Help an industrious young man

[Big_Sissy]

My DS #2 has decided that he would like to make some extra money (he really wants to buy a motorcycle) and has set out asking neighbors if he can mow their lawn (he is a good lawn mower).

So the short to my rambling is, if any of you that live close by would be willing to allow an industrious young man the opportunity to mow your lawn he would really appreciate it.

Price can be negotiated by you, but please don't take advantage of him either (I know none of you would, but the loving father in me won't allow me to not say that).

Also, I would like to send a special thanks to Amber P and her husband for being so nice to DS #2 yesterday. He was thrilled and we thank you for the opportunity. You really are a gracious, sweet hearted woman. Thank you!!

[Big_Sissy]

Update -- He told me it's the price is typically $5 for either front or back or $10 for both. However if you have a large yard it might be a little more. He said the highest he would go is $7 per front or back and $14 for both.

Again, thank you for your help. I know he'll really appreciate it.

[Big_Sissy]

I also wanted to Thank RAR for letting my boy (and his friends) mow her lawn. I do not believe the 2 other boys did that good of a job, so I apologize. I am what I would consider a Lawn Mowing Nazi. I like straight lines, and I like order. DS#2 is very good, but unfortunately his friends were not. I believe it's the first time either of them have mowed a lawn, which is quite odd if you ask me, but regardless, thank you for you generosity, and willingness to let my boy earn some extra $$.

I really appreciate it.

[bookworm]

Originally Posted by Big_Sissy

I believe it's the first time either of them have mowed a lawn, which is quite odd if you ask me,

Why is that so odd? Isn't he just 9 ys old? I read somewhere that it's dangerous for a child under 14 to mow the lawn. My 13-yo has been mowing for a couple of years, but my 9-yo is far from tall enough to mow. And I doubt he would do a good enough job. I like it done well, too...

[Big_Sissy]

Both boys are as tall or taller than DS#2. I can see if the child is too short, but that is not an issue for my 2 oldest. My 7 year old isn't quite big enough though, and therefore he doesn't mow the lawn, though he thinks he'd like to. I can see that might be a problem if you mower handle is kinda tall, but in my case, our Honda is just fine.

Let me also say that my mower isn't your typical mower either. It is a mulching mower, which means you don't have to use a bag if you don't want to (we rarely do) so that alone takes away some of the danger (emptying can be a little scary if your mower isn't shut off). It is also very light so turning is quite easy. It's very easy to start (he starts it all the time), and if you let go of the handle it automatically turns off. I also do not let him fill the gas tank.

I'm not wanting to start a debate, I'm just wondering why they said it would be dangerous for a person under 14 to mow a lawn?

DS#2 has been mowing now for 2 years (this is the start of his 3rd), with this year being the first that he's doing it on his own (I do not feel I need to supervise -- although I do still, just not as closely as I used to).

I believe the important part is showing them how everything works, and going over the dangers associated with a lawn mower and with obstacles they may encounter. As long as they understand that, and know what to do if they encounter such dangers, I feel they can mow, and they do.

Let me also state that in the beginning they do not mow alone, nor do they do anything difficult. The first year he mowed, I did all the edge work, mowed around all trees, and basically got it ready for him to mow. He then only did straight lines. So when I say he mowed, it wasn't like I said, he son, go mow the lawn and left it at that.

I hope that makes sense.

I personally mowed lawns professionally since I was about 8 until I went on my mission. I know a thing or two about it, and believe me, we cover the dangers associated. You also need to know that I'm not overly protective either. Heck, I want them to ride motorcycles - which I believe most parents would never allow due to the dangers (it is dangerous, I'm not saying it isn't). The bottom line is everything is dangerous to some degree, but if the proper precautions are taken, that danger can be minimized to a large degree.

[Big_Sissy]

Oh and let me also say, I have found that the quality of the work has little to do with the age of the child. My oldest does not mow the lawn to my standards. Lines are not straight, he misses stuff, etc. My 9yo is a much better lawn mower. That's not to say the oldest can't get better, because he will get better, I'm just saying the age doesn't have anything to do with it.

[bookworm]

Woah, BS, cool your jets!

I only remember hearing that on the news or reading it in the paper because my oldest was 10 and already mowing, so it stuck out to me. I vaguely remember that it was because it is a heavy machine- with a sharp blade. Not all parents are as cautious as you- imagine if a little guy was just sent out to mow without understanding anything and went over something he shouldn't or bent to fix something with the blade turning. That's all. Also, if they can't see what's right in front of the mower, that can be dangerous, too (height issue again).

