>>- No employing children;
>>Definitely agree on #2.
>
>For both you and Tamar, is that a blanket statement or do you make exceptions for family business (restaurants & farming come to mind)?
>
>Obviously I'm once again thinking of my personal experience but I dare say while my early work experience is rare I am not unique.
>
>Update : What age range do you consider "children"?
>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24173194

I think absolute for children 10 and under. At 11 or so, some kids may be ready to babysit, shovel a neighbor's driveway, and similar tasks. Nothing with a regular "you must be here every day" kind of schedule, but ways to earn some pocket money.

I'd say 14 minimum for regular employment (retail, etc.) and then with significant restrictions as to what and how many hours (including fewer permitted during the school year and more during vacation times). From there to 18, gradual lessening of restrictions.

Family businesses, especially farms and ranches, raise an interesting set of problems, and I think some common sense is called for. Sending your 6-year-old ought to scatter feed for the chickens is probably not very different from the dime my dad used to give me for each pair of his shoes that I polished. But putting the same kid on a tractor to plow the field is a whole 'nother story.

Tamar