When I was a teen I wanted to work. I wanted to earn money to get things that I wanted. So I signed up for the distributive education program at school and started working in my sophomore year. I see more and more teens working today than ever before. Some are doing it to buy clothes, music Cds, electronic gadgets and even cars. What about you, is your teen ready to enter the world of work?
Getting a job is a great way to teach your teens to be responsible. It’s a great way for them to learn how to manage money. Just make sure your child’s grades don’t suffer and that they get enough sleep and rest and the experience can be quite a learning experience.
There are many benefits a teen can gain when they enter the world of work. In the current issue of Family Education Network newsletter, they list several including:
(1) Having a job can teach valuable work skills that can prepare your teen for careers in adulthood.
(2) Working helps develop confidence, a sense of responsibility and independence.
(3) Students who work tend to have higher grades than those who don’t (working about 10-20 hours a week max).
(4) Having a job might introduce your teen to the career he ultimately chooses in adulthood.
There are some issues you want to keep in mind. If your child works more than 20 hours a week, his grades may suffer. A teen who works too many hours may find that his social relationships are strained. Some teens who work long hours are more likely to engage in “risky” activities like using drugs and alcohol.
For me, working was a good experience. It made me feel like an adult. Being the baby of the family that was important to me. I also recall the first time I went to the bank to open my savings account. I felt so proud depositing the check that I had earned. Not to mention the few dollars each year I received from Uncle Sam as a tax refund!
If you have a teen who wants to work just make sure they understand the importance of maintaining good grades. Also talk to them about budgeting and saving some of their money and things of that nature. Most of all, support their move toward independence.
See also:
Treating Teenagers Like Adults
Teaching Your Kids The True Value of a Dollar