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I agree with Elk Hunter.
My husband let our almost 11 year old son mow the dogs yard with the riding mower, with him walking right beside him but my son was too light and kept killing the engine.
Can I ask a stupid question, why is a push lawnmover safer than a riding? I figure it would be the opposite.
They are both very dangerous. It is easier to stop a push mower. I don't remember ever running into a tree with a push mower, unless I wanted to, but even my dh gets whacked with limbs riding the mower. When I had to do the mowing, I usually looked like I had been in a fight with something and I had, but is was the trees or the ditch.
They are both very dangerous. It is easier to stop a push mower. I don't remember ever running into a tree with a push mower, unless I wanted to, but even my dh gets whacked with limbs riding the mower. When I had to do the mowing, I usually looked like I had been in a fight with something and I had, but is was the trees or the ditch.
I've considered getting one of those old fashioned push mowers, without a motor, kwim? And giving a portion of the yard for my son to do with that. It will be good for him! He does weedeat though. We just handed that job over to him this summer.
I have a 13 year old. he started using the rider last year. we are always around while he is mowing. He can also use the push mower. We never had him mow until last year. 11 just sounds a bit young, but a lot depends on the size of the kid!
I've considered getting one of those old fashioned push mowers, without a motor, kwim? And giving a portion of the yard for my son to do with that. It will be good for him! He does weedeat though. We just handed that job over to him this summer.
That is the kind I used when I was growing up. My cousin even got hurt with one of those. I saw one like that Monday at Lowe's. It was $89. If gas prices keep going up, we will all have to use one. I don't have really pleasant memories about using that.
That is the kind I used when I was growing up. My cousin even got hurt with one of those. I saw one like that Monday at Lowe's. It was $89. If gas prices keep going up, we will all have to use one. I don't have really pleasant memories about using that.
No kidding! I can't believe how much it costs just to mow the grass now
It depends on each individual child. Some are mature and willing to listen to and follow instructions. My dad let me start mowing around 8, back in the late 60's. I thought of it as a privelage to be trusted to do it and help. not as a chore.
IMO I suggest that you Please make sure that they are shown how the various equipment works, how to 'kill' the engine. Must Wear sturdy shoes! NO horseplay.
Personally I wouldn't let them mow on banks/hills until they have 'proven' their capabilities on flat ground, and even then I would be cautious. My steb brother (in his 40's) cut off his big toe last summer due to being distracted while on a slope (accidents can happen...but they are accidents afterall and life goes on
and breeze823. I hope you have some safety glasses for your som to wear weedeating...and he wears sturdy shoes!
And speaking of old fashioned push mowers, had one and it was great for where I used to live. Ecologically sound and easy to start! Just check and see if they are recommended on the tyoe of grass you have, They work better on some lawns.
I am currently reading Raising Boys by Steve Bidduluph. It says that boys between the ages of 11 and 13 have a huge increase in testosterone which creates their bodies to have sudden growth. This sudden growth means that their whole nervous system has to sort of rewire itself, causing boys around this age to become "dopey and disorganized for many months." Anyhow, if your children are boys and going through this stage, it might make you question their ability to drive a mower!
I (a female) started mowing a very large yard with the mower around fourteen, once my sister moved away. I don't know when she started (but she was more responsible then me, anyhow!) But for a long time before this, it was my job to walk around picking up all the toys and sticks in the yard so someone else could mow. This would work well if you decide to keep allowing the 13 y.o. to mow, then your 11 y.o. could prep the yard first.
Thanks for the replies.
Mercy, I wouldn't allow him anywhere near a slope on it; though....I refused to let him mow next to the creek bank; I mowed that strip first, then let him take over the other day.
I would never allow him/them to mow anywhere other than FLAT yard.
But, I do think I should wait a bit; judging from your responses.
I don't want to take any chances with my kids. There are other chores they can do, besides this.
Thanks again.
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