Canada

By middle school, I was making magician type smoke pyrotechnics from things I found in the drug store and corner store. Based on sci-fi shows I was watching. This led to me read more about science.

I had middle aged drunk neighbor that let me use his blow torch, and my father let me alone in the garage to use whatever tools I wanted. I had to opportunity to build what I wanted.

If there is a maker-space in your area, maybe try going the nights they have an open house. When there start a 1960s kids project, that you'd like to do as well, perhaps using molten tin metal to make figurines, building some classic plane models, firing model rockers. The people there would help you, and teach the kid not to go down the road of toxic masculinity.

All I can think of at the moment.