Your kids working for you?

[Lawn-Scapes]

Does anyone have thier kid working with them? If so.. how does it work out for you? Son or daughter? How old are they?

My daughter has asked if she could work with me. I told her maybe next year. She's only 13, but very responsible and great determination in everything she does. She would have no problem operating my Lazer (on relatively flat lawns) and a handheld blower.

As a solo operator, I could use the extra help until I could build the business to the point that I could afford to hire a full time employee.

I feel it might not look too professional though.....

What's everyone think?

[Island Lawn]

I see a few guys with kids helping them.
To me, it does add to their already unprofessional image.


I guess the part that gets me is they have these 13 yr old kids out there running equipment with no hearing or sight protection!
(They're just following the status quo)


On the other hand, it give the kids something constructive to do...


BTW, I'm solo....& like it!

[script]

My 17 year old helps me during summer vacation and my older son did the same until he graduated. Mine started when they were about 15. I think it's great to have family working together and it gives the kids something to do. As long as you train them properly, they'll look and act as professional as the next guy.

bobby

[13yearoldcutter]

My dad helps me in my bussiness........ J/K I also work solo and all my friends see the money I make and want to join

[John from OH]

My oldest daughter started working for us last summer at the age of 10. I would not put a youg child on power equipment. My memory isn't what it used to be, but I believe that employees must be 18 to operate most power equipment due to child labor laws. Hours have to be limited and compensation has to be at least minimum wage. Check the Department of Labor for the child labor laws. My daughter waters plants in our holding pen twice per day, cleans the office, opens and sorts mail, copies, files, prints out plant pictures from Horticopia, and other misc. small task that need done. She puts in 10-15 hours a week. Occasionally, I'll take her to selected clients homes to help do site studies, measure up landscapes and shoot elevations. She looks forward to those days because we will stop for lunch, ice cream, or just a pop if time permits. I let clients know when I will have her with me and what she will be doing. So far, they have been impressed that she is willing to work and that she knows where and what I want her to do next. She also has company uniforms to wear when we do our site studies. Its been very good for her to learn what Dad does, how to measure and calculate area, volume, etc. and she is learning to handle money as well. We let her keep a small amount of her paycheck, the rest goes into her college fund which she is learning to manage.

[Just Cut]

My son age 17 and I have worked together for 2 years now. It has been great working with him, he has been trust worthly and has kept him out of trouble. To many kids beleive that the world owe's them a living. this biz has been good for the both of us

[BerksLawn]

Im 15 and have been workin with my dad since i was 10. Well im layed off now havent worked in a week guess i should go do a rain dance huh. It works out just fine and it doesnt look unprofessional because i know alot of kids my age working for other lco's.

[Randy Scott]

I think I'm with Island Lawn on this one. When they get to be 17 and 18 that's a different story. The younger ones do seem to make it a "anyone can do it profession". I know every situation is different and if it works for you don't change. Everyone will perceive it in a different fashion. It certainly is great to see the young working in todays day and age of spoiled little punks everywhere though.

[Chuck Sinclair]

My daughter is 15 and works her tail off for me she mows, weeds bed pickup debris does office work when i dont need her in the field she does pretty much what ever needs to be done.

[kris]

We hired my stepdaughter last season at age 17...Gotta tell you, I was worried to death about her not being able to keep up and that it would sour the great relationship that we have at home.... She did fine and stuck it out ...She did say that she saw a completely differant person at work...She was not used to me "bosssing" her around , because at home I let her mother do all the disiplining and I am the nice guy :) Over all it was a great experience for us both and brought us even closer togeather.

[cp]

(Child Labor) That's an oxy-moron isn't it???:p

I'm not sure what the law says but if they are your children then its time to crack that whip. My $0.02....

Anyway, I have my 16 and 14 yr old sons helping me. It's really worth while on the mulch/landscaping jobs. They are obviously both well manored and my youngest is 5"8" and 156# so they can handle the work and don't look like kids at the site.

[TJLC]

It's ironic that this thread came up at this time. My son worked with me for a week and said I was too rough on him and this was HARD work. He quit, (at a bad time for me). He also failed to understand that these are my customers and I have a certain standard of quality I maintain. They expect this from me. For us, working together was not the best idea.

[SMB]

As far as I know this would be considered working for the family and no child labor laws apply.

[1MajorTom]

Since we are a husband and wife business, the majority of our customers perceive us as a family style business. They know our two daughters names and even our dogs name. :laugh:
If our kids were at age where they were able to physically work, I wouldn't have a problem with them helping out.

But I would make it clear to them that when the time came, they would be headed for college. I do not want my kids to make this their career choice although since they are girls, I doubt they would be interested anyways. ;)

[dhicks]

As for my 17 year old daughter she would not be cought dead working a gang mower or blower. God forbid she breaks a nail. When I was her age, I was humping gas pumps and doing whatever it took to keep me in spending money and car parts. A full days work would KILL her or she would start taking hostages.:angry:

[mowahman]

Our 16 Y O daughter works for us this summer, as she did last summer. She learned how to deal with people, scheduling, prioritizing, deadlines, commitment, and most of all, work ethic. She far exceeded my and my foreman's expectations !! At the end of summer/early Fall, she asked me if she could have a chat with me, "in her room". I'm a guy, so this was unchartered waters I was entering. She laid it all out in great detail that she had worked very hard, did quality work, handled client relations, and all, and seeing that she earned her money, wanted to buy something with it. Turns out, after some hesitation, she wanted to purchase a snowmobile. She thought I wouldn't let her, but after she made her case, highlited critical points, and smoothed the jury, I not only let her buy a snowmobile, but, took her to various places that sell used ones in her price range. I'm glad this all worked out, cause we put over 1K miles on last winter on our sleds. I know I am very fortunate to have this relationship with her, which I feel in the long haul, will make her a better well rounded person. She made High Honors all 4 semesters this past year at school, dances 4 nites a week, made the competition team for dance, and just got back from Nationals Competition in VA. klast week. All her friends at school can't believe she does this, but, it's good for her to see that with work, comes pay, comes rewards. I personally think ALL kids should work just to see that all the money doesn't just come from Mom and Dad's wallet all the time

[Vibe Ray]

Wow! It sounds like some of you have some great kids!!! And I am suprised to hear some of you w/ daughters have had so much success with them working for you and that it has turned out so good. When I have kids, we are definitely gonna work together!

[Mowin4cash]

Just bought my 10 year old "her own" weedeater. A curved shaft STIHL. She is proud as a peacock, and loves to work. Of course she gets a paycheck, minus ss and m-care.

[crazygator]

Well my daughter just turned 13 months and she is running my Z! No just kidding, but anyway I think working with your kids is great. Maybe not at all locations, but some would not make a bad situation. As others have said, these people get to know us and our families, so to them it is nice to see a family working together, if that's possible for some. I worked with my father for 20 years and it was great. I like the part that one day when he is gone I will never say "Wow I wish I had spent more time with my dad" like I have heard many other say. Just go with your gut feeling with your kids. If you feel like working them, then do it. You and them will learn a lot about yourselves and each other. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Maybe you can retire and they will keep you up.......OK maybe not! LOL:D

[CLARKE]

My son is 19 now and out of school. For the last7 years now he
has helped as soon as get out of school, So June July and most of
August. this has always worked out because April your just geting
it going, But by the end of May i needed him pretty bad,3 out the 5 day get really long, then June gets here then thing happin lots
faster. At 13 he handle my John deer walk bhine just fine, at 13
he was makein $3.00 per HR at 14 $4.00per HR at 15 $5.00 per HR and we had his freind brett start working for us. At16 they made $6.00 17 $7.00 and now they are both out of school both 19 and i pay them each $800 per HR with travel time.next year
who knowsthey may stay or move on, but i tell you this it has kept
our familey very close togeter and that has been a very kool thing
We alway talk things and hide nothing from each other.:blob3: :blob1: :blob4: :heart: and we love our job, lawn care,all most all of the people we work for speak to us by name.

[lawrence stone]

I find it pitiful that you "LCOs" need to go the white slavery route to obtain help.

Real LCOs use real employees. Anyone that would subject their children to the dangers and rigors of lawn care should return to the 19th century where they belong. Much like the breaker boys who worked 10 hours a day picking slate from coal until their hands bled.

If I see any kids less than 16 years old working with adults I report them to the state dept. of labor and child protective services.

You guys are part of the problem with the non-professional image portrayed by less than ideal or undesirable under the table businesses.

