FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

How old should your son (or daughter)…

| Posted in General Discussion on June 19, 1999 04:27am

*
I started with my son last year when he was twelve however there were some projects I couldn’t get him near as the supers were nearly paralized with insurance worries. So he spent alot of time last summer with remodels when only the homeowner was there.

Had to fire him at the end of the summer as he got too mouthy. Any other job and he’d been fired the second day. He’ll be working again this summer. For a 12 year old making $5 an hour is a big deal. He can buy the clothes he wants etc. It’s such a shame for kids these days that they cannot work for the most part until the age of 16. I started with my father at 12 as a laborer cleanup kid as he built custom homes.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Guest_ | Jun 21, 1999 08:44pm | #13

    *
    I am just wondering how old your kids were when you first started getting some "real" work out of them on the job.(I am NOT talking about DIY stuff here). I read an article this week about a crew that has a good sized OSHA fine now because a crew members 13 year old realative(son or nephew) was injured on the job.He was stapling insulation on a wall section that was laying flat on the deck before stand-up,stepped through a window opening that happened to line up with a open stair well and fell into the basement.

    So the question remains how soon do you start teaching the trade to your sons ON SITE?

    Good Luck,Stephen

    1. Guest_ | Jun 19, 1999 05:30am | #1

      *Oooops,excuse me and slap me upside the head for that double postMy apologies,Stephen

      1. Guest_ | Jun 19, 1999 05:43am | #2

        *I am so sorry to hear about that 13 year old kid.While I do not have any of my own :( I do use my friend's sons now and then. I have established 14 as the minimum age. That would be for the most basic work--light demo, nailing decking, etc. I'm so nervous from the time they step out of the truck that I reserve using them only on the small jobs when I can afford to not make a profit. Constant supervision is the key. Once had a young gent cost me $40 in lumber--kept messing up reading the tape.

        1. Guest_ | Jun 19, 1999 06:39am | #3

          *Child labor laws are set at a certain floor federally, states can increase the ante. Number of hours per week are restricted by age -- idea is that they should be going to school. And most dangerous jobs -- construction certainly can be dangerous -- is prohibited. I remember reading that they were cracking down on this point a bit. Labor laws (as distinct from OSHA safety laws) have not been strictly enforced for some years now, a legacy of the Reagan years. There are exceptions -- you may remember an unfortunate case a few years ago where a baseball team was told by local enforcement it couldn't use its bat boy any more because games sometimes went too late -- led to outcry, Labor Dept. in DC backed down quick.It is easy to get info -- look through the blue pages in your phone book. When I worked at age 14 or 16 I remember getting a permit to work which had the relevant info. Check with your insurer too of course. Teenagers really lack the judgment -- or at the the strong desire for self-preservation -- that adults have. At least, i sure drive a lot slower than i used to. :)

          1. Guest_ | Jun 19, 1999 07:21am | #4

            *Old enough to know better,Too young to care.I developed a wonderful relationship with heights, ballance and falling when I was young, fell off lots of ladders as a landscaping teen (pruning enormous shrubs) and hit the roof running when I got into framing houses.When I turned thirty, all the guys at work said that my dick was going to fall off. It happened to everyone. I was horrified. Well, it didn't, but my urge for self preservation increased. Maybe that's what they meant...As far as kids on the job site go, it sort of scares me. But, my rookie scares me. Every time I hear a saw I get nervous. I think it's more of a common sense question than an age thing. If the kid's not an idiot, and seems intetrested, have at it.But be careful, cover all the openings with plywood or something. Let them hand drive nails. If they start going too fast, slow 'em down. Let them move some plywood for you...After you've done it for a while, it's easy to forget where the simple little dangers are.Ten fingers and counting,Dan

          2. Guest_ | Jun 19, 1999 08:17am | #5

            *I was working nearly forty hours a week in the summers when school was out by the time I was ten or twelve years old . Just packin and nailin , no power tools except maybe a drill or a jig saw . My two younger brothers came up the same way with no serious injurys to anybody . I think my dad started me at five dollars a day . I cant see that it did any of us any harm . We all have a good work ethic and we're all still in construction . I think it was a lot healthier than watching tv and playing nintendo all day like so many kids today do . You appreciate what you spend your money on more when you know how hard it is to earn some more . I have a seventeen year old nephew who's been helping me for three or four years during the summer , once again with no problems , in fact he's a better hand than alot of grown men I've worked with . Chuck

          3. Ken_fisher | Jun 19, 1999 04:27pm | #6

            *I started with my son last year when he was twelve however there were some projects I couldn't get him near as the supers were nearly paralized with insurance worries. So he spent alot of time last summer with remodels when only the homeowner was there. Had to fire him at the end of the summer as he got too mouthy. Any other job and he'd been fired the second day. He'll be working again this summer. For a 12 year old making $5 an hour is a big deal. He can buy the clothes he wants etc. It's such a shame for kids these days that they cannot work for the most part until the age of 16. I started with my father at 12 as a laborer cleanup kid as he built custom homes.

