As a woman thinking back on the gifts my father gave me, it might surprise men to realize that some of the best material gifts given were tools. Yes, tools. Remember, I am talking about material gifts. The giving of his time, knowledge, and love were the best gifts.
When I was probably 8 or 9, he gave me a small pocketknife. I still have it today and it gets lots of use. Plus, I think of him when I use it.
When I was in my early teens my father gave me a socket wrench kit. Forty some years later I still have it and I still use it. My latest challenge was learning how to take off a cracked tractor wheel. Out came the socket wrench for loosening the lug nuts.
When all the gifts of clothes and other “girl” stuff are long gone, the tools are there and appreciated.
Don’t pass up those moments to help your daughter explore the fascinating world of tools and repair. It is the gift of a lifetime.
Era Lewis 