Would You Let An 8Yr Old Child Do Ironing?

[losgigs]

Bought a nice new iron today (Morphy Richards) and was quite surprised to read in their safety instructions that 'This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above if they have been given experience or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved'. I think this is a tad on the young side for a child to start ironing - maybe 11 or 12? What do others think?

[mrs.chappie]

I'm with you, Los, I think it's a tad too young too (although I'm all for the idea of children doing little jobs to earn a bit of pocket money).

8-year-olds are not necessarily hot on concentration - I mean, heaven forbid the phone should ring while they're ironing. Doesn't bear thinking about. :o/

[petal54]

I'm none too sure how safe I am,as rarely use an iron,but recall ironing hankies at about 8.

[bednobs]

i had to iron a shirt for my homemakers badge at brownies - must have been 8/9

[mikey4444]

I remember having to iron my Cubs shirt, for my Good Housekeeping badge, when I was 8 in 1961 ! Been ironing all my life since !

[jourdain2]

We didn't have a phone mrs.chappie - but were advanced in that we had a tiny b&w tv, so we could watch Andy-Pandy! It's all about teaching and discipline. We played out, had fun - I had a very happy childhood, but wasn't spoiled, and think my granddaughter needs more responsibility.

[mrs.chappie]

I was similar, Jourdain, no telly as a child (bought a black and white 14" telly on interest-free credit when I left school and got my first pay packet).

No phone as a child, either. And when we eventually got one, we shared the line - you'd often pick the phone up (having taken the lock off the dial) to hear someone else talking on it.

By contrast, I'd have to wrestle my 9 year old niece to detach her from her mobile phone - I think it does everything, bar making a cup of tea.

[jourdain2]

mrs chappie - my granddaughter is 9 as well - and really pushing the limits, far earlier than we would have done! Fortunately my daughter and son-in-law are so far refusing to allow her a mobile phone.... phew! She does have an email address - but through my son-in-law's business address, so everything can be vetted (and it is). Speaking from a teacher's point of view, mobile phones are a nightmare anyway and I would hope that no responsible parent would allow a child to have a mobile except under strict supervision (up to and even above 14 yrs.).

[FrogNog]

I was ironing at that age, and cooking.

[Butterbun]

Age 10 - 11 is a good age to start.

[Retrochic]

Pandering to children and not expecting them to contribute to family chores is not preparing then for real life. Doing everything for them like a servant then all of a sudden 'when you feel the time is right' throwing them into the deep end is not going to work, especially if you decide the 'time is right' in their teenage years -can you imagine -'Its so unfair! why do I have to do the vacuuming! I HATE you!!!!

[Retrochic]

Ummmm remarked 'lol indeed'

so glad I can bring a little merriment into your life

[sherrardk]

Retrochic, when I need or want advice on how to raise my children I will ask for it and I will take that advice from people who's opinions I value.

[Retrochic]

sherradk This is a forum for goodness sake, I'm allowed my opinion you are allowed yours. My opinion is based on raising 4 children who have all turned out really well thankyou, were very popular at Uni as they could cook and keep the place clean., and now all have jobs in Management and higher (except the youngest who is still at school but one night a week he cooks our main meal) I hope your little darlings do as well as mine. If you don't like reading alternative opinions to your own don't frequent Forums as it may be detrimental to your obviously over sensitive nature. Goodnight.

[mikey4444]

Play nicely girls !

[sherrardk]

Yes, a forum for all opinions - I expressed mine and you singled them out for obviously not being the same as yours. Pot - kettle - black.

[Retrochic]

Hi Mikey you must be joking! I'm sticking up for myself but don't get the popcorn out as , unlike some 'ladies' on here I'm not one of leisure and have to get up for work in the morning -nighty night x

[mikey4444]

Retro...I was only trying to pour some oil on the troubled waters !