topic Re: Child Cutting Lawn! in Community Chat

Child Cutting Lawn!

Twins Mom — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 17:44:46 GMT

A neighbor is letting his 3 year old push mower to cut lawn. A real one!! To add to the danger potential this is his first time doing it this year and he has not cleaned yard if limbs, etc. Mower dying often because lawn too high. Final fact: he’s a teacher!
When does common sense kick in? He’s the neighbor that cuts grass when company coming or at legall limit.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

happycat — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 17:55:29 GMT

I think I would call someone about that, like Child protective services. This child could get easily get hurt. Makes you wonder what else goes on over there.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

Vivian — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 17:58:27 GMT

I agree that someone needs to be informed. First, I’d speak to the idiot neighbor in a nice, concerned way. If that doesn’t work, then you have to contact the proper authorities. This child is in danger.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

AuntG — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:04:23 GMT

He's a teacher? Well I can safely assume he doesn't teach common sense.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

Mominohio — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:07:27 GMT

I don't care how attentive and 'safe' people think they are being, kids don't belong around moving blades of mowers, especially at that age.

People are stupid, even some teachers.

I'd be calling children's services, and that isn't something I take lightly or have ever done.

I'd rather be pegged that busy body neighbor than see a three year old maimed.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

x Hedge — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:09:18 GMT

It's stupid and and foolhardy, and before I ran here I would've taken a little video of it, and called the police.

They are very good at talking sense into people and helping them see what they're doing from another POV. If necessary they would've taken ol' dad into custody.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

missy1 — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:09:33 GMT

I would not call c.p s. As long as the child isn't cutting the grass alone.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

KingstonsMom — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:09:47 GMT

@Twins Mom

I read a horrible story today on a news site, of a father letting his 3 year old ride in front of him on a riding lawnmower, when the child fell over the front of the lawnmower and was run over and killed.

What's wrong with some people?

RIP, sweet child. My heart breaks.....

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

goldensrbest — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:12:30 GMT

Really dangerous. do you know them ?

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

kitcat51 — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:12:41 GMT

I'd be out the door to stop it but if you don't want to do that call the police. Honestly some parents are clueless...that poor kid.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

KingstonsMom — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:18:40 GMT

@missy1 wrote:
I would not call c.p s. As long as the child isn't cutting the grass alone.

@missy1

Oh....so it's okay if a 3 year old child is allowed to cut the grass as long as there's an adult to watch in case a possible catastrophy happens?

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

fleetwood — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:20:26 GMT

At 3 years of age how is he able to reach the bar? Which makes me think that he is in even greater danger as he is pushing on the lower tiered handle and that puts him even closer to the blade deck.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

SusieQ_2 — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:21:42 GMT

@missy1 wrote:
I would not call c.p s. As long as the child isn't cutting the grass alone.

He must be one tall and strong 3 year old. The handle of my mower is about 40 inches which is higher than the height of most 3 yr children. Imagine pushing a mower that has a handle above your head. The kid must be like a little Paul Bunyan!

I wouldn't call anyone either, at least not as a first measure. The first thing I would do is to engage the father in a friendly conversation and let him know that what he's doing is dangerous to his child. I'd tell him I had just checked online (to be sure I wasn't being a worry wart) and found out kids shouldn't use a power mower until at least age 12-13. In some places there are even laws prohibiting it. It's possible he just doesn't realize how dangerous it can be and a friendly reminder would put it to rest. It's certainly worth a try.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

proudlyfromNJ — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:22:49 GMT

You need to call the police now while it is happening.

I don't think cps comes out right away. Best to call police so they can see it.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

Serena Sue — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:26:14 GMT

@proudlyfromNJ wrote:
You need to call the police now while it is happening.
I don't think cps comes out right away. Best to call police so they can see it.

I agree call the police.

My uncle cut off half of his foot with his lawn mower. As he was mowing the lawn it got caught in a bush & he yanked it out & it went right over his foot.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

goldensrbest — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:26:20 GMT

Either walk over talk to him,or call police.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

millieshops — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:27:34 GMT

I would definitely start with a chat with Dad. That's just not safe!

Based on personal knowledge from my past, I don't even like seeing the little ones pushing a toy mower while someone else is running a power mower nearby. Looks cute , but.....

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

x Hedge — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:28:38 GMT

CPS will just give you an appointment, unless it's urgent, and they refer it to the police.

So just make your video and call the cops.

Why waste time discussing it here first?

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

Mominohio — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:35:07 GMT

Even if the child is in the parent's arms, being carried, being around a mower that can throw things is not a safe thing to be doing.

We see people here all the time that use riding mowers and have their toddlers on their lap while they mow, and that is just as stupid. Never should a lawn mower blade be engaged while a child is in the area. There is too much potential for something to go wrong.

Re: Child Cutting Lawn!

Greeneyedlady21 — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 18:37:53 GMT

That's unreal. My neighbor takes his son on the riding mower. He's about four and he did it all last summer when he was even younger. Just holds on to him while he is driving it. They also let their kids breathe in the smoke from burning piles of brush.

Last summer they were using a small wood chipper while their toddler kids were about three feet away from it. You can't always fix stupid, I guess.