Yard work

Considering the possibility for accidents with a mower I wouldn't let a child operate one. I'd wait till they were old enough to handle the machine and understand the safety measures you have to take with it. Things like picking up trash, sticks, raking and weeding are pretty safe for kids to do but I'd draw the line at using power tools or machinery. [b]**AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~[/b]

10 years old is not a bad age to start. As long as he's mature enough to know to stay away from the dangerous parts. Otherwise I think 12 or so is usually the average age.

I think my son was about 12 when he started but my neighbor does all my yard work now and his grandson's help...and one of them is about 9 or 10....so if your son is responsible and you supervise I think it would be alright for him to start!

Last year, my daughter was helping with yard work, picking up sticks and such. She seemed to be having such a good time. And, when she came back into the house, she complained about itching on her back and arms. I had to check her back and there were all kinds of red bites on her. I think they must have been red ant bites or something. Pretty soon, the bites got infected. And, before I knew it, everyone in the house was infected with whatever it was. I still don't know what caused the bites, but apparently it traveled indoors on her clothing and got to us all. Since then, we encourage her to stay out of the yard picking up sticks. We take her to a local playground instead.

Hi. lilybug. I started doing yard work at the age of 10 years old, I think. I used to rake and pick up trash from off of the lawn. I have mowed the lawn when I was a teenager. I could not stand pushing the lawn mower because it tended to be so heavy when I would push it constantly. I have always enjoyed a riding lawn mower more my pleasure instead. I did not like mowing the lawn because we had neighbors that were young guys and I did not want them to see me mowing the lawn. There was also a guy that went to school with me. We was in the same grade and I did not want him to see me mowing the lawn like a man. My grandma used to mow the lawn, and she did not care who was looking at her. My grandma is a hard worker. She is seventy four years old now but she still works hard when she has to.

I didn't mow when I was little but I did have to pick up sticks in the yard. I actually started my kids mowing around 12. Not regularly but some. My son mowed pretty regularly but that was kind of his main responsibility when he reached a certain age.

My kids are five, and nine, and have a chore list. While that does not include yard work, they are very willing to help, especially if there is a dollar involved. I don't force yard work on them, as my husband actually enjoys doing it, and he does a good job.