Back a little while ago I had my nephew @mrbonkers down here for a time and we had a lot of fun doing so many things together; it was such a good time for both of us. I let him drive my truck (he's six and a half so it was time) and he shot one of my handguns (it was also time), we had water fights, cooked BBQ's together, went to the beach and all manner of other things...including building Lego.
I bought the set for him on the day after he arrived although he'd been encouraging me to do so from about the first minute he'd arrived. The pestering to build it also began immediately on getting the Lego but I didn't mind, I was looking forward to building with him. Here's the post I wrote about the process (mission) of buying the Lego.
I let my nephew build this himself with no physical assistance from me although I offered some suggestions from time to time if he started down the wrong path. I'd not tell him what to do, just make suggestions like, "maybe you should check if you've got those components in the right place." It was enough to make him stop, check his work against the plans and to rectify his errors.
He's really a very good builder, something I taught him the last time he was here, and a pretty clever little chap, analytical, attention to detail and all; he builds Lego at levels far above his age and that's going to work to his benefit down the track as he gets older, transferrable skills and all.
Something he also learned from me is that one cannot build Lego without also consuming snacks. I know, it seems odd that it would be so, but trust me, without snacks it's literally impossible to build Lego.
You can see the little tacker's last remaining cookie to the left of the image below and above are a few process shots and one of the rubbish truck emptying the bin into the storage section of the truck - the way Lego makes that work, the gears and lifting mechanisms and all, is really cool.
We built the truck over a couple days. He wanted to complete it all in one sitting but I made him slow down and take his time. All up it took him about five hours over the two days and he only needed correcting as above three of four times which I think is pretty good.
When we were selecting the set we had to consider that he'd need to get it back home on the plane so we couldn't get anything too big but I wanted to get something that challenged him and would also provide something for him to play with and that's exactly what this set provided. I enjoyed sitting with him building this garbage truck and look back on the time as well spent and valuable.
Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
[Original and AI free]
Image(s) in this post are my own
He did well, didn't he? With only a few redirects, he did it himself! Has he mentioned which one he wants to do the next time you two are together? I know when I was young and looking forward to a future event, vacation, etc. I would pour over books and magazines (no internet back then) for months dreaming of the fun to come lol. Mr.Bonkers seems quite advanced for his years, a nod to his parents and his Uncle lol.
I sent him home with one of my Lego Technic sets I'd dismantled for him, a car hauler truck (1m long in total) so big and complicated. He's too young though. I think he wants an F1 racing car next but he has so much he tends to just freestyle a lot and I like that because he's using his imagination more.
He keeps telling me on video chats how much he misses me and wants to come down here and live with me. I'd say that means I did a reasonable uncle-job huh?
Oh yeah, you've done a great uncle-job. 'Sorry mom and dad...going down to live with Uncle Bonkers'. It's good that he freestyles... maybe one day he will become an engineer, or a Lego designer. One thing's for sure...he has an ingrained love of Lego thanks to you. He may surprise you one day when he presents the car hauler, completed, on one of your video calls!
His dad is a nautical architect (fairly serious sort of job) - and has a double degree - and operates on naval vessels so I'm sure Bonkers will do something awesome...or just become a scrubber like his uncle.
Ask my nephew though and he'd probably tell you he wants to become one of the Duke Boys from Dukes of Hazzard!
I fucken love that kid.
He'll probably do some Duke Boys things as he gets into his teen years. He could certainly have some worse goals, but his passions will change as he grows. I can really see him doing something quite technical though, as he is learning early how to follow plans and already understands that there is a sequence of steps to be followed. And all thanks to Uncle Bonkers' Legos 😃
Bonkers and me in the General Lee jumping over the creek to get away from the cops...The KP Boys. 🤣
I reckon he'll do something technical as well, he has that sort of brain and is good at focusing it. I guess part of the sadness for me is that I've really only got twenty years or so in me sonlnwont get to see how and what he achieves. That saddens me a little.
Now don't you go getting that boy in trouble with the law 🤣
The passing of time may sadden you, but on the flip side, you have at least twenty years to impart the knowledge of a lifetime with all that entails, good and bad. He may well make the same mistakes you have (as we all do), but as he goes through some of them, he'll recall the words you left to him and will offer thanks, even into your after years.
