Peter,
 
I couldn't agree more. My 10 yr old daughter never misses a trip to our
apiary to work the bees or just sit quietly and watch them come and go -
sometimes we sit for over an hour. She is an avid reader and delights in
explaining the activities we observe. Her confidence is boosted by
reliable equipment but understands that stings will happen even with
protective gear. At the first beekeeper's meeting we attended she was
noticeably deflated when someone said you couldn't be a beekeper if you
haven't been stung. A week or two later when she was stung it was like a
rite of passage for her. Funny how with her dad there are just watery
eyes but with mom the damn bursts open:)  Even if we never get more than
a cupful of honey from our efforts, the opportunity this creates for me
to spend time with my kids is invaluable. My 6yr old son seems greatly
indifferent and finds even the thought of a sting not worth any effort
or reward - maybe he's a fisherman.
 
BTW, I've told her she can't date till she's 30 - think that will work?
 
 
AL
 
 
 
 
 
Peter Dalby wrote:
>
> Both our children have been involved in our bee operation from an early
> age,Naomi received her first sting when only a few days old but despite 2
> very worried parents came to no apparent harm. Rebekah was older. Both the
> girls had their first beesuits before they were 2 years old. Naomi is now 15
> and strange things in trousers are more interesting but Rebekah (12) still
> goes out with me and thinks nothing of working 20 or 30 hives  alongside me.
>     During the whole of their lives there have been a  couple of hives in
> the garden and often in summer their friends visit to look at the bees,
> rabbits and other animals. Both children have assisted in public
> demonstrations of bee handling since before they were school age. Rebekah is
> more than happy to demonstrate to others how to sting for therapeutic
> purposes by stinging her own arm. I would say get kids involved with the
> bees if they are interested, but do take some precautions==