Problem: Article: square with the child. Teach the child to garter stitch by knitting every row. Take turns knitting rows of stitches so you create a basic 6 inches (15cm) square. Knitting back and forth with the child will give you a chance to guide them and correct mistakes. The child can use the finished garter stitch square as a tiny placemat, toy blanket, or rug for a toy. If the child is at least 6 or 7 years old, show them what a standard knitting pattern looks like. Tell them what a few of the symbols and abbreviations mean. If you're looking at a pattern chart, show the child how to read from the bottom to the top. Don't worry if the child doesn't completely understand the patterns. If they're learning very simple projects, they won't need to rely on a chart. Once the child is ready to work by themselves for a while, choose a basic project that only requires knit or purl stitches. Choose a simple design such as a washcloth, scarf, swatches, or a doll's blanket. Check on the child occasionally to see if they need your help. Ensure that the child can finish 1 simple project before moving on to another one. It's inevitable that the child will make mistakes as they're learning to knit. Instead of simply fixing the mistake, show them they made the error and what you can do to fix it. The child will learn how to avoid that mistake and will understand that they can move beyond their mistakes. Children learn at different rates so follow the child's lead. If the child is very interested in learning how to knit, they may pick it up quickly. Never force the child to practice knitting if they don't want to learn. Instead, help the child and instruct them when they come to you to work on stitches. Remember to encourage and praise the child's successes. Kids want to feel proud of their accomplishments and are more likely to stick with something if they feel supported.
Summary: Knit a garter stitch Show the child how to read patterns. Select an easy project for the child to work on. Help the child troubleshoot mistakes. Be patient with the child.

Problem: Article: Having a more experienced officer you can turn to for guidance will make a big difference. You'll gain both moral support and practical knowledge from a mentor. If your force doesn't already have a formal membership program, ask about starting one. Try doing something like meeting with your mentor once a month for lunch to talk about how things are going. Studies show that officers that get advanced education become better at their jobs. You could think about getting a degree in an area like criminal justice, if you don't already have one. If you already have a degree, you could also seek an advanced degree, such as a master's, or just take continuing education classes in areas such as: Criminal justice Conflict resolution Interpersonal communication Cyber security Forensic science Talk with your commanding officer about your job performance. What are your strengths? Your weaknesses? What areas should you focus on improving? This kind of feedback is very valuable when trying to become a better police officer.
Summary: Find a mentor. Further your education. Ask for a review, if you haven't received one in a while.

Problem: Article: Take industrial arts courses in high school such as machining, drafting and woodworking. These types of classes will form the basic skill set you need. If you've been out of high school for several years, take classes at a local community college to brush up on your skills. Most of these programs take between six months and two years. A list of accredited schools can be found on the on the NRA website. Gunsmithing programs teach mechanical and tooling skills, the different functions and designs of various firearms, diagnosing and repairing guns, safety procedures, and in some cases chemistry and ballistics. Consider enrolling in an online gunsmithing program, a popular alternative in recent years. Gunsmithing programs always conduct background checks on their prospective students; those who don't pass are not admitted into the program. As an alternative or in addition to receiving a certification or diploma in gunsmithing, seek out a local gunsmith or apply through The Association of Gunsmiths and Related Trades (TAOGART) for apprenticeship status. In order to apply through TAOGART you must be 16 or older. All applicants must be able to legally own and possess a firearm in compliance to federal and state laws. If you are still in high school you must graduate and maintain at least a "C" average. You must have permission from your legal guardians and school officials (such as a principal or counselor). A gunsmithing apprenticeship consists of on-site training and classroom instruction that totals about 8,000 hours. This time can vary depending on the type of firearm apprenticeship you undertake. This license differs from other firearms licenses in that it allows you to maintain possession of another person's firearm for more than a day, as you would do if you were repairing it. In order to receive an FFL you must be over 21 years of age meet a number of strict gun safety requirements. A field agent will be dispatched to inspect your gunsmithing facilities and conduct an interview with you before the license is granted. Apply for an FFL through the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Check your local area for other licensing requirements.
Summary:
Start early. Apply to a gunsmithing program at a college or trade school. Find an apprenticeship. Obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL).