Engaging children in yardwork

That is adorable! You're right, the earlier you get kids started to chores like that, the better. Especially at that age, kids *love* to help out (from what I've noticed) and will probably be wanting to help even if you don't ask. It is really a cute mental image picturing your grandson out there raking the leaves and helping out! Aw. ^_^

It's nice how they want to help when that are little. But for some reason, when they get older, that is the real chore to get them to help when they really would put an impact into the work being done. And by then...we are also older, so then their help really is needed and wanted! ha ha I remember a couple of year ago one of my son's would complain that I would not let him mow. But now that he is older, when I ask him to mow, it is as if I have to nearly twist his arm. (Not literally) I sure hope that they will truly help later when I really am to old to be doing it myself! ha ha But for now, I like the fact that the little ones like to help but it is ironic that the bigger ones run away. ha ha

I think that is nice that the children are willing and want to help out with with yardwork and chores. This is very good for their well being and becoming mature adults when they get older. I used to help my parents with yardwork as well when I was little and still do when I go visit them. It can be more enjoyable when you have others helping you out. The children are learning to be very responsible which is great.

When my husband does yard work and our grandsons are here they love helping. They are still young so I hope it stays that way.

Hey..thats good to hear. Kids always do something cute. Thats wat makes people like em.

I agree. Children should help out with the yard work. When I was a kid, my brother and I would rake leaves into a big huge pile, then jump in when we were done. That was so much fun, we loved doing it. We now have a tractor to mow our lawn, and my 12 year old daughter loves riding it, so now I let her mow the lawn. She is having fun and helping out at the same time.

I think it is very important to encourage children to participate in regular household/yardwork chores. It is crucial though that you begin introducing chores at a young age, like around five. Not only does it give children a sense of accomplishment to know that they have helped, it also teaches a valuable life lesson; that there will always be chores that need to be done. It can't all be play time. It teaches respect and respoonsibility for young people to have duties that they must perform before they play or in order to get an allowance. I do think a reward system is an important aspect of teaching chores though. Even we do not want to go to work and not get something out of it. I applaud you and your hubby for teaching your grandson young. I think it's wonderful.

I agree with you. My children used to work in the yard and the garden with us all the time..they used to be so proud of what they were doing, and just loved it. They still do. Every year I would let them pick the vegetables they wanted and we planted them together..it got them more involved and they were learning a lot without even realizing it!...lol

I agree, we have included our children in all our chores as soon as they could do any part. I now know when I need something done and I can't quite get to it I can send them out and know it will be handled. Oh for the days when they would fight over who would get to help me. Those were the days!!lol

My girls enjoy pulling weeds & raking the leaves outside. They also like to garden but do that at my in-laws since we don't have a lot of space here. My middle child (almost 6) will actually be taking a gardening class of sorts again this fall.

wow!dont forget to invite me next time,sounds like you really had fun.Good for you.

The weather hear is to cold for yard work right now.But when it gets warmer, i aslo like to do yard work,i rather be outside then doing housecleaning.My granddaughter loves working outside with me to. She just told me the other day,dont forget when it gets time to plant flowers i want to help you.She even enjoys watering my plants.

I think engaging yardwork for children is just great for them and they know that they are helping it must be very enjoyable for him as well and it is good on you to allow him to do this for your grandson's sake.

it's alright for them to engage in yardworks so thet in early stage they will be able to cope with chores they will be indulging with as they grow up. Also this will help them develop their sense of helping others and cooperation as well.

I agree, I think children should have a part in household chores, once they are old enough of course. It teaches them responsibility & gives them a sense of pride & accomplishment.

You are a bright lady, and you are doing the right things with the kids and gradkids. I did the same, when my grandkids lived with me. It's good for them mentally and physically.

Well, good for you all. I'll remember that when my daughter starts on her chores. I hope she enjoys them as well.

we do not have much of a yard for us to do yard work in, but when we visit my parents my son helps my step dad with the yard work, espically in the spring he likes to help him plant his garden and water it and pull the weeds

My father used to pay my neices and nephews to pick up brush in the yard they loved it also .It is a good way for them to learn to get money work it also had them out excercing not in the house .

Yeah, i cudnt hav agreed more. Workin outdoor in fresh air is much better then just sittin home n watchin some T.V. shows.In addition to this , kids also learn new things. I wud even suggest that they shud b assigned some work n shud b paid 4 d work well done.This also brings up the ability of a child to induldge himself in money related matters.