[raymow]

MY SON STARTED AT AGE 9 I GUESS, I LET HIM MOW W/ MY DC.
HE DID FINE BACK IN THE DAY THE ONLY THING I DIDNT CARE
FOR I HAD TO ALL THE TRIMMING .
NOW HE'S THE SEASONED VETERAN AND DOES IT ALL BUT DRIVE!
HE'S ALMOST 15 NOW!

[Lawndude]

Im 16 now and started mowing lawns around are 12. I have expanded greatly and have a 52 inch Bunto Good All withc i love to run. being a kid and cutting lawns is the best.

[plow kid]

L S, would you rather see 14-16 yr olds stealing money for dope or doing something constructive and getting paid for it??

[mklawnman]

I am 18 now and have control of my lawn care business, except for the buying of equipment yet, my dad does that. I think its great if u work with a son or daughter or like me have a partner like my 16 yr old brother helping. We both started about 3yrs ago working together and my dad also helping us drive us places before i got my license. If u have your family members work for the company i say they should be trained, then shown what is professional and not professional, and if they dont do a good job then i guess u have to tell them to find work else where, i know thats harsh but if u want a professional look and a family member doesn't care then get them a job somewhere else. I've had no problems, just argued once in a while with my brother about cutting but things work out well for me at least.
Keeping teens busy is the key in the summer, give them something to do. My dad has given me enough to do already.
Matt (Lawnman)

[Mowin4cash]

Originally posted by lawrence stone
I find it pitiful that you "LCOs" need to go the white slavery route to obtain help.

Real LCOs use real employees. Anyone that would subject their children to the dangers and rigors of lawn care should return to the 19th century where they belong. Much like the breaker boys who worked 10 hours a day picking slate from coal until their hands bled.

If I see any kids less than 16 years old working with adults I report them to the state dept. of labor and child protective services.

You guys are part of the problem with the non-professional image portrayed by less than ideal or undesirable under the table businesses.


How dangerous is it for a kid to pull weeds? How dangerous is it for a kid to plant annuals? How dangerous it is for a kid to use a weedeater out in the open where no one is around, as long as they have on the appropriate safety gear? HMMMMMMM My 11 year old daughter can outwork most of the thugs I've dealt with. And this will really make you mad, since you're obviously a "non-Republican". SHE WANTS TO WORK!!!!!!!! Imagine that, a liberals worst nightmare. And finally, WHO ASKED YOU ANYWAY?

[grassyfras]

Hey Stone Im 15 I work for an LCO and im happy to do it i also cut grass by myself its not anyone elses descion its mine.

I think its sad that u would turn in somone for having young help.

I think more young people should work every kid is so damn lazy. Maybe im not the smartest kid in school but i know if i start saving money now and working smart and hard that i might be able to have nicer things for myself. And who knows i might be doing this for along time so i think i should get some experice to see if i like it. Im saving for college and retirement right now and learning alot about money, taxes, running a buiness, and metting alot of new people.


So im going to break all the rules and have a job and not give a rats ass about child labor laws. cause this is what I want to do.

[Mike (MLC)]

My oldest child is 9, but she would love it if I let her help me out. I want to wait until she is a tad bit older, before I let her do any mowing. But her and my 8 yr old son do great if I need help picking limbs up or picking up clippings from hedge trimming. They don't come with me on every job just now and again. My customers don't seem to mind. They love talking to the kids and giving them treats for all of the hard work they have done. Children can be children, but they all need to learn responsibility some time or another. My kids don't mind doing the work. At least it keeps them occupied and out of trouble.

[gusbuster]

Stone,
Read my profile.

There's nothing wrong with kids helping out their parents, even with the machines as dangerous as they are. If with proper supervision and safety issues discussed and practiced, no reason why a teen cannot work with their dad or mom.

I know in farming country, teens operate combines, tractors, and just about every farming implement that there is.

Since the day that this great country has been born, children have been helping their parents with whatever their profession is. Whether an Esquire, farmer, mechanic ect... kids should work as long as it doesn't interfere with their childhood and schooling. You can never start too young teaching what responsibility is.

In my particular case, after college and a short career, I went back to what I grew up doing and love. I now help my dad whenever possible so he can take vacations and go take care of personal business. 90% of his clients remember this little kid fallowing his dad with a leaf rake and basket.
John

[lawrence stone]

Child labor laws exsist so children can be protected from moronic parents that operate a non licensed business.

