An interesting activity a parent can do with a teenage child

As children grow older, their interests become more intricate and they seek more challenging tasks. In the absence of them, they turn their attention to disruptive activities unknowingly. This aspect, if addressed properly by parents, will not only prevent children from straying, but also improves bond between parents and children.

One such activity I inadvertently stumbled on is making a computer. At the outset, I would like to clarify that I am not a computer engineer and was having only a little knowledge in computer at that time (about 4 years back).

It all started with my mother (who was above 60 at that time) was developing her interest in computers. I wanted to gift her a computer. Very simple model was costing about Rs 15000 at that time. I decided to gift her a computer. Obvious solution is buy a computer and gift it.

Just then, I read an article on net regarding assembling a computer. The title of the article was provocatively “What do you need to assemble a computer”. In the article, the author indicated that all you need to have to assemble a computer is a screw driver. This was encouraging to my naïve intellect. It was also indicated that it will cost about Rs 10000 to get the components required for a working PC.

I wanted to try it. I had another need, to try something hard with my son, even if I fail. This appeared to be a good task.

We both went to Lamington road(Mumbai) one Saturday and purchased components as per the list of the internet article. Then we started assembling the computer.  Sure have 2-3 screw drivers so I should be able to assemble without a problem.

We assembled as per the information provided on the net and tried to start the machine. It did not start. We were stuck.

Then I called a computer service person who regularly services our computer. He came and checked and identified that the power supply we bought is defective. He called up the dealer (from where we bought the piece) and told him to replace the same.

We ran back to the dealer who replaced the piece. Then we assembled the machine again and this time, it started to our utter delight.

We took the working machine and gifted to my mother who was thrilled. She was going to a nearby computer institute to learn and practice her computer skills.

Now after 4 years, when our laptop died, we decided to assemble an advanced machine ourselves. We purchased the parts and tried to assemble the machine. As per practice it did not start. The next day we were going on  a picnic. Son said he was not interested to come. So other family members were to the picnic.  Only when we came back, I understood that this fellow stayed back to work and make our computer work and he succeeded in it.

Now that became a norm in the house. Encourage children to try new things. Let them work on the project. Even a failure from such a task teaches some useful lessons to children.

Please encourage children to try things on their own.

As an aside, please see an interesting video, “50 dangerous things you should allow your children to try” on youtube.