daughterofsarah77 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Simple question...1 story roof. Do they belong up there helping an adult do work on a roof? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 My eldest at 8? Sure. Not so my youngest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abigail4476 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 There's not a simple answer. My ds9 has helped his Dad once or twice (retrieving toys, painting eaves), but DH was very close by and is VERY attentive and careful. Ds9 is also obedient and responsible, and is likely to follow instructions to the letter. So, it depends. It depends on how responsible the adult in charge is and it depends on how mature and responsible the child is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Sure! My son would be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Totally depends on the 8 yr. old. I can easily see my 8 yr. old helping on the roof, but it wouldn't be with his dad, because there's no way dh would be working on a roof.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abigail4476 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 What is said child doing and how is the supervision? I'd trust my husband with either of my boys on a one-story roof, sure. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 DS helps put Christmas lights up and climbs a ladder. Me? No way. I don't trust myself at the top of a 3 step step stool :lol: DS is very tall, big and strong at 8. He is very sure of himself on a ladder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobela Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Depends on the child, and the roof. My son was just fine at 8, as long as the roof wasn't extra steep. He was more cautious at 8 than he is now at 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 My son, yes. My daughter, no. She would consider the roof a perfect opportunity to test out a homemade parachute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKidAcademy Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 My 8yo? Yes, he did it often. Your 8yo? Can't say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I think my 8yo would be fine with dh, although dh would be uneasy with that I think. As it is we don't have a lot of occasions to be on the roof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 With direct parental supervision? Sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Sure. We used to send ds up there to sweep it off. Dd used to climb up there just for the heck of it. When i was a kid, the neighbor boy and I would climb up on his roof all the time and jump off. Oh, wait, that's probably why you don't the kid up there. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 No, not my clumsy kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 My son, yes. My daughter, no. She would consider the roof a perfect opportunity to test out a homemade parachute. :iagree::iagree: Replace "son" with "eldest" and "daughter" with "younger", and that would be us exactly. Particularly at the age of 8. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 sure with supervision. This reminds me of the Little House episode where Mr. Edwards nails baby Carrie's dress to the roof so he can keep an eye on her while repairing the roof. It also reminds me that when I was a kid my house was the place to be because we were the latchkey children in the neighborhood. One of the activities was playing on the roof (one story on the part we climbed, but 2 story for most of it). We played tag up there. Sometimes 15-20 kids. I remember one day my dad getting on the roof then complaining to my mother that he didn't understand why the brand new roof was wearing so quickly--the company he contracted with must have used low quality tiles. Dad still does not know. It's been 40 years. I think the other moms looked down at my mother for working, but no one stopped their kid from coming over. Thankfully, the only person who fell off the roof was my older sister, who told dad she fell off her bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IsabelC Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Depends on the kid. For myself, I'd be quite comfortable for either of my elder kids (7 and 9) to be up there helping their daddy. But no way would I let them both go up together, because they would muck around and annoy each other and it wouldn't be safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyhomemaker Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Depends on the kid and the supervisor. Dd is clumsy and afraid of heights so that would have been a disaster. Ds would be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten18 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 My son, yes. My daughter, no. She would consider the roof a perfect opportunity to test out a homemade parachute. :lol: Opposite at my house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Depends on the child, the roof, the work at hand and the supervisor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tammieb Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 My son, yes. My daughter, no. She would consider the roof a perfect opportunity to test out a homemade parachute. LOL :rofl:!! I thought my daughter was a one of kind. Guess not!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I guess laws are different in each country. Here you practically need a licence for working on a roof, and then you have to follow very strict guidelines, including wearing a harness at all times etc. Many many people have died falling off single story roofs. My Brother (an electrician , who has a licence to work on roofs) fell off one, he landed on his back, broke 4 ribs and tore several ligaments. A local builder was killed when he fell of a single story roof. Would I allow a child to be working on the roof? no way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tasia Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 My 8yo? Yes, he did it often. Your 8yo? Can't say. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeachGirl Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 So, it depends. It depends on how responsible the adult in charge is and it depends on how mature and responsible the child is. Starting at around the age of six, I helped my dad on the roof with the beehives he kept up there. He was very careful to watch me closely and make sure I didn't go near the edge without him there. He didn't let my brother help out until he was 10 because my brother didn't take directions very well. It really depends on the child. If you have a child who is mature for their age and listens and follows directions then go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Nope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Sure, why not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abigail4476 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I guess laws are different in each country. Here you practically need a licence for working on a roof, and then you have to follow very strict guidelines, including wearing a harness at all times etc. Many many people have died falling off single story roofs. My Brother (an electrician , who has a licence to work on roofs) fell off one, he landed on his back, broke 4 ribs and tore several ligaments. A local builder was killed when he fell of a single story roof. Would I allow a child to be working on the roof? no way. Do you have to have a license and wear a harness to work on your own roof? I would think all that regulation would apply to working on other people's roofs. My husband does all sorts of maintenance work around our house and property; we rarely hire anything out. Ds9 and dd16 help him quite often with everything from car repairs to putting up Christmas lights, repairing fences, cleaning out barns, etc. Nearly every job comes with risk. Repairing fences, you have to deal with sharp, rusty barbed wire; Christmas lights--there are ladders to climb; cleaning out barns, you're bound to encounter snakes, mice, spiders and the occasional yellow-jacket nest. My husband teaches our kids about safety while they learn how to work and we all work hard. I wouldn't have it any other way. Occasionally there may be something I feel is too risky (or vice versa) and when that happens we have the "no vote wins" rule. (If either parent votes "no" on an activity, it doesn't happen.