A synopsis of these laws that can be understood by double digit IQ types is at http://www.state.sd.us/dol/dlm/kidswork.htm

Cut from the above:

14 and 15 Year-Olds
They may not operate most power-driven machinery.
They can perform grounds maintenance and clean-up work, including the use of a vacuum cleaner or floor waxer, but not a power driven mower or cutter.

Under Age 14
Fourteen is the minimum age for employment outside of school hours, but there are some jobs open to those in the under 14 age group. They may work for their parents as long as it's not one of the hazardous occupations described in this article.

Any questions?

[Lawn-Scapes]

Any questions?

Yeah... Who responded to this post is from South Dakota? :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'd like to thank everyone (including Mr. Stone) who responded to this topic. It seems for the most part that it has been benificial for you (the moronic parent) to have your child (the white slave) working with you. This is a rough job and I will have to think on it heavily as to whether I will "subject my child to the dangers and rigors of lawn care".

I see nothing wrong with your child working with you if - 1. they are willing, 2. all safety precautions are taken and...

3. you make sure you check with your states child labor laws and abide by them...

Later

[lawrence stone]

Originally posted by TSG
[B

3. you make sure you check with your states child labor laws and abide by them...

Later [/B]

That would be a good idea b/4 you put a 13 year old on a ZTR.

http://www.cis4kids.org/CISNC/Internship/maryland.htm

From the above:

For minors under the age of 16, in addition to those prohibited occupations listed above, they may not be employed during the normal school hours set for that minor, in connection with an acid, dye, gas, lye, or paint, or in any of the following:

The adjustment, cleaning, or operation of power-driven machinery.

[Lawn-Scapes]

Thank you Mr. Stone... I read them!

And...

they may not be employed during the normal school hours set for that minor

I think that means during the school year... doesn't it?

And...

I never said I would let her operate the ZTR... I said she would have no problems... and I would wait 'til next year...

Thanks again.. Your input is much appreciated!

[plow kid]

Every state is different so look into it (labor laws) . Stone, why link to documents that have nothing to do with the state that the person is in :dizzy:

[turfman99]

My 17 year old son started working for me when he was 13. He was operating a John Deere 955, loader, tiller box scraper.

He now operates a backhoe, hauls trailers with the backhoe on it, uses the reel mowers, fertilizes with the Sand Pro, delivers materials and can do a maintenance route when needed.

He can then get in the shop and service any piece of equipment we use.

We are starting our own business back up this next week, and I have three other boys( 15, 14, 15,) who are ready to work and want to make money. They have friends that want to work, so my labor problems are minimal until school starts, but my oldest and his friends only go half days this year.

None of the boys appear to want to make it a career, looks like they are going to be firemen, police officer and mechincal engineer. But they will have back up skills.

Nothing unprofessional about kids 10 or older on the job site for a small company or operation. Kids have a hard enough time getting work these days in our overly protective society.

[lee b]

Will I suppose you need to turn me in, my son is 11 and can mow circles around alot of LCO's that I've seen. He can operate a ztr or a 180hp. tractor with equal skill. He can and will help me on the farm and with grounds maintenance. I do not let him do anything that I don't think he can handle safely. I was operating large farm equipment when I was younger than he is. By the way, my IQ is 146 {tested}, what is yours?

[Lawndude]

Good man lee good man

[1MajorTom]

Off the subject, but....


By the way, my IQ is 146 {tested}, what is yours?

I always was seriously interested in getting my IQ tested.
How did you go about getting yours tested?
At a local univerisity? Who do you approach to administer the test? How much does it cost?
Hope I'm not coming across as a wise-butt. I'm genuinely interested in this.

[Lawn-Scapes]

lee,

146 is up there... Have you put it to good use?

[lee b]

1MajorTom, I was tested while in high school, at a teachers request. I'm sure any local college could administer the test , but I'm not sure of the cost. TSG, no I haven't put it to good use, cause I'm still working for a living.

[kturner]

My 50 year old mom works with us, as does my sister, her friends, and some of ours. I've gotten to know them so much better as we make money together each day.

I don't have them run the equipment, but I do charge $30 an hour for them weeding the beds.

The way I see it, there's something everyone can do, and it can be something I don't want to do.

If I had kids I'd hand them a dandelion puller and tell them the beds are the sandboxes. It's not child labor, it's baby-sitting.