I don't even like my kids on the lawn while it's being mowed because ours is mulching, too, and could very easily fling something (small rocks, etc.) and hurt someone. I'm over-protective, though.

They are making mowers safer, I guess, with features like when you let go, it shuts off- ours does that too.

Anyway, I just wondered why you thought that was odd. I guess it's life experience! I never mowed a lawn until I was married, but my brothers probably started mowing young like you.

As for my almost 9-yo, he is so short and our handle is kind of high, so he won't be mowing for a long while. And my 11-yo refuses to mow- I think next year will be the year the two oldest get to split the job every time.

[Big_Sissy]

I wasn't angry, nor am I now, so don't think I am. Maybe a little passionate, but that's all.

BTW, non-mulching mowers throw stuff out the same as a mulcher does. There is no difference in that regard.

I agree though, without supervision and proper training about the dangers associated, it would not be a good idea. But the same goes for a 14 year old.

Also as you know, I'm not really one that follows rules per say. I do what works for me and my family regardless of what the media or someone else might think or say.

Ours was a split job until this year, where DS#2 wanted all the $ and DS#1 hated doing it enough that he was fine with it.

[runamyrun]

BS, I was actually going to post about your son and his friends mowing our lawn, I just forgot about it. I thought your son did an awesome job. He mowed our backyard, which takes way longer than our front yard. His friends mowed our front yard, but later I noticed your son was also mowing our front lawn. I didn't know if his friends hadn't finished it or if your son felt it hadn't been done well enough. Anyway, I felt that your son did an awesome job. I really hope he got most of the money because he did most of the work. I honestly enjoy mowing our lawn. If I didn't, I seriously would hire your son to mow our lawn.

[Big_Sissy]

Thanks RAR, He did tell me you liked mowing your lawn, so it was a one shot deal. I was moved that you let him do it at all. So thank you.

And yes, as far as the front goes, he didn't feel they did a good enough job. He told me they missed spots and didn't do a good job around the edges in particular, so he fixed it up.

As far as the money... well, that's a story of its own. He did get the lions share, but they weren't happy about it. They felt it should have been split evenly. He didn't agree, nor did I, so he ended up with 60% and they split 40% (his mower (though you were nice enough to let them use yours too), he asked, and he did the most work).

Anyway, thank you for the feedback. I do appreciate it, and so does he.

[Dia Minha]

My eight and ten year old mow our lawn. Of course we have a little electrical mower, that is about has safe as it can get. It turns off automatically, it is light weight and easy to handle. My father-in-law threw quite a fit at me when I told them the kids were mowing the lawn. I thought it was a little funny. DH or I are always out there with them and they beg to do it. I say no just enough times to keep them begging.

[Stargazer]

Your kids will probably all be wonderfully safe while mowing the lawn because you have taught them well and are precautious. It will be jumping out of the swing that will hurt them. My warped philosophy is that you can be as precautious as you can and anything can still happen. My beautiful 5 year old with the pink cast is proof of that. I do still believe in offering great care and protection. I just find it ironic sometimes.

So, back to the subject, I think it's awesome BS that your son does a good enough job that he is able to earn money . My DS1 asked if he could also mow for neighbors this summer but he isn't skilled enough. Now that we have finally bought our own lawnmower he will get a lot more experience.

[Big_Sissy]

I'd be lying if I didn't say the buttons on my shirt nearly pop off when he mows. He's a very good mower -- and he had great attention to detail (so do I) which is why I love his mowing. His lines are straight, and he is very careful to do a good job. He really does make me very proud.

I agree with you, it's not usually the things we prepare for that they get hurt doing anyway -- but it certainly doesn't mean we don't try.

What hasn't been said but should be is that I'm a man too. What I think about certain things and what the boss thinks are not the same. Women in general are so much better care takers, while the men are more into banging our fists on our chests while we proclaim to the world "Hey, Look at me, and what I've done"

Pretty pathetic really, but pretty close to reality.

[5ft Diva]

I'd be lying if I didn't say the buttons on my shirt nearly pop off when he mows. He's a very good mower -- and he had great attention to detail (so do I) which is why I love his mowing. His lines are straight, and he is very careful to do a good job. He really does make me very proud.

I think this is how I've managed to not earn the job to mow lawns at our house. I don't pay attention to the details like BS and DS#2 do so BS would rather I just not do it because he always has to go and fix what I missed. One of my son's talents is minding to the details and it shows. I love that about him. Whenever my kids need their zones inspected and I or BS are not available to do it we send DS#2 off to inspect it and return and report his findings to us. He likes that we trust him in that regard and doesn't abuse that trust. It's great.