At What Age Do You Start Having Your Kid Mow The Lawn?

It's ironic that I recently found a list of appropriate chores for the age of our children, because just the other day I did a test run with our 8 year old mowing our lawn.   I remember mowing the lawn when I was his age, and I figured we would give it a shot.  The result is I think he may be a bit too young.

I was mowing when I looked over at him standing there in the grass when I motioned for him to come over.  I turned off the mower, gave him some direction and told him to follow the line from the last pass I made and keep your feet away from the mower deck.  I started it up, and handed off the mower.  Immediately he struggled pushing the mower from side to side a bit, and then mowed a line down the lawn as crooked as the Mississippi River.

With the motor still running, I took over and said, "Watch this pass so you get a better idea."  I turned around at the end, look over my shoulder, and he was gone playing with his friends.

I guess 8 is just too early for this one.  According to the chart I found at Fatherly.com, 10-11 is the age they should start mowing.   They should be able to clean bathrooms by that time too, and by the time they are 12, they should be cooking a complete dinner.

Check out the chart below yourself and see what you think!