[Lawndude]

ezactly

[Bassman]

I started my 15 yr. old son working with me 3 days a week this summer after school was out. I am happy to pay him a nice wage that he is saving towards his first car next year. It has been a great learning experience for my son. I am a single Dad raising my son. We have bonded tremendously over the past couple months as a result of working together. I usually work straight thru the lunch hour but while working with my son make sure I take the time to treat him to a great lunch and nice break in the middle of the work day. I was not saving any time with his help the first couple weeks but he has started to excell in every way recently and has given me insights to increase my productivity after he is back in school. He is an honor student and a member of his ROTC group in school. I would have been irresponsible in my opinion to have left him to turn his mind to mush sleeping late every day, watching endless hours of T.V. and browsing the Web all day long.
It's worth more than money can buy to see him RUNNING to finish a job well done so that we can get on to the next acct. and closer to the finish line each day. I am very proud of his new found work ethic and believe it will only help him in the future as he developes into a man. My 2 cents from one proud Dad.

[BLakin01]

Mr. Stone, I'm so sad to see you so cold-hearted. If you were turning everybody in, then I guess my dad would be the first to go. I'll be 21 in two weeks, but I was pulling wagons, etc., behind a tractor when I was 4 (Just tall enough to reach the pedals.) I'm not joking when I say that either. I have had a summer job every year since I was 12. It has taught me responsibility, character,and the value of a dollar, especially when I had to earn it. Sure, I could've been out doing stuff when I was a kid, but the friends I had then, I'm glad I don't have now. They are spoiled-brats, and a couple of them are sitting in jail. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that if you turn everybody in, then you're going to have more than just a few enemies. And just judging by the various posts that you have posted, I would say that you've already got some.

Brandon Lakin
B&H Mowing Service
Rensselaer, IN

Proud supporter of supervised child labor.

[lawnboyil]

Well i have been going with my dad as long as i can remember but i started when i was 10 accually doing some thing i was useing a little push mower then, and cleaning up. Now at almost 16 i am running all our equipment anything from a 7753 bobcat to a mtd wb and a hand held stuff, i am doing almost all of the book work and invoiceing. we deal with some fairly large commerical accounts i have met and talked with our contact people none have ever had any problems working out on there properties, we maintian 9 gas station all high traffic. No accidents at all i along whit my day use all needed safty equipment i personally where ear plugs, ansi saftey glasses, and satfey vests when needed.
None of our clients have ever seen any problems with it


that is my 2 cents

alex

[Scag48]

I'm almost 15 now and have been driving tractors and who knows what since I was about 8 years old. I know that is for farming, but it's kinda the same thing. I'm sure any kid over about 10 years old working for mom/dad in the field is no big deal. What's wrong with kids and mowers? I've been mowing since I was 9. Like some of the guys said here, their kids can outmow any other LCO in town. I know I can, any day of the week. I remember when I was about 11, I was so interested in heavy equipment that when somebody was doing a job by my house, I'd have to go and watch them for a while. Well, with my paitenance, most of the guys working would stop and let me drive their equipment, no joke. A guy I know has always let me jump on his Deere 200LC excavator whenever I see him working. He has no problem letting me drive a $160,000 piece of equipment. So you see, it goes to show that no matter how young, if kids are capable of doing a job, then let them do it. If they can't do it safely, then that's another story. I don't believe in child slavery, but if the kid is working for their PARENTS, what's wrong with that? And if they WANT to do it, why stop them? I say if the kids want to work for mom/dad, let them do it, but only if they can do it safely. Later guys.

[lawrence stone]

Do any of you “parents” who advocate white slavery have the ability to read English?

If states require a license to drive they should require a license to procreate.

It is against federal law to let children under the age of 16 to perform the adjustment, cleaning, or operation of power-driven machinery.

What is a power driven machine? A mower, trimmer, or blower with a gas engine.

Are you paying your child min. wage? Have workman’s comp insurance, paying into the state unemployment fund, federal UC, matching and withholding social security and Medicare?

Now take your section 8 self and leave your kids out of your illegal lawn care business.
If your kid cuts his fingers off the state (the taxpayers) will have to pay through medical assistance
to have them reattached.

[Barkleymut]

By Stone "If states require a license to drive they should require a license to procreate."

Well said.

As for your children working for your business I guess it is up to you, but I believe you will look like such a scrub that it will do more harm than good for the business.

BUT it will teach your children the value of a dollar and all that good stuff. So why not let them get a job at the mall to do that?

