wrote in message
ups.com...
Recently, I have found myself spending an inorindate amount of time
reading about small engines as the result of wanting to maintain/tune
the ones that I have in the garage (snowblower, riding mower,
weedeater, etc.). I've gone to the library, read online, bought a few
DVDs and books, etc. As a result, my inquisitive daughter (8yo) has
become very interested in small engines too...she's always interested
in what projects my wife and I are involved with at any given time.

Her interest has now extended to ask whether or not we could put flyers
in the neighborhood offering to "fix/tune" small engines around the
block.

Wow! Your 8 yr. old daughter came up with that? Go slow, but you should
encourage her without committing her to something beyond her attention span.
Peter's idea about the old lawn mowers was great. Make up a simple flyer on
your computer and get fifty copies made. Check with your city and comply
with their rules then help her put some out. Help her think of putting an
ad in the free ad paper, greensheet or whatever in your area, saying 8 yr.
old looking for old lawn mowers and small engines that don't run. Will pick
up for free.

Take her as far as she wants to go. Don't be reluctant to let her make a
profit. Profit is not a dirty word, especially for an 8 yr. old. Don't be
disappointed when she tires of this; remember she is only 8. You are
fortunate to have her interest extend this far.

One other thing: document her activity and her success. We had about 20
pages of document awards and achievements for our son, including little
businesses he created early. He applied for a scholarship at the Art
Institute of Dallas and got a 24 thousand dollar scholarship. That list of
life long achievements impressed them. They even gave him a couple of
thousand dollars cash in additional grant money because they liked the work
he was doing while in class.

Your child is a gift, not just to you, but to the world. I'm sure you
already knew that!

Randy R. Cox