Children should help with chores, good parenting!
3 Likes
I think its wonderful! Get them off their phones/tablets and in the fresh air all while helping around the house with chores.
It is great to teach them responsibility at such a young age although I have never heard of a weed-eater. I use my hands😆
I did this work when I was a kid, only I had to use a push mower & trim by hand.
1 Like
They’re past being old enough. Honest work, great exercise and they’re contributing instead of sponging. Never too young to learn those concepts.
3 Likes
I think chores are important. I’m not suggesting full on child labor but every kid should have some chores in my opinion. My kids are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and small chores like sweeping and dusting and things like that. They have to do 1 chore everyday before they can use electronics. I do pay them for larger chores. But I think it’s important for kids to grow up knowing how to do things around the house. They won’t live with us forever and it helps to prepare them for taking care of themselves in the future as well as a foundation for a basic worth ethic. And I think it’s just part of functioning as a family unit as well. If all the work falls on one person then that person has less quality time to be with the family vs everyone chipping in to do their part.
1 Like
A electric weed eater isn’t that much. Make her wear boots and safety glasses it wood make you feel more comfortable and teach her safety. Also the 13 year old should wear shoes always. My 16 yo had to change the oil in her car change the tire and fix her brakes when she started driving. She was supervised and now she is grown and has a good good job but should need to she has the skills
I think it depends partly on child? The nine year old seems a little young but with supervision may be ok but at thirteen they should able to mow again with supervision. My 13 granddaughter mows for me (I walk with a cane now) but someone is outside with her most of the time. She is afraid of the weed eater so we do it. They do need to learn for sure and it sounds like you need the help so they will better for it!
That will make your kids more responsible. Kids today don’t know what real work is all about. Kudos to your husband for getting your children headed in the right direction.
2 Likes
I think it is a wonderful idea. Good job Dad. Teach then young how life works. You will never regret it.
1 Like
Your never too young to start learning these things. The more to they learn and do I feel teaches much more in self confidence and respect. That’s a good parent who does that
1 Like
that s what wrong with kids today. they have no responsibitily today. they need to form good work habits. it will make them better adults . thats just my oppion. mema
1 Like
I was delivering calves at 9 years old.& handled most the daily chores on our farm by the time I was 12. This is how a good work ethic begins. Parents need to stop bubble wrapping their kids.
My girls aged 6 & 9
Help with yard work, do their own laundry and clean up after theirs elves & cook small meals.
1 Like
Absolutely! How are they going to learn ? Making them do yard work is teaching them to self sufficient!!
2 Likes
Nothing wrong with learning responsibility. We we were kids we learned to do it all . Kids now a day’s just want to stay inside on their phones or computer . You work hard and they should do for you and their dad .
1 Like
When I was 9 I was picking strawberries. I’m here to tell you he’s doing much more good than bad , you girls will learn from this .
2 Likes
Lovely idea to teach your children responsibility at their age. I’m 72 and female, my dad had me mowing and edging at about 10 or 11. It makes them wonderful adults one day!
2 Likes
I think kids of any age can and should do chores. With a 9yo I think it should be supervised. I think kids s/b taught that everyone in the house shares in the work.
1 Like
At 9 years old, I bought a kid size chain saw (yes they have that) it barely cuts an inch thick wood… He loved it… While my then husband cut wood, he was able to cut the small branches… The 13 year old is fine mowing the lawn… Heck in my generation, they went around neighborhoods mowing lawns for money at 11…
There is nothing wrong with them doing the work. Seems nowadays too many parents are afraid to delegate chores to their children and let electronics become their sitters. Which explains the increasing percentage of obesity and disrespectfulness you see when out at a mall or even a school.
2 Likes
Our kids mow and they are 9, 11 and 17. I think you are overreacting a bit. Let their father try to parent his way is teaching them skills they will need as a functioning adult
2 Likes
Great Dad for teaching his daughter’s about responsibility and a great work ethic!
