What an extraordinary summer it has been for our family! We’ve been on an incredible journey, clocking countless miles with media trips across the country, not to mention a truly special “babymoon” jaunt to the romantic city of Paris. And we have wonderful news to share: Laura and I are thrilled to announce we are expecting a baby boy this September! As we prepare for this exciting new chapter, we thought, “Why not add a touch more adventure (or perhaps, a dash of joyful craziness) to our lives by launching a brand new website?”
It is with immense excitement and anticipation that we introduce you to Built by Kids – a passion project born from our belief in the power of hands-on exploration and imaginative play. This platform is more than just a website; it’s a lifestyle movement dedicated to expanding the imagination, igniting the creativity, and honing the hands-on skills of children everywhere. In an increasingly digital world, where screens often dominate the landscape of childhood, we find ourselves yearning for a simpler time – a nostalgic era when kids would spend hours constructing elaborate forts in their backyards, digging for buried treasures in vast sandboxes, and bringing their wildest ideas to life with their own two hands.
Rediscovering the Joy of Hands-On Learning: The Built by Kids Philosophy
Our tagline, “The ABC’s of DIY,” perfectly encapsulates the core of our mission. It represents our commitment to becoming the premiere online destination for dynamic, kid-friendly projects that go beyond simple instructions. We aim to engage families, educators, and caregivers on both an emotional and practical level, fostering deeper connections and a shared sense of accomplishment. Built by Kids is about more than just making things; it’s about nurturing essential life skills, building confidence, and creating lasting memories. We believe that through hands-on activities, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, fine motor skills, and an invaluable sense of resilience. These are the foundational building blocks for a well-rounded and imaginative future, equipping them to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence and ingenuity.
In an age where technology is seamlessly integrated into every facet of our lives, the importance of a balanced childhood cannot be overstated. While digital tools offer incredible learning opportunities, there’s an undeniable magic that happens when children disconnect from screens and engage with tangible materials. Whether it’s the tactile sensation of wood, the vibrant colors of paint, or the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life from their own efforts, these experiences are irreplaceable. Built by Kids aims to provide a rich repository of ideas and inspiration that encourages this vital balance, offering countless ways for children to explore, experiment, and express themselves creatively. From simple crafts for toddlers to more complex construction projects for older kids, our curated content will cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels, ensuring there’s something exciting for every aspiring young builder and creator.
Join Our Creative Community: Share Your “Built by YOU” Projects!
Built by Kids isn’t just a resource; it’s also designed to be a thriving online community where families, teachers, and caregivers can connect, share their own ingenious projects, and inspire one another. We firmly believe that the most innovative ideas often come from real-life experiences, and we want to celebrate the incredible creativity happening in homes and classrooms every single day. If our mission resonates with you and your family, then you’re exactly who we’re looking for! We need your help to get this exciting project off the ground and build a truly collaborative platform from day one. We are currently curating our favorite “BUILT by YOU” projects to feature prominently on the site, showcasing the amazing work of our community members.
We know that many of you harbor some truly super sweet projects – perhaps forgotten treasures stashed away in the attic, or exciting plans simmering for this upcoming weekend. Why not bring those fantastic creations to life online and share them with a wider audience? Imagine inspiring countless other families and children with your ingenuity! This is your opportunity to not only gain recognition for your efforts but also to contribute to a growing movement that values imagination and hands-on learning. Let’s create a rich tapestry of ideas together, demonstrating the endless possibilities when children are encouraged to build, create, and explore.
How to Participate: Share Your Child’s DIY Masterpieces
Participating in our launch competition and sharing your projects is simple and rewarding! Here’s how it works:
- Project Categories: To ensure fairness and celebrate diverse types of engagement, your projects will be organized into three distinct categories:
- Built BY Your Child: Projects where your child took the lead, with minimal adult intervention. These celebrate independent thought, initiative, and pure child-led creativity. Think free-form sculptures, original inventions, or self-designed structures.
- Built WITH Your Child: Collaborative projects where you and your child worked side-by-side. These highlight teamwork, shared learning, and the invaluable bonding experience of creating together. Examples include building a birdhouse, decorating a room, or assembling a small piece of furniture.
- Built FOR Your Child: Projects that adults crafted specifically for a child’s enjoyment or use. These showcase the love and effort parents and caregivers put into enriching a child’s environment, from custom playhouses to unique learning tools.
- Selection Process: Our team will carefully review all submissions and select a shortlist of our favorite projects from each category. These chosen projects will then be presented to our incredible community of readers, who will cast their votes to determine the ultimate winners. This interactive process ensures that our community has a voice in celebrating the most inspiring and creative endeavors.
- Prizes and Recognition: The winning projects will receive not only our undying respect and admiration – a testament to their creativity and effort – but also an exclusive, glossy photo feature prominently displayed on the Built by Kids website. Beyond that, winners will be awarded a prize package of “game show proportions,” filled with exciting tools, craft supplies, and educational toys to fuel future projects. And of course, the well-deserved bragging rights that come with being recognized as a pioneer in the Built by Kids community!
Submission Guidelines:
To enter, simply send an email with a detailed description of your project and clear, high-quality photos to [email protected]. Please include your child’s age (if applicable) and which category you believe your project best fits into. High-resolution images that showcase different angles and stages of the project are highly encouraged! The deadline for entry for this inaugural competition is August 22, 2011. Don’t miss this chance to be part of our founding story!
Connect with Built by Kids!
We are incredibly excited about this journey and look forward to seeing the amazing projects you’ve been working on. Your participation is what will truly bring Built by Kids to life and inspire a new generation of creators. In the meantime, stay connected and follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates on inspiring projects, exciting collaborations, and upcoming events that will further ignite your family’s creative spirit. Find us on Facebook and Twitter to join the conversation and become an active part of our growing community.
Thank you for embarking on this adventure with us. Together, let’s build a brighter, more imaginative future for our children.
Cheers!
Timothy and Laura Dahl