Children are often eager to help out on the farm, but tasks should be introduced in stages and with lots of preparation, says Raelyn Peterson, farm safety co-ordinator with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
Supervision requirements vary by task, age, and abilities. The best way for a child to learn through experience is to learn with someone who has the experience and adheres to safety requirements. Once a child shows that she or he can do the task, they can be left at their task for short periods of time.
Patience, an honest assessment of a child’s abilities, checking for hazards, training, and adequate supervision are all key, she said.