[John from OH]

Ironic that everyone considers themselves pros on this site and runs a legal operation, until something like this topic is discussed. It appears that one can be a professional and chose which laws apply to their operation. Wouldn't it be great if life really worked this way. The law is the law, and I mentioned checking labor laws on page 1 of this thread when using your children in your operation. There are certain tasks that children can do in a groundscare operation, but running equipment isn't one of them. After a minor takes off some fingers or toes, its to late to rethink your position on what they can or should do. Just because a minor can mow/ operate the equipment, doesn't make the operation of equipment, as an employee legal. Having them run equipment at your home, is different than doing so as an employee in the eyes of the child labor laws. I do believe that the child labor laws are Federal Laws, and therefore apply to all states. There are legitimate tasks that minors can perform, and legitimate business reasons to hire you children, just do it the right way. After all, we're supposed to be pros.

[parkwest]

Well stated John. For all of you jumping on Stone's case, he didn't write the laws, he is trying to inform you of the laws. That is what this site is about, passing on information. Because you are ignorant of the laws, doesn't exempt you from the laws. Now that you are aware of the law, Do the right thing. Otherwise, think of what you are teaching your under age children about respecting the law.

Thank you Mr. Stone for your insight into this matter.

[kturner]

Like I said, put a company shirt on them and pay 'em a nickel per weed. That doesn't look so unprofessional.

I'm not into child labor per se, but I do see a strength in the farm family that is lacking in the white collar nursery children and their distant parents.

I think the general strength of our people and country in general is being eroded by people that blindly buy into everything they are told is best by money driven politicians.

By the way, I would hope everyone's workers have their green cards, that's no different than working with your kids.

[grassyfras]

I cant beleive what Im hearing. We cut lawns for Gods sake. As long as you do a good job and dont look like a hooser i say your proffisonial. But when your out there cutting grass it doesnt really matter.

[Alan]

Well, it's all moot for me, my kids are grown, now. But my son was 14 when this whole lawn care thing got started. And he ran the equipment more than I did as it was his thing back then and I was the helper.

I'm not real sure just how much of the arrogant, overbearing snot that has been in this thread has any bearing on reality, but I suspect that there is quite a difference between being "employed" and working as part of a family (sole proprietorship) operation.

It's pretty sad that the laws that were (originally) intended to keep kids out of sweat shops have been expanded and enlarged to the point that kids can't be exposed to anythig but the most menial (and low paying) jobs until they are old enough to have already learned to do nothing.

Yes, power equipment can be a hazard, no way around that. But if you have kids and you make the decision (jointly) to let them work with you I don't think it's any harder to teach a 13-14 yr old how to operate safely than it is to teach an 18 yr old.

[Eric ELM]

I agree with you parkwest about Mr. Stone. Some of you new people have said some things about his posts, but as Parkwest mentioned, he didn't write the laws, he is informing you of them.

Stick around, you can learn a lot from Larry. :)

All my kids are in their 30's, so I don't have to worry about this law. ;)

[1MajorTom]

Stick around, you can learn a lot from Larry.

Agreed.

[Bassman]

Wait a minute... When a simple post asking if any kids are working with their parents, (I would assume while on summer break from school), turns into... talk of white SLAVERY, having workers compensation and abiding by Federal statutes regarding child labor laws... What the...? No wonder this country's children are getting so screwed up. It's the adults raising them of course. Just leave'em at home, they will raise themselves just fine. As long as we're making money and feeding them, provide a roof over their head, what more could they want? Maybe instilling a work ethic that they will direly need throughout the rest of their lives, that's one thing that might help in a small way. If a parent is supervising their 15 year old with adequate safety precautions to trim grass and edge driveways while on summer vacation for God's sake, what can possibly be wrong with that?
Leave it to a some posters on this thread to do what the beaurocrats in D.C. have perfected. Over-analyzing, over- complicating and putting an outrageous spin on something so simple. God help us. I want to turn back the clock to a more sane era.

[kturner]

I'd like to buy you a beer and talk about it my friend, I hear ya.

[Lawn-Scapes]

Stick around, you can learn a lot from Larry.

Like what... How to be an arrogant, sarcastic and insensitive SOB?

Sorry, I could help myself.... just kidding of course ;)

I have learned a lot from him and others here in my short time at LawnSite. If only some would choose thier words more carefully people would not be so offended.

Again, I'd like to thank all that responded...

