I had my granddaughters running the plow truck as soon as they could reach the pedals. They were also shooting the .22 as soon as their arms were long enough to shoulder it. They also were riding dirtbikes when they were 7. This can all be done safely and with the kids learning alll sorts of good lessons and habits at an early age. Of course this is all done on my land so there is that.
I agree with you. It’s perfectly safe to teach them adult skills, if you are using discernment when it is right to learn them.
I would never teach a child to drive on the highway until they were at least 14, but they can learn basic control of a vehicle earlier than that.
I let my kids sit on my lap and steer my truck. They can’t reach the pedals yet heh.
This story is absurd though.
They pick up steering very easily, and the ones who can reach the pedals, when belted in, soon learn to brake.
I even let the older ones drive down the gravel road on the place in 2nd or 3rd gear, with the throttle advanced a bit -- but I'm still on board to "hit the kill switch"...
On a public road? In a car or truck? No way!!
Many farmers have their kids driving in the fields. Her mother said it was a gravel road, so I assume rural. I will not judge the grandfather. I am sure this family is hurting enough.