July 13th

Lawn Mowing Master

Helping out…whether you are helping someone or something…is one of the most rewarding and satisfying things you can do!  You don’t have to change the world or move mountains to make a difference.

Simple things like walking your neighbor’s dog or helping around the house is enough to show everyone how much you care.

This month, your Helping Out Challenge is to become a Lawn Mowing Master! What is this challenge about, you ask?

Maybe you don’t realize it, but there are plenty of people you know who could probably use a little help keeping their lawn mowed and in tip-top shape.  Help your neighbors, friends, and family keep their lawn beautiful this month by offering to mow their lawn for free.  Yes, free…because it is not really a “challenge” if you are making a bunch of money.

However, if someone insists on paying you, let them know they can make a donation to a local charity instead.

If you are not quite old enough to operate a lawn mower by yourself, you can still help by raking up grass clippings and helping with other little jobs around the yard or garden, like weeding.

Here’s how to start…

1.  Ask for permission before attempting to become a Lawn Mowing Master.

2.  Make a list of everyone you know in your neighborhood, friends, and family who might need help with their lawn…  

Think of people who aren’t “as young as they used to be” and would appreciate a “young, strong back” to help them out with some things around the yard.  

Think of people who have busy jobs.  Jobs that keep them away from their house for long periods of time making it difficult to relax when they are home because they have a lawn to mow.  

Think of people with small children and babies.  It is often difficult for people with babies to get outside chores, like lawn mowing, done because it just is not safe to use a lawn mower around really young children.  

Think of someone you know who is planning a summer vacation. Offer to mow their lawn for free while they are gone. They will really appreciate coming home to a freshly mowed lawn!

Think of someone who is hurt. Do you know anybody who has broken a bone recently and can’t mow their lawn very easy? Maybe you know someone who is bound to a wheelchair and could use your help too.

And it doesn’t have to stop with people who are in need. Anyone would be grateful to not have to mow their lawn for a day! A break from lawn mowing? Sign me up!

3.  Make a flyer offering your services.  Be sure to let people know your lawn mowing services are FREE.  Again, if they insist on paying you money, have them make a donation to a local charity.  Animal shelters and food shelves are located in most communities and are always in need of donations.

4.  Distribute your flyers to the people on your list.  If possible, hand deliver it.  This gives you a chance to explain to them why you are doing what you are doing.

5.  Make up a schedule.  Everyone who signs up for your services needs to be put on a schedule so they know when you will be to their house and you know when to be to their house.  If something comes up, be sure to call them right away and reschedule if possible.

6.  Prepare for your lawn mowing jobs by eating a good breakfast and drinking a lot of water before heading out the door.  Also, bring some water with you to the job.  It is very important to stay hydrated when working outside under the sun.

7.  Be on time.  It is important to be on time for everything you do.  It shows you care. It shows you are responsible and can be trusted.  Things happen and sometimes you can’t help being late.  Again, call if you are going to be late.

8.  Talk to your customer before beginning your job.  They will show you the specifics of their yard and lawn.  You don’t want to accidentally mow over their prized petunias they got from Aunt Petunia.

9.  While you are mowing, be careful and go slow.  Watch where you are going at all times.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Accidents happen, but they can usually be avoided if you’re being careful.

10.  When you are done, tell your customer “thank you” for letting you help them.  Be sincere.  It is extremely important to learn how to help others, no matter the job.


When you have completed steps one through ten, you officially become a Lawn Mowing Master! Congratulations, you have earned an ice cream cone or glass of lemonade!


Now, keep it up for the rest of the month or for the rest of the summer.  What you have given your neighbors, family, and friends by mowing their lawn cannot be bought.  You gave them your time.  And there is no gift more precious and valuable than time.  As a side note: If you know of anyone who is in need of having their lawn mowed or some general lawn maintenance done, you can always surprise them.  Wait for that person to be away from the house, sneak over there, and mow the lawn while they are gone!  You are sure to put a smile on their face when they get home…especially if you leave an anonymous note telling them, “Now you can kick back and relax.  The lawn is mowed!”