2 Likes
My children are all adults now and productive members of society. They all did lawn work and housecleaning. Your daughters are learning to be responsible. It’s a good thing. Look around you at other children. So many people do not teach their children to be responsible. Kudos to your husband and keep up the good work. Your children will thank your husband one day!
2 Likes
9 and 13 is definitely old enough to do yard work! I see nothing wrong with children helping around the house. Especially when both parents work. It teaches them responsibility and working together as a family. It also instills pride in a job well done and confidence in their abilities.
1 Like
I grew up doing chores! Nothing at all wrong with it! Good for your husband.
2 Likes
It’s totally ok. We have five kids. Our now 10 yr old daughter has been doing yard work since she was five. I have pictures of her laying manure at 5. They power wash our trash bins every month. It teaches them good values and to appreciate what they have and to take care of things
1 Like
That’s wonderful! My bro and I were helping out long before that age and doing it all except trimming hedges before we were teenagers. We also did the housework. Both parents worked and with our help we had time for fun family stuff. It’s never too early to teach kids how to work hard!!! I don’t believe in giving them an allowance either. They can mow for neighbors to make $.
1 Like
Absolutely! Let them learn. They have to do it when they’re on their own. Great life skills to learn. Teach them to do the laundry and cook also.
goodness you’re fine and so are the children. its just a battery operated weedeater and if he/she smacks the foot with shoes and pants on,no harm no foul. Make them work, its good for their well being:+1:
1 Like
Excuse me. Am I missing something? You are upset because your husband (I don’t care if he’s disabled) is “MAKING” your children work around the home!!! Do they live there? Do they eat there?? They have cell phones?? You need to have a reality check, lady. It’s called responsibility and at the ages of 9 and 13 they should have started learning what that word meant years ago! Living in a family unit means EVERYONE, not just mom and dad, are responsible to do their share, large or small. You need to grow up!
2 Likes
It’s important for them to learn these things. They won’t teach them home upkeep duties in school… And they are a perfect age to start.
When my kids complain, I tell them… One day I won’t be around to do these chores for you so it’s important that I teach you now so it will be easy when you grow up.
I want my kids to be completely self sufficient when I’m not around.
1 Like
Kids work right along with parents! How else do you expect them to learn! Also, rewarded for a good job teaching them self-esteem and Confidence! It’s life training! Lawn, garden, flowers and healthy sunshine!!
1 Like
You are absolutely overreacting. Children need to be taught responsibility. My children have done the dishes since they could reach the sink, their own laundry and my son has been doing the yard work since he was 13. Stop babying your children.
1 Like
As long as they have been taught how to use the equipment safely, there is nothing wrong with teaching them to help with these chores. I and other family members were doing these kinds of chores at even a younger age. Obviously someone needs to be there monitoring in case of any trouble. They should also be complimented for doing a good job and know how much it helps the family! 
My granddaughter at 16 didn’t know how to do dishes. I think my kids were mowing by 10 to 12. Helping pull weeds at 6. Life lessons never hurt anything. They weren’t in danger. I am sure he was teaching them. My 17 year old granddaughter still has never mowed. Sad when she get her own home. How will she know what to do.
They need to learn to do things around the house. I taught my kids how to do laundry by the time they were 8. They are grown up now. Their kids know to do laundry too.
1 Like
What is wrong with this? Growing up we had chores in the house, chores outside the house and worked in garden helping plant vegetables, pulling weeds, as well as harvesting the veggies. We had no phone (cell) or tablets and never never said the words “I’m bored” and we never had time for all this extra curricular activities for after school. You had chores to do. You couldn’t find something to do, READ A BOOK!
1 Like
I did it as a kid. And my kids do. It’s gives them responsibility and brings up a good well behaved kid with a good work Ethic. Great job dad!
Wow, a late start, but better late than never. Put the electronics away. Chores are important it teaches responsibility. Mowing and running a weed eater is a great start!
1 Like
Go visit any dairy farm! Especially Amish! Kids that age are driving tractors or horse teams, milking cows, all aspects of farm chores! And you think they can’t cut a little grass?! You really need to change your perspective!