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellydon Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Fine at our house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenpatty Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I could easily see my 8 year old up there helping his daddy. But I admit, I would be too nervous to watch! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Not a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renee in NC Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Depends on the roof, the child, and the parent. In our case, my now 9yo could have been on the roof (and was) when he was 8, but not my current 8yo. My 9yo and 11yo cleaned the gutters on our last house regularly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 No! No! No! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idnib Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Yes, if the roof wasn't pitched too steeply. My oldest is only 8 but if my brother's mind was representative of the male teenage brain, I'd rather send an 8-year old up than a 14-year old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 When my boys were newly 9 and 11, they helped my dh build a screened porch off the back of my house and ROOFED IT with their dad's help. You wouldn't believe the stuff they can do now. I have one son who, to this day, I would not want to see on a roof. :lol: If it's not your kid, you really can't make a judgement call on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fhjmom Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I also say it depends on the child and the roof. I used to play on the roof of both our house and our barn growing up. My dad is a builder and I was on roofs, in rafters of unfinished houses, etc. helping him from the time I was big enough to hold the end of the tape. My brother was not much of a climber and would hold on with both hands if his feet were off the floor, so he wasn't much help with any work requiring climbing. Even though he was 6 years older, I got to help dad with any jobs that required climbing or heights. It is pretty much the same with my DS and DDs; the girls would be much more comfortable at heights. Our roof is very steep though, so I would be more cautious with the kids on it than I would on most other houses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Do you have to have a license and wear a harness to work on your own roof? I would think all that regulation would apply to working on other people's roofs. My husband does all sorts of maintenance work around our house and property; we rarely hire anything out. Ds9 and dd16 help him quite often with everything from car repairs to putting up Christmas lights, repairing fences, cleaning out barns, etc. Nearly every job comes with risk. Repairing fences, you have to deal with sharp, rusty barbed wire; Christmas lights--there are ladders to climb; cleaning out barns, you're bound to encounter snakes, mice, spiders and the occasional yellow-jacket nest. My husband teaches our kids about safety while they learn how to work and we all work hard. I wouldn't have it any other way. Occasionally there may be something I feel is too risky (or vice versa) and when that happens we have the "no vote wins" rule. (If either parent votes "no" on an activity, it doesn't happen.) You are not meant to be working on your own roof. If you were re cladding your roof and are caught, you can get a 1 year good behaviour bond, or a hefty fine. I would imagine that if it was discovered that you had children on the roof working, that would probably involve child protection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I'd trust my husband with either of my boys on a one-story roof, sure. Ds has been helping dh put up the Christmas lights (one story house) since he was six. It always terrified me, but that's because I'm afraid of heights. I trust my husband with his son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marie131 Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 No way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Two answers. 1. I totally trust my husband with the saftey of our kids. 2. Inside? I would be freaking because *I* hate heights. Hate. Vertigo, spinning, yarking. I don't want my kids to catch that from me. Go ahead, go out on the roof with your dad. If you need me, I'll be int he bathroom with my head int he toilet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 When I was 8 I was jumping off of the roof of our shed into grass piles. I was playing in the barn loft at that age too, and it was a lot higher than the roof of our house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 You are not meant to be working on your own roof.If you were re cladding your roof and are caught, you can get a 1 year good behaviour bond, or a hefty fine. I would imagine that if it was discovered that you had children on the roof working, that would probably involve child protection. But define "working on." I mean, surely you can clean your own gutters or replace a couple of loose shingles on your own roof? Our roof is flat and rubber. So it wouldn't be any more dangerous than any other high up flat surface. Just stay away from the edge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 You are not meant to be working on your own roof.If you were re cladding your roof and are caught, you can get a 1 year good behaviour bond, or a hefty fine. I would imagine that if it was discovered that you had children on the roof working, that would probably involve child protection. Is this an Australia thing? I've never heard of it being illegal to work on your own roof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Depends on the child and adult supervising. Would I want my 8 year old playing on the roof? No. Helping dad up there on a stable shingled roof that was not overly steep away from teh edge, sure why not...provided kid was not the type to decide to take a running leap off the edge or parent was not the type to ignore dangerous behaviour up there etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 My oldest at 8? Absolutely. Dh? Maybe. The other three kids and I? :scared: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 You are not meant to be working on your own roof.If you were re cladding your roof and are caught, you can get a 1 year good behaviour bond, or a hefty fine. I would imagine that if it was discovered that you had children on the roof working, that would probably involve child protection. Are you sure about this? My quick google search came up with nothing but DIY advice for roof repair in Australia. No mention of it being illegal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Sure! All three of my kids have been fine on the roof helping dad with Christmas lights. Even on the second story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AurieD Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 <p> You are not meant to be working on your own roof.If you were re cladding your roof and are caught, you can get a 1 year good behaviour bond, or a hefty fine. I would imagine that if it was discovered that you had children on the roof working, that would probably involve child protection. Are you sure about this? My quick google search came up with nothing but DIY advice for roof repair in Australia. No mention of it being illegal. As far as I am aware it is not illegal where I am (Western Australia), though you may need a licensed builder to do something like replace the whole roof. In the country children are on the roof helping frequently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Are you sure about this? My quick google search came up with nothing but DIY advice for roof repair in Australia. No mention of it being illegal. In Victoria you have to have a roofing licence to replace your roof. Mostly it is plumbers that have the roofing licence. Electricians have a licence to do work on the roof that involves removing sections of the roof to get inside. My DH, (very much a do it yourself man) did our plumbing and put the cladding on our roof. Unfortunately he got caught. And he had to go to court and had a 1 year good behaviour bond. It is not illegal to go onto your own roof, just doing roofing is illegal. Do people do it? in the country they do, but if they get caught , it isn't good. you can clean your own gutters, there is no need to go onto the roof to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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