In any event, you have already made a huge impact on him, and will continue to do so as long as you are able, no doubt.
Looks like it turned out really well. I still remember getting my first "Technics" Lego set. I was a big deal because it meant I was growing up :)
Unfortunately my parents could only afford second hand Lego and none of it was Technic - Possibly why I don't care how much I spend on it these days, just get what I want when I want.
I can understand that. My first set of Legos was a wash bin full that my mom bought at a rummage sale. We didn't have a lot of money growing up either, but we always had what we needed.
Wow what a very nice transformation 😍 legos for me are kind of easy to normal things like boxes, towers or simple figures. But this one! This is amazing😍 it took time, dedication and effort to finish it💪
Yeah, Lego Technic can get quite complex which makes it more interesting I suppose.
How nice that at the mere suggestion he paid attention, that he considered that something was wrong and on the other hand that he put so much effort into the construction. He is a very, very clever boy, and never lacking something to eat while building, you need energy. I will keep that in mind!
I loved the pictures, they are very cute.
He's a cheeky bugger, (just finished a video chat with him), but super smart - takes after his uncle. Oh yeah, that's me. 😊
I have no doubt about that!
I think it doesn't exist kid (and probably adult) who doesn't like Lego, everyone has played with them, it's a great toy tbh, you can build, play with fantasy... My son is smaller and wonder what, he likes duplo, first step before real Lego
Ah yes, Duplo is the feeder for Lego, smart marketing ply indeed. I loved Lego as a kid and am glad my nephew loves it too, I'm probably partly to blame for that...he's a Lego monster to be honest, totally loves it!
Well that's a good blame then 😅 lego trains motor skills but also brain and invention, it's probably the most complete game around... And most important with this you take away the kid from the smartphone (nowadays you see everywhere kids with that on hand doing nothing all time)
Parents are to blame for kids having smartphones, or using them too much...it seems they have forgotten how to say no.
I remember you buying it, it came together at last .
Yeam man, was fun watching the lad build it, good times. He played with it heaps after too.
Good stuff!
Love that truck, it's a good fun build
It sure was, we both enjoyed it.
Here's why hiding your identity is a good thing, social services can't find you 🙂
Little fingers are great for building LEGO.
Nice truck 🙂
Well done to mrbonkers
Yeah, he did really well and it was enjoyable to watch and help where needed. I'll remember it, as will he.
I love lego, and I think it is the best toy for a child. It is fun and develops motor skills. I had a couple of lego sets, but none of them were tehnic, I certainly loved them. When I grew up my parents gave it to their friends for their child. I feel guilty but at the same time I'm glad because I know that boy is playing with pleasure.
It's a great toy and what an amazing idea that has lasted for so many years and brought so much enjoyment. Mr. Lego did ok out of it. 😊
Amazing toy, I believe that it will last for many more years. I hope that I will buy LEGO for my children, so that I can play as well :D
No snack, no Legos, that’s a good mantra; I think the same
It turns out very well !! I remember when I asked you why that choice, and now I say it was a perfect choice, unconventional but a beautiful piece.
Reading the post reminded me of the pilot parade in Miami 😅
I don't think it matters what the build was, it was the time together building that made it so good. ☺️
It's a beautiful thing to spend time with your love ones and in this case your nephew, I can see that he is a smart and creative kid and is very quick to learn and evolve
Allowing him to build the truck on his own with little assistance will help him to develop critical thinking and allowing him to brainstorm which in the future will be a huge benefit and advantage for him
It's really lovely seeing this and thank you for sharing this @galenkp
Yeah, I agree, he's smart and will only get smarter.
You have introduced your nephew to a new creation with great feeling. Above all, a model garbage truck repair job fulfills the game. Always creativity takes us to the forefront of education. Blessings and love for your nephew. Thank you sir.
Creativity is essential to life in my opinion and those without it, who who do not actively deploy it, have lesser lives.
Yes sir, you are right, especially since it is possible to make ourselves creative by making our daily life activities creative.