[parkwest]

Remember, Mr. Stone was brought up in an era when John Wayne movies were the basis of your typical male role model. We didn't have Jerry Seinfeld or Alan Alda to show us how to get in touch with our feminine side. If you think his language is rough, I'd advise you to stay out of construction.

Keep 'em coming Stone.

[Bassman]

Originally posted by parkwest
Remember, Mr. Stone was brought up in an era when John Wayne movies were the basis of your typical male role model. We didn't have Jerry Seinfeld or Alan Alda to show us how to get in touch with our feminine side. If you think his language is rough, I'd advise you to stay out of construction.

Keep 'em coming Stone.

I was brought up in the same era. I'll be half a century old in less than 6 months. I do not believe that having a supervised teenager helping their mom or dad trim some grass part-time while on summer break was exactly what congress had in mind as far as protecting children when they passed the Statute re: age requirements for children doing specific types of work for some maybe not so scrupulous business with a boss that is not related to them and may not have their safety/and or best interests in mind. If an agent from some prying gov't agency want's to tell me my son can't work beside me part time while on summer break while we grow stronger in our father/son relationship and I teach him things that will serve him well later in life.... well, let's just say they would get the same reception as when the boys from ATF show up one day, (and it could happen), to confiscate my firearms, which the second ammendment to the Constitution has guaranteed me the right to have... not going to be a pretty sight.

[parkwest]

Hey Bassman,

I agree with you 100%. I was commenting on the whining by some everytime Mr. Stone post something.

(Bet your getting excited about your upcoming hunting trip out west. It's getting close now, better get to the range and sight 'em in.)

[strickdad]

clarke is that 8.00 an hour or 800.00 an hour ????:p :p if its 800.00 im selling my junk and coming to work for you:D : :D

[Lawn-Scapes]

Here it is one year later since my original post.

My daughter (Brianna, now 14) started a couple of days ago. It took one lawn for her to master the Z (Okay.. maybe not master, but she can follow the existing stripes pretty darn good). She will be working with me Thursdays and Fridays until school starts.. or 'til she gets sick of it!

It is a little (no.. very) nerve racking :eek: but it'll subside (I hope?) with each hour of experience she gets..

I think it'll work out nicely 'cause she is a perfectionist like me!!!

[ProSeasons]

Kids working for me?

Uh...Yeah. Can you say tax break? Can you say saving money for college. Would I rather give it to Uncle Sam or my kids college fund? Of course my kids don't actually DO anything.....:rolleyes: They're only four and sevin years old.

[HOMER]

Kids can't drive a lawnmower but can pilot a car that'll run in excess of 100 miles an hour legally!
They pass by you within inches with their radios blasting and while fumbling around with radios and cell phones and looking for CD's...........but all this is legal.

I'll be the judge of what my kids can do and when they can do it.

I see no scrubbiness when a son or daughter is helping his/her father, I see a family that is doing things right.

Furthermore...........I really don't give a rats azz what anybody thinks!

[rkbrown]

My 9 year old "works" for me. Two weeks ago she went with me to the dealer when I bought a new blower...she thought it was neat and asked if she could try it on. When we got home and I mowed my own lawn, she wanted to use the blower "for real". She is a competitive gymnast with 6 pack abs and a ripped upper torso (well, ripper for a 9 year ols girl) and weighs just a bit over 40 pounds. She did a real good job blowing off the drive and sidewalks. It was funny watching her, though, she had to be leaning pretty far forward as she walked to prevent from getting blown over backwards. :)

[awm]

dang homer ,u nailed it . i dont need big brother telling me how to prepare my children for adulthood. i was taught a pretty fair method of doing that.
a farmer ,when discussing his farm,
stated that he wasnt just raising cows and crops. most important thing he was raisin was sons.parenting is changing, for most . but to me its not just providing their wants an needs. main thing is are they ready ,when they fly from the nest.

[jaredslawncare]

Im 14 and own my own lawn care buisness and now im so busy my dad is working for me not me for him. And its not a little tiny service im really busy except for right now because we have had no rain for about 4 weeks.


Jareds Lawn Care
__________________-
2002 eXmark Laser Z Hp 48"
1998 Simplicity Broadmoor 38"
Weed Eater trimmers
Lawn Boy 4.5 21's

[Loren A. Craig]

Tom,
I have two of my sons working for me. My 14 year old is 6' tall and 150lbs my 12year old 5'8" and 150lbs . I am blessed to be with them in the mornings. You can not tell they are kids from the road . My 16 year old nephew is also on for the summer and I know that he is enjoying being part of the group. I am tying to teach a work ethic that most young men do not have to day. Do a job that you can be proud of and you will be asked back to help again. The three of them work as hard as any loc that I have seen to date.

