1. Select an easy kit. (K.I.S.S.  as said earlier)

2. Select the right tools. (Side cutter is a definate! You wouldn't believe...actually you guys would believe... how many times I either cut my self while removing a part from the sprue or sent a part on an oribtal trajectory)

3. Acrilyc paints. (Much easier clean up and smell)

4. Take your time. Time and patience are your friends.

5. say to them that 'it wasn't a failure, it's a learning experience.'