Warhammer 40K For Kids

Let me introduce my gaming group.

At the time of writing Savanna (8) Manny (6) and Max (4) are my regular opponents and comrades in the vast world of TableTop Games.

Recently Savanna and Manny have started to build and paint their first models, and have shown an interest in the Space Marines in Warhammer 40,000. So I have set them on a path of building and painting two small space marine armies. Just using the standard single push fit Space Marine.

Why?

Introducing the older two to building simple models was an experiment to see if it would be something they enjoy or have the patience for here is what I learned…

Kids patience is pretty unpredictable and can depend a lot on the surroundings and what is going on. (In our family we also have a bit of ADHD and ASD that we take into account as well)

Tip: I have found that taking one child at a time with me ‘somewhere’ to build a couple of models works best, it gives me a bit of one to one time with them and greatly reduces the distractions helping the child zone in (remember children can only do it for short periods of time so relax and what is done is done – no pressure – remember the activity is the goal not the end result)

Forget about perfectionism, it really has no place at this stage, children do not have the coordination or mental development to be bothered about mould lines or perfectly fitting parts. So don’t let yourself get caught in a trap of pointing out little flaws, it will frustrate you and put off the child. That’s why I go with the same model (which is basically the sample sprue) and before this I used a box of cheap toy soldiers to let them paint on etc Whatever they build at this stage in their lives is not for display its for fun and bonding and tucking into a little memory box to surprise them with later lol

Tip: Do not be tempted to spend ‘real’ money on this, look for the cheapest option you can as really the cost will make absolutely no difference to the experience the child will have.

Tip: I opted to give them the exact same model to work on, (initially as a cost thing as I had access) and I discovered that there was a benefit here in that practice became easier for the child and they gained a little independence in the project quicker than if they had to continuously ask me ‘where do I clip daddy’ and ‘where do I put this part daddy’ – I would like to recommend to my hobby industry colleagues out there to consider introductory packs of minis aimed at children and guardians that have multiples of the same model in them for this purpose.