Bee Keeping and Children

[bwallace23350]

Is 5 to early to start a nephew in beekeeping? He loves my garden and this would just be the next step.

[Michael Bush]

Get him a full suit (preferably ventilated).  Be prepared to close up and go home when he loses interest so he doesn't think it's a chore.

[sc-bee]

Absolutely protect him with PPE to the Nth degree. When we were beginners I and my 12 yr old made a serious mistake and got lit up. He never recovered from it..... to the point he was having nightmares. He never went back and is now 24 and deployed. Maybe one day he will return to keeping but I doubt it seriously...

[divemaster1963]

I started when I was seven. Got thrown into deep end. Let him watch first and let himake the decision to do some thing. If he wants to know how the sting fells flick his arm with your figure to make it sting and show him that it goes away after awhile. Don't pretend to him that it does not hurt. Let him know what happens.

John

[Hops Brewster]

In general, to nurture a kid's curiosity is to foster a life of learning.  Specifically, if the kid is curious about bees, go for it.   If a kid is old enough to mind you when you say "please do this" or "don't do that", then he is old enough to get close and learn to not be afraid.

They make full suits to fit lil toddlers.   Let that be your guide.

[sc-bee]

If he wants to know how the sting fells flick his arm with your figure to make it sting and show him that it goes away after awhile. Don't pretend to him that it does not hurt. Let him know what happens.

John

Good Idea

[bwallace23350]

Thanks everyone. I will for sure get him the best suite and not let him get hurt.

[Psparr]

I threw mine in the deep end so to speak.
https://youtu.be/l_Jrw3NG31k

[Bush_84]

I've had my young kids in suits for years. My kids are currently 8, 6, and 2. I wouldn't say 5 is to young. As long as they have adequate protection and are interested I'd go for it. My apiary is at home. So if they get bored or hot they go inside. For the longest time I only had one suit and they'd fight over who got to go with. So for Christmas this last year we got them both a new suit and gloves.

[bwallace23350]

I've had my young kids in suits for years. My kids are currently 8, 6, and 2. I wouldn't say 5 is to young. As long as they have adequate protection and are interested I'd go for it. My apiary is at home. So if they get bored or hot they go inside. For the longest time I only had one suit and they'd fight over who got to go with. So for Christmas this last year we got them both a new suit and gloves.

Good stuff. I hope he likes it. He is interested in the rest of my garden .

[Acebird]

Is 5 to early to start a nephew in beekeeping?

First ask your brother or sister.

[bwallace23350]

Is 5 to early to start a nephew in beekeeping?

First ask your brother or sister.

Already did. They are ok with it. They think it is a great idea. They are not outdoors type people but I am so they have let me take over teaching him about things like this because he is really interested in it.

[Acebird]

Is 5 to early to start a nephew in beekeeping?

First ask your brother or sister.

They are ok with it.

Then you have the only answer you need.  You have no way of knowing what a colony will do when so I would have them wear protection.

[bwallace23350]

Is 5 to early to start a nephew in beekeeping?

First ask your brother or sister.

They are ok with it.

Then you have the only answer you need.  You have no way of knowing what a colony will do when so I would have them wear protection.

No worry on that. He will be decked out in full protection with the best suit money can buy. I won't let him go in the summer when it is to hot though as I cna't keep up with how hydrated he is though.