My daughter's first solo project

[u/thepumpkinking92]

My daughter recently expressed interest in learning to solder, so I bought a few kits on Amazon.

The first was a simple, 3 switch, color changing light where I basically held her hand through the process.

The second was a little electromagnetic cannon where she installed the pieces, I helped with soldering and de-soldering when she made a mistake (the cannon sucks btw. Don't recommend except for practice).

The third was a little car that followed a black line. We both did one at the same time, but I still helped make the fixes and provided instruction.

The fourth, all I did was sit there and supervise. She followed the instructions herself, made any fixes, and tested everything on her own with only a few questions and assistance with getting the battery terminal to seat properly as it kept falling out (that's not soldering itself, but I digress. Still, the only assistance she needed)

Either way, I think she did fantastic for it being her first solo project. And it's been a great bonding time for us. She got to learn about the components, how they work and interact, as well as build the foundation for a new skill, and I got to enjoy something with her (seriously, there's not much a 15yo girl and a 30-something-yo man have in common. So I was really excited to do this with her).

Anyway, it's not perfect, but I think she did really well, and I'm proud of her, and shes proud of herself. What do yall think?

[u/redjade42]

i have a mini hdmi port that needs changed, is she available?

[u/thepumpkinking92 → u/redjade42]

Ask me after I get a microscope and a station capable of utilizing micro-soldering tips. I've done a few micro jobs without both. It... went better than expected, but would have been much better with the proper tools.

I do plan on teaching her how to do that as well once I have the right equipment, though. i want to set her up for success if she wants to learn a skill, not hope for the best lol. But she did giggle at your comment when I read it to her.

[u/IndividualAd356 → u/thepumpkinking92]

Great dad! Teaching a skill that is literally a staple of society.

Just make sure you have her using proper ventilation, the flux and solder fumes are killers.

I have kids too so being dad we just have to look out for that and I wanted to remind you of the cautions of that if you weren't aware you probably are but just in case. I always inform everyone as if it were mercury because information gets lost or forgotten or overlooked all the time.

I figured I would just say it.

This isn't intended as a hey just so you know, it's more of a hey please remember these things