If you think your tween or teen is finally ready to start mowing the lawn, there are a few safety precautions you should keep in mind. Mowing the lawn can be dangerous, but with the right tips, you can minimise danger. Here are some ideas to guide you:

1. Insist on safety gear.

Before you child starts mowing the yard, make sure he or she is outfitted with the appropriate safety gear. Ideally, you child should wear closed toed shoes and safety goggles lest the blade hits anything and causes it to fly up toward their face.

2. Use a bag as well as any safety features.

In addition to dressing your child for the job, you should also make sure that all of the safety features on the mower are fully engaged. For example, if it has a rubber flap on the back to prevent debris from flying up at the operator, make sure that is in place and in good condition. Similarly, if you like to leave the bag off so that the grass clippings fall on the grass and compost into it, don't do that when your kid is mowing. Instead, attach the bag securely to minimise flying objects.

3. Prepare the mowing area.

To ensure something isn't likely to fly at your child, take some time to prepare the area before you start mowing. Walk through the area with your child, and pick up any stones, toys or other potential dangerous projectiles.

4. Position the handle for your child's height.

If you have a lawn mower such as a Husqvarna lawn mower with an adjustable handle, remember to adjust the height setting for your child. Injuries while mowing are not only caused by flying objects and spinning blades. They can also be caused by back strains. If your child has to stretch up or hunch down to reach the handle of the mower, you may want to invest in a new mower with adjustable handles before he or she takes on the task of mowing.

5. Use a self propelled mower.

If possible, also have your child use a self propelled mower. These mowers are easy to push, and that can help prevent injuries. For example, imagine your child is pushing really hard on a mower because it is stuck. However, as they are pushing, it come unstuck, flies forward and your child falls. With a self-propelled mower, your child just needs to gently touch it, and it moves forward almost automatically.