While there are many things parents can do together with their children, building model airplanes with them is perhaps one of those few things that offer fun, learning, and family closeness. Whether you are putting together a motorized radio-controlled plane model, a fancy glider, or a fighter jet for display, building airplane models is a classic hobby that can be enjoyed with your children all year round.

There are three types of model plane kits to choose from. There are non-working plastic models meant for display, models that can actually glide much like a paper airplane, and motorized models that are designed for radio-controlled flight.

Children love to spend time building planes and other things that can fly. Engaging in this activity develops patience, eye for detail, fine motor skills, and concentration which are all positive human qualities. At the same time, you can share the fun, enthusiasm, and sense of accomplishment as your child builds an easy model plane from scratch. Everything they need for the assembly can likely be found in your home.

Encouraging your children to take up this fascinating hobby provides a lot of desirable effects than just allowing them to play computer games all day long. While computer gaming increases perception and response time, they have a number of negative effects that can influence the body and impressionable mind of youngsters.

Children who often play computer games can develop spine trouble over time due to slouching in the chair or on the floor. They can also develop a gamer’s thumb which can damage tendons and nerves due to hours of working the game pad.

Obesity is another problem that children can develop as they spend hours in front of the PC monitor and loading their body with junk snacks. No matter what gamers say in defense of computer gaming, giving the thumb a workout just doesn’t provide the same health benefits as taking a brisk walk or flying a scale model plane.

Introducing your child to the hobby of building model planes provides them the feeling of having created something with their own hands. Painting and “weathering” the model allow them to express and hone their artistic side. This hobby cultivates a more constructive attitude compared to the carnage, violence and destruction that children are exposed to when playing computer games.

Building airplane models is a hobby that many people carry from childhood throughout their adult life. Spend quality time, build a stronger bond, and bring out your children’s skills and positive qualities by assembling a model plane together.