1 Like
Makes kids responsible and keeps them outdoors. Our grandkids still help and have been since they were young and we made it a fun project together. They should be proud to help their dad.
1 Like
My Dad was a gardener for several years and took my brothers to work often during summer. They learned the meaning of hard work early and have had strong work ethics all their lives.
1 Like
Nope, not to young at all! Especially, if dad is right there in case they need help. Both my 10 and 6 year old sons help with yard work. We have a little over an acre so I mow with the zero turn mower but they help my mom(grandma) with the weed eater and the leaf blower! I’m a widow so we have no choice but to work together to get it done.
In my humble opinion I do not think they are too young. We were raised with chores/ jobs. I raised my children the same way. They all have good work ethics.
2 Likes
It’s perfectly fine to put them to work earlier than later. They will get used to contributing for their house to make it look clean. I think it would be good for them to start doing chores in the house as well. It’s best to start early, especially because you are very busy and their father is unable. They will not grow up to be entitled. They will also be ready for when they grow up and have their own homes one day.
Best thing you can do is teach and expect your kids to work and help maintain their home! If they r taught how to use the tools correctly then i don’t see the problem with it
It is appropriate!! They won’t grow up to be entitled adults like so many are.
2 Likes
Not to young to learn to work. I was mowing with a push mower at 9. There are many things they are old enough to do. Let them learn to help. My 13 year old grandson mows there large yard, helps with the chores, they have pygmy goats, helps build fence with his dad and helps with his special needs sister, hes a great and respectful young man that’s taking piano, n keyboard lessons so he can play at church.
I think it’s a great thing to teach them and they should also learn in house duty’s too and how yo upkeep a car check the fluids and change a tire. Too many kids to have no idea to do these things when they get on there own if they learned when they were young they would be set on there own
I started mowing the yard about 12-13ish and I am glad I did along with other things like using a drill gun, basic things for a car and home. It made me feel confident in taking care of my own home some day
2 Likes
My boys mowed the lawn at 9. It’s good for them to work a little. Believe they are not overworked. When I was 13 years I worked on construction with my dad all summer. I hated it at the time but am so grateful that I was taught to work hard and earn my own money. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Mine always did and still do. Started with go pick up sticks, to rake up the leaves. Then push mow and now tractor. Flowers, container and plot gardens. Sowing grass seeds and filling up holes.
Welcome to adulthood. Learn by doing.
1 Like
Hunny, you are way over reacting if he supervised and taught them how to safely … My daughters have down plenty of work of that sort and much more…by time they were teenagers they could change tires and change oil in vehicles… They need to know skills.
1 Like
Yes you are over reacting!!! I was helping with laundry, washing dishes, weeding a garden & pushing a roller mower (no motor) at 5yrs old! Kids nowadays are to pampered! Nothing wrong with getting outside in the yard or cleaning house or I don’t know…just generally cleaning up after themselves! Teach them to cook, do laundry, have them watch you pay bills & explain what why & when they need to be done (age appropriately of course to bill paying)!
My mother had my sister and I starting at ages 5 and 8 caring for not only our yard but many neighbors yards. We always did the elderly for free (which means lemonade and cake). I look back in those days with such fond wonderful memories. It wasn’t our age, it was our maturity level. I miss working beside my mom in the yard.
At this age I think it’s important for kids to learn that phones and tablets are not toys and they need to learn what work is. Start them early and reward them for their work after they’re done
1 Like
That is awesome i did it as a kid my dad was disabled also so us kids picked up the the thing he couldnt do it was great fun and we were helping out our dad. And spending time with him found memories working with dad and the laughter yes let them do the work it will help them in the long run
1 Like
I didn’t weed eat because I was to small and not strong enough to hold it, they didn’t have small ones when I was growing up, but I definitely had to help cut the grass. Push and riding lawnmower. My dad had a lot of health problems so I had to help out. I don’t agree with him taking their stuff away automatically. He should give them a time frame to cut it and if it’s not done by then, then yes take away the stuff. It’s a chore? Kids need to be taught responsibility young
I think those is wonderful. Kids need to be doing chores!! Sounds like their father is making sure they have equipment that will help them be safe. Way to Dad
My husband is also paraplegic, he wants to cut the grass himself, so I help him transfer onto the riding mower. But our son has helped with house chores since he was about 5.
