Summer jobs for our kids

I have encouraged my sister in law to have a garage sale for the past three years during Summer. This also helps us get rid of those things that we really no longer use to give enough space for new things. And with that, we have asked the kids to help us with it. The kids enjoy it everytime. By the end of each day, we give them 10% of the total sales fro which they divide among themselves equally. Nor bad at all, right?

I think you should allow him to experience having summer job. I think this enhances his reality about work and appreciation towards it. When I was young in my province I was a bit unlucky since this summer jobs were not yet available to many of us young ones back then. We would enjoy those idle time and I felt a bit unproductive and when I was about to finish my college they started offering this summer job and by that time I was not interested on it anymore since my aim is to find real jobs already. I think if I was given the chance to experience work at an earlier age I could have matured and get more experience from it making me more ready to work in the real world. I somehow got to learn how things are later in my life after college.

I won't stop my kids but rather support especially he/she is old enough and of course it also depends on what kind of job he/she wants to try. I started working as early as 16 years old - doing part time job and I know it helps a lot to boost our confidence. And that is one reason why I won't stop my kids for taking such step. Aside from confidence, there so much in store to experience.

Hi, If your son is willing to go to summer job then you should allow him. It is very nice that your son is willing to do job instead of making only fun in summer. He would get experience of job and it would be helpful for him in future. In our teen age there are no summer job. We used to make time pass and enjoy summer vacation. After completing graduation I had started doing job.

I don't know if you can call it a summer job but I used to work at my dad's office when I was younger. I just help out there then I got paid for a small amount. Working at fast food chains was not yet allowed during my time. If your son wants to work, let him experience it. At least he'll know how it feels like to work and earn his own money. It will even help him become more responsible. But guide him though since kids have the tendency to be overly excited when it comes to money.

It's a great idea. Kids get very bored during the summer and sometimes get into trouble or do things they shouldn't. A job would teach them responsibility and give them some extra money to save for something. I worked as a preteen mowing lawns, babysitting and then went on to working a car wash. Later pumped gas and worked as a waitress. As a young married mom, I would work seasonal jobs part time for Christmas money. My kids all swept store sidewalks, dusted shelves, ran errands (when they began to drive) and other odd jobs.

Hello louievill. It reminds me of my teen ages during the summer vacation and winter vacation for some odd jobs making some small money. Back to then I was around sixteen and seventeen when I made some small money. I was happy for it and I remember that I bought a nice and new shirt with the money made, but unfortunately the new shirt was stolen while it was hanging outside to get dry not long after it was bought. It made me feel upset for it, but anyway it was a good experience for me. Thanks for the discussion. Take care.

Good that he wants a summer job. He can learn responsibility, and probably he gets to do "dirty" work, such as washing toilets etc. All these are things that you find it hard to get him to do, and yet when he gets paid for it, he is willing to do. Just let him be, and after he has made his money, teach about saving and investing.

My granddaughter wanted to work in the Summer when she was a teen and her father did not let her. She told her that she was too good for some jobs. I was against this but could not do any thing. It took time for Carolina to learn some facts of life that she could have learned then.

Hi louie! Upon reading you post, I asked my son who is 18 years old if what would be his plan for this summer vacation. He told me he wanted to take up English class. So, I told him that if he thinks it could help him with his future, then go for it. Remember, that we could only advise, guide and remind our children. We can never impose on what they have to do with their lives. So if your son thinks that having a summer job could be a way to develop his personality, then let him do it. Have great day!

Hi there ! If my kid would ask for permission for his summer job , i would directly say yes because it is so good to see that young as them , they knew now hard work and responsibilities in life. Working early is a good training ground for them , at an early life they will be independent and will learn how to relate and interact with others.

well, in my idea, it is really good that our children will accept some responsibility and work in summer holidays.. my mom is one of those mom , who would never allow her children to work. and i have seen the result it is not good in comparison of one of our relative who was teaching to her son to do work and earn in his holiday.. the success of that boy is much different from my brother. he is more responsible in his life and knows value of money much more than my brother that he learn to take ready money and ready home by parents... it is not good. but parents are really important to teach children about the life, responsibility, value of money, and so on... it is good that they experience. we can allow then to get a job in summer and ask them to save money for their school fees. it will make them to become responsible. i even know the one who his parents sent him for study to U.S while he was just 13, and from that age, he used to work and study. he was on top grade in his class and learn how to survive and manage his life and for that in early age he run his own factory with thousands stuff...

I didn't work until I was out of school. I would let him. I allowed my children to work when they were teenagers. It gives them good experience and responsibility.

well, it depends on what summer job my child will undergo. If it takes his strength to the maximum, I will advise him not to; if just his mind at work, I will allow him to. But my son is working online so I think I cannot give any suggestion to you now.

I always wanted to work on some vacation jobs when I was younger, but my parents didn't allow me to, as they prefer me to spend the holiday to learn something, such as English, because I wouldn't be earning much but I might spend more in transportation fee. I think differently from them. I think I would have gained real experience from working which I wouldn't be able to gain from the school. It isn't the money or time that matters, it's the experience. My husband and I already talked about this, when our children grow older, we'll let them work on some vacation jobs. We both think it will benefit the children.

i think you should definitely allow him as that the moment kids learn and that's good he want to utilise his time intesd of wasting it in doing some nonsense things

I think it would depend on the age of the teenager. I also think it would depend on how responsible you believe he is and will be. I understand wanting to work for a little extra money though. Lots of people want to earn extra money especially teens. In a way I think it would be a good thing because then they might understand and be able to buy a few of the things that they need for themselves.

Have the talk about the dangers of associating with strangers. Kidnappings are real. Make sure the child checks in after every shift for his safety and your peace of mind.

All six of my kids had summer jobs and some they created themselves. They would mow yards and house sit for people. All of them when they turned sixteen had a job before and after school.

I was 15 when I went to CA to finish school. I worked from the time I was 16 on. Yes I had a summer job at 15 baby sitting. My daughter never worked a summer job but when she turned 16 she did have a part time job after school and weekends. Here on the islands there isn't what you would call summer jobs. Sorry not much help on this one.