t concentrate on a single item for more than just a couple of minutes before they move on to different things. Ask any teacher and he/she will confirm that. I am about to say they don´t make them anymore like us, but that´s not the reason I guess it´s caused by parents too well-meaning and generous with toys and gadgets - compensating for the time they don´t spend with their children.
RR_MelI totally agree with you, it’s not us . . . . his Mom did it! SmileCryingWink
I always thought it´s the job of the grandparents to spoil their grandchildren and the job of the parents to raise and educate their children - now it seems to be vice versa.
Will someone please stop parents turning their children into spoiled rotten brats!
Sir MadogWill someone please stop parents turning their children into spoiled rotten brats!
Good luck Ulrich!
Sometimes things work the other way though. My nephew Christian was a terrible kid and in his mother's mind he could do no wrong. We figured his kids would be a disaster. How wrong we were. His son James is polite, patient, sociable with adults, does well in school, and is having great success in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Christian was in the Canadian Armed Forces for several years. The military experience no doubt made a difference.
Sorry to go off topic Mel.
You planted a seed, Mel. Time is all that will tell whether it will grow into a tree or not.
Good to hear about a Grandpa that lavishes such attention on his Little Guy!
Streamlined steam, oh, what a dream!!
Holy cow! Is it ever thick on this thread!
Where does this apparent need on the part of so many come from to "sell," or "hook," people on the hobby of model railroading?
Kalmbach Publishing, White River, and all sorts of model rr manufacturers have a clear need - their livlihood comes from model railroading, so they have a need to sell it. Sadly, it seems they've also managed to con, or, if you prefer, convince many active modelers that they have some "responsibly" to the hobby to try and increase its numbers (or some such thing).
Well, to the whole idea of "responsibility to the hobby" I say "BULL!" If someone shows an interest, I'm quite willing to answer any questions they may have, and if time allows show them something of the hobby. But try to "sell" or "hook" someone on it? Not me, friend!
My advice to you, Mel, is to try to nurture Eli's interests, whatever they may be. Don't try to push him towards your interests.
Sorry if anyone is offended by this post - that wasn't my intent.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
Mark B:
I'm not offended by your post. However it seems to me that your suggestion to nurture only what the grandchild is interested in amounts to leaving the child in charge. Today, that means letting the media take control of your child's mind. That's not the greatest parenting or grandparenting approach, although it does seem to be a popular method.