1 Like
Good for your hubby. Great parenting. Bravo!!! They are never too young to learn a skill… teaches good work ethics and responsibilities. Instead staring at the phones. Especially a nine year old. WHAT TO GO DAD!!! HELP AROUND INSIDE AS WELL. GOOD JOB KIDDOS. I wish I was the neighbor and bring you all ice cream 
1 Like
Best responsibility for them. All the family works together to get everything done. I started mowing and trimming at 9, had my own mowing business, when each of our 4 boys turned 9, they joined the mowing business, now our oldest Grandson 10 joined our mowing business. Then our second oldest Granddaughter has her own mowing business in a different town. They love it. Great work ethic and responsibility.
Chores for all family members builds character and self esteem. Nothing wrong with them helping their Dad out with yard work…chill MOM
1 Like
I agree. They need to learn not only responsibility but also how to do that kind of work for when they live alone and have to do it themselves. Your husband sounds like a good father in teaching them how to work.
1 Like
Both children are old enough to have regular chores. Teaches responsibility and good work ethic. You will thank your husband later.
2 Likes
I was mowing, didn’t have a weed whip, or I would be using that, since about 6 . nothing wrong with working in grade school, especially if dad’s in a wheel chair. Sure, builds character.
2 Likes
I think you should have started them helping with the yard work about 5 years ago! Our kids need to learn life skills at an early age. Teaching them safety as they learn is going to help them much longer in their futures than their phones or tablets. Your husband is interested right here. Don’t coddle them, prepare them for living on their own as adults!
2 Likes
That’s great parenting teaching children to work around the house, I was cooking, cutting grass , laundry ect at the age of 7 and babysitting at the age of 9. Teach responsibility
1 Like
I was mowing when i around 9. Kids need to be taught how to do things before they grow up & have no idea what to do & how to do for themselves. That’s not just with yard work but everything in life from cleaning to cooking…I’m just saying
It gives them boundaries & teaches them respect. Teaches the value of work & good ethics
1 Like
They surely are old enough to be responsible and do chores. Having structure in life is a good thing. Why would you pay someone to mow & weedwack when they are capable to help out? They should be doing other chores too!
1 Like
I don’t think they are too young. Learning to mow a yard and operate a small weed eater are not to hard for them. Make sure they’re properly clothed for the job, hydrate, and they will be ok.
I think it’s great for them I had five boys they started out very early doesn’t hurt them at all
1 Like
In my family, all the kids were required to do indoor and outdoor chores including yardwork! We got spending money at the end of the week for completing our chores. It taught us kids responsibility, and gave us a work ethic. We also got outside paid jobs. By the time we were 18, we were self sufficient & able to leave home and support ourselves.
1 Like
Absolutely it is up to the parents to teach there children good work values that’s part of being a family is everyone contributes
1 Like
My little 4 and 5 year old take their safety scissors and cut the grass around my potted plants for fun. If you do it in an age appropriate way (which it sounds like your husband is) it teaches responsibility and how to care for their home.
When I was 9 I was mowing, doing g the dishes, dusting the house, taking out the trash, vacuuming and cooking for myself. Kids today need to do more. They are growing up without any life skills and it’s sad to be honest.
1 Like
Good for them. They will be proud of their work when done. Takes some stress off of you also. Teach them safety with the weed eater and mower.
Absolutely! Girls and boys for that matter need to take care of them selves ! Helping is a valuable life lesson !
1 Like
Those kids will be fine. It’s just a little dirt and sweat and hard work which is something all kids need to do from time to time. Plus a family helps each other out by doing these normal everyday things in life, I didnt know chores had a gender role or an age limit. If you can reach the sink you can wash a dish. Lol. But for real, the experience is good for them and let’s them understand what working is about and helping out. They wont take as much for granted.
