Bob1623 Be the Fountain, not the Drain.
This is a very good skill to have. Congratulations, you are now a handywoman.
How to learn how to fix holes in sheetrock, and fix two of them in my house
It made me
Proud of my son. 
"I turned this into a project for my son's Family Life Merit Badge, learned with him how to do it in principle, took him shopping for supplies, then stepped back to a supervisory role."
How I did it: Watched videos on YouTube (some are better than others; we watched as many as we needed to watch to understand the underlying principles and to get some tips on how to do it well and easily).
Confirmed the instructions with the folks at ACE Hardware, where we bought the sheetrock saw, spackling compound, silicone tape, and sandpaper.
Finished the project with texturizing spray purchased at Home Depot. (Consider buying the "easy clean up" kind, or be very sure to use a large dropcloth and painter's tape. This stuff's messy and almost impossible to clean up, if it dries. And it dries FAST.)
More details and photos here.
Lessons & tips: Be sure you fully understand and follow the directions, using whatever method works best for you and the holes you're repairing.
Use a drop-cloth and/or painter's tape.
Be prepared to hire a professional to "fix" everything if it proves to be too difficult. (I wouldn't attempt sheetrock repair on the ceiling, for instance - we're going to have to hire a pro for that one.)
Resources: YouTube.com
ACE Hardware
Home Depot
small square of sheetrock
silicone tape
spackling compound
sheetrock saw
ruler and pencil
sandpaper
wall texturing spray
goggles (if you're having your 12 year old do this, I'd say it's essential; if you're doing it, use your best judgement)
dropcloth and painter's tape
Comments:
hjahangiri is reaffirming commitment to her goals.
Thanks!
A handywoman AND a good mom – for stepping back and NOT giving my son minute, detailed directions.
You try handing your 12 year old a sheetrock saw and walking out of the room. ;) There’s another skill involved, there, and one I’m prouder of than being able to fix a hole in the sheetrock.
There’s also “knowing when to quit.” I look up at the crack in the ceiling, smile, and shake my head. One of these days, I’ll call in the pros for that one. Meanwhile, TWO of us can now fix the little holes that happen in walls now and then.
