Kid's 1st tractor

I was working with my 8 yr. old boy and 6 yr old girl to learn how to drive it. We’re emphasizing tractor safety, of course. We took it in steps, and my boy took to it very quickly, and I think he’s starting to think it’s HIS tractor! He got to the point where he sat on the shifter/throttle side while my girl sat on the other side and steered (or took pictures)! We have a few acres to mow, so what my son doesn’t yet realize is that he’ll have to eventually mow and mow and mow like the energizer bunny.

I got a kick out of watching him manipulate the controls like a pro…he really likes backing up…he’s always finding a need to back up.

The kids love N tractor rides, but I think they love this too…maybe better. Someday, we’ll work on helping them drive “Thunder.”
later!
Dave

I took my son first, then walked next to him. Then took my daughter. I didn't feel like she could control it alone, so she either rides with me or with my son. They share the big wide seat.

On my N each rides one at a time in the seat with me. Both of us are buckled up (ROPS), or they both go in the very back end of the scoop. We just tootle around maybe in second at 1/2 throttle. Nothing too racey at all.

I'll wait a few years before teaching them to drive the N.
later!
Dave

Don't worry about the quantity of mowing. My 13 year old daughter can't mow enough. She is always asking me if there is more to mow. And my 12 year old son is not far behind. It seems they just like to drive and they have nothing but time anyway.

At least I hope it works out that way for you and yours.

Thanks,

Dave. :-)

As for the safetycrat thing, I believe we've become so overprotective, that this generation is losing it's ability to take risks and entertain itself. I've had neighbors give me that look cause I ride my 3 year old on my lap when I'm mowing with my finish mower. She knows the rules, and I only allow her to ride after all the trimming, going under trees' etc. is done.

Some might say why take the risk, but I believe that the time spent bonding with my daughter is important, and that the alternative...time spnt alone, or watching another rerun of Barney, is taking more of a risk than gaining an appreciation of the great outdoors.

I'll get off my soapbox now.

Take Care
Steve

And always find a place to hide the key! (that is a whole different story)

Just wanted to add my 2cents.

Bob

On the other hand, I just read an editorial in a magazine that argued that we're actually making it more dangerous for our kids by over-protecting them.

The author argued that if you allow kids to be exposed to things like dart games, BB guns and other somewhat dangerous things they'll learn that actions have consequences. If you only let them have things that are really safe, they won't learn to watch for hazards.

That is why we are the parents. We let them get exposed to certain things so that they can gain respect and watch for the hazards, but in a controled enviroment so that when they are old enough to be on their own they can anticipate some of the dangers and know how to avoid them.
Riding in dad's lap while mowing, discing, or other work really isn't a good idea. One of my best friends had his right foot shreded up by a 6 foot finishing mower. He was riding with his grandfather one day while cutting the grass, he saw a rabbit run out in front of them and without asking decided that he wanted to catch it. He jumped from the tractor, only to fall down and have his right leg ran over by the tractor. By the time his grandfather could react quick enough the finishing mower was already on his leg. He still has a foot, minus 3 small toes and a lot of scars.

Thanks again!! Bob