Many farm-related tragedies involving children can be prevented. One important way is for parents to practice safe farming themselves. Children mimic their parents. Just Kids, Earlham, Iowa. This non-profit organization has more than 40 local chapters throughout North America and conducts safety education activities for both adults and children.
Parents can answer children's questions related to their own farm.
Larry Piercy, Extension safety specialist at the University of Kentucky, agrees that families should discuss safety issues. He gives the example of focus groups in Kentucky where parents acknowledged the risks involved with children working on the farm. Still, many of the parents said they needed their kids to work to ease financial pressures. Others felt that assigning chores to children helped convey a strong work ethic and other positive social behavior. Piercy advises parents to talk to each other and to think about age-appropriate tasks for their children.