          4. Guest_ | Jun 19, 1999 10:55pm | #7

            *I worked every summer from 12 on teaching computer programming and think it was a great experience (though I earned about $2 an hour). Work experience in general is great not just at "teaching" good habits, but also helping a kid realize what work is like and what the point is of working hard in school and such to get the better jobs. Working harder can make life a lot better, a great lesson to pass on.

          5. Guest_ | Jun 20, 1999 04:41am | #8

            *I think Dan is right about it depending on who you're talking about. I started a 16 year old out summers a few years ago who I had known for years. He litteraly couldn't read a tape, had to make him a big "model" of the halfs, quarters, etc on a 2x4 to teach him. But the first time I showed him how to use a skil saw, and he tried it (with me scared to death but tying to look at ease) he was fine. I never worried about him after that, and he never had any problems. Other folks are never comfortable with tools or on a roof. We're all different. - jb

          6. Guest_ | Jun 20, 1999 09:50am | #9

            *WAIT A MINUTE! Are you saying yours DIDN'T fall off?

          7. Guest_ | Jun 20, 1999 03:25pm | #10

            *Lots of good input here. There is a real difference between a small, closely held company putting the owner's kid to work and anything larger mixing a young worker with regular, on-the-books, insured and regulated crews. Check the labor laws, what your insurance company says and what OSHA and state safety rules say. I'm not sure, philosopically, all those strictures are really good for our society and the development of discipline and work ethic, but as a business person you're better off complying.There really is a difference between individuals. At any age. We always found there were workers who were marginally productive, clumsy and sometimes even a danger to themselves or others regardless of age and experience. And that does not mean they were unintelligent or lazy or unenthusiastic. Others had a natural common sense and working rythym. You could see it in how they moved and handled tools and organized each task, each step even.I'd say you have to look for the same qualities in youngsters to know how young you can put them to work and at what. For some the experience will improve those qualities.Here in the affluent burbs of NY, I'm shocked at how few kids work. You can't get a ten year old to cut the grass for $10-15 an hour. It's not just the money, they're just not interested. When we were growing up we'd bang on doors to get the opportunity to work: lawns, wash windows, clean the gutters, shovel the snow, walk the dog whatever. Some of it is the heavy homework and extra-curricular and sports loads they have, but not all of it.I still think the working experience is extremely formative in terms of habits and builds self esteem. And it's not just for a life in the trades. One of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had was the client who said we'd have the job, but only if his teenage sons were given tasks to do. These kids were bound for Ivy League schools and professional careers, dad just wnated them to get their hands dirty and learn to work.

          8. Guest_ | Jun 20, 1999 05:49pm | #11

            *Hi Fellows,In Steve's original post, the issue seems to have been contractor liability when a youngster is hurt on the jobsite.As Andrew pointed out, it's both a federal and State (Province) responsibility to set a standard and enforce it.Many of us did enter the trade at an early age that was probably a violation when we did it. However, those of us that still have 10 fingers and whatever other parts that can go missing, must not forget those that don't. We were survivers, some were not. So should we be condoning child labour on jobsites?This argument is a hot issue with farmers and if you check with the farm safety boards you will find the statistics to be horrifying.I did the same as most of you did when I first brought my 10 year old son to the jobsite. It's normal, he's your son and you're proud of him. But I would never have let him work or allowed him around the tools at that age.I like many of you, worry when I have a rooky on the jobsite. It takes time to know how to even walk around a jobsite safely. There are some adults that I wouldn't allow to use power tools on my jobsites, because I'm ultimately responsible for their safety.As management, I cannot and will not, allow anyone under the age of 16 onto our jobsites. It gives me one less thing to worry about.Gabe

          9. Guest_ | Jun 20, 1999 06:42pm | #12

            *I've taken my oldest son to jobs with me where there have been short days with minor tasks. Of course he is limited to "hold this for daddy" or "get me some of that". It is not that I need a hand..matter-of-fact, he slows me down considerably but it is quality time..at least I feel so. I can't wait for the day when my boys can work side by side with their old man.Loving my children,Pete Draganic

          10. Guest_ | Jun 21, 1999 08:44pm | #14

            *When people bring their kids to the site, it scares the hell out of me. It also leaves a wierd feeling to see kids doing work. Not that kids are necessarily more likely to do worse work than anyone else, but to see a 15 year old working leaves the impression that its amateur hour and the sub is looking to save some money at my expense. I know it isn't necessarily true, but that's the feeling I get.If you're going to do it, it would probably be best to let people know and get their Ok so there's no hard feelings about it.SHG

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data