"Shaking Hands" teaching an 11 year-old

[Bill Hudson]

Folks,

This morning our 11 year-old Grandgirl and I were making final preparations to attend a tractor show that she really likes to attend (Grandpa is not going to object to this kind of interest). She was going to move the Cub to the place the platform carrier was stored.

I was on the left side of the Cub as she mounted the Cub and proceeded to start it. She failed to "shake hands" with the gearshift. The Cub was in first with the throttle at low idle. Since the Cub was in an area allowing sufficient room for a short runaway I let her continue to start it. One pull on the starter rod and it was running (courtesy of the Pertronix Electronic Ignition). I immediately hit the kill switch to a look of sheer panic on her face.

I have instructed Chloe numerous times and often to "Always shake hands" with the gearshift before starting the Cub. I have told her what can happen if she doesn't, but explaining something to an 11 year-old sometimes doesn't mean much. I let her experience what happens and she now knows first hand and I think that she will not forget to "Shake Hands" in the future.

Was it risky? Sure, but I was completely aware of the situation and proceeded to let it continue, to teach an important lesson that will not be soon forgotten.

Oh, we had a great time at the show and will attend again tomorrow for the highlight of the day, the tractor parade.

Bill

[Bob McCarty]

A good, supervised learning experience for her. I agree, she likely won't forget again.

Bob

[Barnyard]

I think you did well. You kept it supervised to ensure nothing happened and I'm sure she learned a valuable lesson without getting hurt.

[ricky racer]

Good move there Bill. That little experience will stay with her longer than telling her 100 times...

[Winfield Dave]