How old should my son be before I let him cut the lawn? Both riding and push mowers?

Question

My son is 6, but a big 6. He can reach the pedals on the riding mower and is tall enough to use the push mower. He is really excited to mow the lawn and I know he would do a good job, I am just worried he is too young. So long as he is not physically hurting himself, should I allow my son to cut the grass?

Answer 1

6 is way too young to be cutting grass.  My son is 12 and just started cutting the grass last month.  12 is a good age for a push mower, 14 for the ride on

Answer 2

Hey, I started mowing the lawn around his age, and I'm a girl! My dad said "Listen, you are big enough to start helping." The first few times I did it he stayed outside and made sure I was doing it right. He showed me how to prime it (it was a push mower) how to start it, and how to add gas. After about a month of supervision, he let me do it on my own. I felt good for helping and it made me feel like a big kid. Just make sure he wears tennis shoes, NO SANDALS! And show him how to do it for the first few times.

Answer 3

He is far too young to mow the lawn.  My brothers were 9-10 when they got mowing duties. Six year olds aren't mature enough to be responsible around those types of blades.

Answer 4

He's way to young to mow the lawn. I would say 10 is the best time.

Answer 5

my daughter started on the riding mower at 10 (last summer).

This year, she wanted to try the push mower so I let her last week - I supervised, but was a bit nervous of her slipping.  

I would start him on the riding mower - on level ground - no inclines and as long as you feel comfortable and the boy is supervised it should be ok.

Answer 6

6 years is way too young.  It doesn't matter how "big" you are, it's the maturity level in the child.  They won't know what to do if something happens.  I would wait until at least 10 or 11.

Answer 7

With supervision - yes, it will make him feel he is helping, give him a sense of responsibility and a job that is "his" . Both my boys mow and weed wack and have been for years 1 just turned 12 and 1 will be 11 in Sept. They both have been doing it for about 4 years now, but, we are always outside with them and have them in sight you know. Go for it!

Answer 8

I would say 14

Answer 9

6 is too young. He could get seriously hurt.  I would wait until he's 11 or 12.

Answer 10

if he can reach the pedals and knows how to stop the machine and your are supervising him then I don't see why he can't mow the yard, My son started 4 years ago when he was 8 now he'll mow the pasture with out being told cause he thinks it's fun . .

Answer 11

NO! he should not be allowed NEAR the lawn mowers until he is at least 12

Answer 12

i was aloud 2 at about 6-7.

Answer 13

Way to young when I was 9 my mom got me to mow the yard, and I didn't even do a good job with it when I was 10 I was an expert let him start when he's nine just 3 more years

Answer 14

My son first started off on those battery operated cars at 1 1/2 he got to be a good driver now he is on a quad at 5,  so I would let him drive a riding mower still supervised.