Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.--Proverbs 22:6, AMPC

Letting your child drive the riding lawnmower is how my daughter learned to first drive a car; the "pre-cursor" to driving, anyway.

In a safe place, she learned to navigate around other objects; parallel park; drive backwards while watching where she was going; and operate the gas pedal and the shift and the clutch.

It is an "empowerment" for them, and another benefit is that, once your child knows how to operate the mower, you can teach them how to mow your yard! 

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.