How old is old enough?

[wincrasher]

My oldest nephew will be 13 in a few weeks.

I asked his mom if he would like a job cutting my grass. I have a motorized push mower he could use. If he was opportunistic, there are several in the neighborhood he could do if he wanted.

She said no, he's not old enough.

I think that's just crazy. He's not a big boy, but I think he's big enough, plus there are no obstructions, ditches, things where he could get into trouble with the machine. The mower is not self propelled and is the type where if you let go of the handle, it shuts off. I think it would take him about 2 hours to cut the yard, front & back.

So how old is old enough to cut the grass?

[Like2Plan]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

So how old is old enough to cut the grass?

In this case, when Mom says he is old enough...

[creditcardfree]

The nephew may be old enough, but not all kids are emotionally ready for such tasks. Obviously, I don't know what the situation is wtih your nephew. It may be an overprotective mother.

Maybe you need to ask another 13-14 year old boy to ask!

[wincrasher]

Well he wants to do it. His Dad thinks it's OK. His younger brother (11) said he'd do it if his brother wouldn't.

Yes, she is very overprotective. Comes from watching too much CSI type tv shows.

[irmanator]

lol on the csi show comment. My kids were doing it at that age. I did make them wear my steal toe boots. (they fit my kids have big feet)

[lovcom]

It sounds like that mom is ruining her son, and dad doesn't have the cajones to set her straight....poor boy.

[creditcardfree]

Maybe you could provide training and supervision as a way to make it better for the Mom! She could even watch. Eventually, she will see that he is capable of the job.

[cschin4]

Obviously that is for the parents to decide. However, my sons who are 11 and 13 both mow. I only let the 13 yr old use the riding mower though.

[kork13]

I started helping to cut our lawn when I was about 9 or 10 -- I edged/weed-whacked, my older brother (by 2 yrs) mowed. Prolly by 11 or 12, I was doing everything myself.

My youngest brother (15) just finished up his summer business of mowing lawns, and actually was very successful -- he did over a dozen lawns a month.

I'd say offer her a solution. Point out that he wants to try doing it, so tell her that you (or preferably she) can supervise him doing it, to make sure that he's doing it safely and properly. That'll give him the opportunity to work for some pocket money, and reassure her that he's safe in doing it.

[zakity]

Yep, he is old enough if his maturity level is there.

My guys have been mowing the "middles" for a few summers. DH mows the edges after they are finished. They have hit a few trees and they just don't do around the trees and stuff well, so we have them just do the middles. Oh yeah, we have a riding mower. We figure that mowing is practice with driving and they all will be driving way too soon.

[mom-from-missouri]

Mom may have a good reason from personal experience. Has she seen the boy perhaps abuse tools, or try to run someone down with a power tool or act in a way that makes her question???

Our neighbor accidently ran over her grandson with her mower-he lost his legs as a result. She now will lock the gate at the end of her driveway and not allow anyone else to be home when she mows. Over reacting?? Not to her.

Honor moms wishes. Its not a big deal-just get someone else to do it.

[donlat3]

I agree with you that he is old enough for sure. I think 13 is a good age to start teaching kids responsibility through a job like cutting grass.
I think cutting grass is a perfect job for kids to start out on!

[dana67]

I also agree that 13 is old enough. Maybe his mother is a little over protective and is worried he will be hurt.

[cptacek]

lol. I started driving the tractor when I was 10, so I think 13 is old enough to mow! But, mom has to decide, in the end.

[LuxLiving]

Unless you performed the miracle of getting said child thru the birth canal? Ummm, sorry, but Mom gets to decide.

However, that being said, I do think 13 is likely old enough to mow. Mine did, also wearing Dad's steel-toe boats, and with Mom watching and re-directing until good habits were learned.

Perhaps you can offer your supervision or ask her to come supervise with you one time to see that he is capable and safety measures will be taken? Encouraging Mom NICELY to let him at least try might get you somewhere, but like the others said, you may have to find another kid to mow!

[kenyantykoon]

he should have started mowing the lawn when whe turned 11. 13 is too old

[wincrasher]

Wow,

if 13 is too old to cut the grass, then at 44, I'm too far gone to do it too.

maybe I should just let it grow for awhile and periodically set it on fire to get rid of it!

I'm sure the neighbors would love it - we could roast marsh mellows and maybe hot-dogs. Could be alot of good family fun!

[Saving_spree]

He would be fit to help with chores only when his mom believes that he is old enough

[jasonnoguchi]

best to check with local laws... you don't want to run into problems with the labor department (for child labor) or the social department (for child abuse).