Teaching kids to do yardwork is fine. My dad taught me and I know what I’m doing now. They’re old enough to do that stuff.
1 Like
Yes, My Grandkids Mow, n weedeat, it teaches them that Hard Work Pays off n makes you feel Good to help out Family n Friends, Builds Confidence too.
I’m so impressed with these responses. Helping out around and in the house never killed any child and will only prepare them better for adulthood. Relax mum, this is not abuse.
2 Likes
I think having kids do chores & work around the house is something all parents should do. Instilling a good work ethic at an early age is must as far as I’m concerned. Kudos to your husband!
1 Like
Yes! My grand daughter hates when I make her help me clean the playarea they use! Not my toys! But I won’t let them get damged from weather, so hissiefit or not, you help. She is 9 almost 10.
I don’t see any reason why children should not help take care of the family as well as the adults as long as they are supervised, that is not expected to do all the work. Kids need examples not dictators!
They are definitely old enough to mow and use a weed eater. They will appreciate the value of helping with household chores as they mature.
I was driving a tractor and helping bale hay at 7……yea they’re going to be just fine. You’ll be surprised at working hard at that age builds confidence. Lots of kids are so entitled and lazy these days. I think it’s great that they’re seeing how much it takes to run a household and mom and dad can’t do it all. Great job dad!!!
1 Like
They should be able to do the work. Teach them safety and let them accomplish something. I was working in my yard and garden at a very young age.
It’s good for them. I had to stand in a chair to do the dishes. We had no dishwasher other than me.By the time I was 9 years old,I was cleaning the whole house and I had to keep it that way. I am glad I was tough when I was young. I can’t stand for my house to get messy and I don’t mind at all to clean it and try to keep clean
That is how they learn! I was doing a lot of things at a young age,like raking the yard,helping my mama do the laundry,working in the garden and milking the cow just for starters.
1 Like
I see nothing wrong with them mowing and weed eating, as long as there is someone supervising them, my nephew mows my lawn and several others he has two boys that have helped for last few years, his Son is now old enough that he mows for other people and earns his spending money.
Not sure I’d put girls outside with a lawn mower or weed eater at any age. I’d hire somebody. I would definitely put them busy inside doing chores such as laundry, dusting, running a vacuum, mopping, cooking and washing dishes. None of those chores are too hard for girls.
Yes those kids are old enough to help out. My boys did yard work and dishes every night. They will appreciate and respect you guys more for it
My 7 yr old mows the law with a ride on mower and no she doesn’t get pd it’s her chore and she enjoys it. She even asks to go mow the yard. It makes her feel like a big girl and in turn she uses that to earn other things she wants
1 Like
It’s Wonderful, just make sure they wear safety glasses and ear protection and Sunscreen and a Sun Hat !
1 Like
Got my own dust rag at 3. Started mowing our almost 1 acre with a walk behind at 10. Was already babysitting at 10. Is this question a joke? Kids are sponges. They can learn anything. We just need adults to care about teaching kids things again.
1 Like
I believe they will be better off helping out instead of sitting around on a cell phone or tablet. They need to learn to be responsible. That’s what is wrong with many children that grow up to be needy adults!!!
You teach your children at a young age to work in the house and outside of the house. Teaches them to appreciate what they have and grow up to work hard!
1 Like
Get a grip - Nothing wrong with them working around the house since he’s Supervising them.
It’s a benefit for them to know how to do multiple things.
Don’t Worry Be Happy 
1 Like
Damn woman. That is what is wrong with society. Teach them kids work ethics and they are part of the household and they are responsible for the household chores too. You are grooming them for what is ahead in life. Life isn’t all about there phone, tablet, and games. Just make sure they know the proper way to use the equipment.
2 Likes
Yes. You are wrong. As long as someone is watching they should be fine. “Sorry, but back in the days”. Younger children used larger machines
1 Like