Thanks again.

[ouimguy]

I would like draw attention to the Oklahoma Statute 72.1 Hazardous Employment- section B

This section (refering to section A-that lists to paraphrase-that children under 16 may not operate power driven machinery) shall not apply to "children working either on farms or for parents or any entity in which a parent owns an equity interest in" so I guess, in Oklahoma it is legal to have your children work for you. So as a parent, the government allows you to decide for yourself. Check your state's laws and if you have any questions contact an attorney.

[thfireman]

If I see any kids less than 16 years old working with adults I report them to the state dept. of labor and child protective services.

Jeez....Lighten up! First of all if you would look into the laws of most states a child is allowed to work in a family business and get paid. This is left over from old farming days and is still used today by farmers. It also applies to any other business run by a family as long as the child worker is immediate family and is not kept from recieving an education. All safety requirment apply to the children as well as adults. Yes there are laws that protect your children against slavery but this is not a case of slavery. Get a life.

There is nothing wrong with instilling a sense of responsibility and teaching good work ethics to your children. I have worked mine and the only comments I have gotten from customers is how well I have raised my child. How respectful he is and how well he follows directions. By the way he is an A-B Honor student and is in advanced level classes. He is 12 years old.

[Sooners]

I'm a weekend warrior, but my son 17 does a little extra in the summer. He's making a lot more than his buddies working at McDonalds or Wal-Mart, and he can set his own hours. I trust him so much he evens pulls the trailer and uses my 60" eXmark Z. I charge 25 per-cent for overhead. When we work together (my wife, son, 14 yr old daughter and myself) we split the profit, minus 25 per-cent OH, equally. My son works his tail off so he can buy a car and pay cash for it. He has to abide by my strict standards and provide a quality job and even has people calling him. He keeps the blades sharpened, line in the weedeaters, repairs flats, etc. This is a good bonding time also with my kids. They learn good work ethics. You hire one Jones and you get the whole family.

[leadarrows]

Farm families have been using there children for Hundreds=Thousands of years. I cut my front teeth on the steering wheel of A Johnny Popper. My dad let go of the wheel when I was eight years old. My grand father introduced me to a bunch of old farmers at the local restaurant when I was ten. I think it was set up because every one there had a missing limb of one sort or another. I left there that day with a whole new out look on safety. Every kid is different. Only you no if they are ready or not. I have a 15-year-old son who has been helping my wife and I sense we began our business 6 years ago and he has always made me proud. I don't care how professional it looks. I do care about the time I get to spend teaching my child my values. Working side by side with your kids building a family business gives parents opportunity very few other occupations allow. Take advantage of their interest in what you do. Give your children first crack at the money. And above all treat them with the same respect you would any other employee. It’s really a no brainier as far as I’m concerned.

[The Lawn Choupique]

It is interesting that child labor laws do not apply to the goverment. A child of 17 cannot only join the army but the goverment will let him run any kind of power equipment he wants. As a fact the goverment will also give that same child a gun and teach him how to kill people with it.

[thfireman]

I failed to mention that I worked on a dairy farm from 12 years old to 15 years old and used every piece of machinery they had. I wouldnt give up the experience of that for nothing.

[thfireman]

As a fact the goverment will also give that same child a gun and teach him how to kill people with it.

Well if you have served your country in the military you will realize by the time you are done with the extensive training that they give and the disipline they instill in them that these 17-18 year olds are no longer children. They are the Men and Women that keep your butt free. I have a huge respect for a teenager that chooses to subject themselves to the rigors and punishment it takes to become a Soilder for this country. And if they do it just to get help get money for an education then I respect them even more. These children become our heros and if it takes putting a gun in their hands to keep us free then so be it. The draft is not in effect so each and everyone of these people volunteer to serve our Nation! GOD BLESS AMERICA and her Children.
:)

[Brickman]

"Child Labor" laws are fairly relaxed when it comes to your own kids working for you.

You guys and gals that have your kids working for you and every body gets along good for the most part probably don't have any idea what you got going. To have a good working relation ship with your kids is some thing that is very lacking in todays world. I would give most any thing I have to have had that relation with my dad. But it takes two people to be willing to get along.