Should Your Teen Get a Job?
The question is whether or not you should allow your child to get a job in addition to his or her school work. The answer varies from family to family, but hopefully I can help you make that decision.
Schoolwork should always come first, whether other activities include soccer, band, choir, or an after-school job. Teens need ample time to study, do homework, and review for finals without being distracted by other engagements. For that reason, some parents only allow their teenagers to work during the summer, but if your child really wants a job, you might want to consider it.
On the plus side, jobs instill a sense of responsibility in teenagers. They learn early on what its like to enter the work force, and they get first-hand knowledge of what employers look for in their staff. Filling out applications, dressing for interviews, and meeting obligations on time will set the stage for future success.
They also learn what its like to get along with co-workers and superiors, taking criticism in stride and taking pride in their accomplishments. Working us much different from school in that no one is there to hold your hand. A shy teen will learn empowerment and the ability to assert themselves.
If you have a child who consistently gets in trouble at school, I would also recommend allowing him or her to take a job. Responsibility is a key ingredient in the maturation process, and it might be just what he or she needs to gain perspective on life.
No matter what the reason, if you do decide to allow your teen to search for a job, make sure to lay ground rules before it even begins. Talk with your spouse about what you think is acceptable, and agree before you speak with your child. This will avoid arguments during the conversation because what you and your spouse say will be final, and it will eliminate the possibility of confusion.
Here are a few things you should consider:
1. Schedule
Agree in advance on how many hours your teen will be able to accept at his or her job. Account for time to study, go to school, and participate in any current extracurricular activities. If you agree on only weekends, stick to that; if you will allow him or her to work on the weekdays, specify what times.
2. Grades
Depending on your teen’s typical grades at school, determine how you will decide if he or she must quit their job. If, for example, your student is an A & B student, let them know that if their grades drop to a C or below, that they will have to return their focus to schoolwork.
3. Type of Employment
If your teen already has ideas for jobs, decide whether or not they are appropriate for his or her age group. If not, sit down with your spouse and your teen and talk about where they might want to apply. Some jobs are more demanding than others, and some require different time commitments. Make sure that he or she applies for jobs where their schedule will not be a problem.
4. Location
Where your teen works is very important, depending on whether or not he or she has transportation. If the job is located twenty miles away, for example, how will he or she get to work? Are you or your spouse going to be responsibe for their transportation, or are you going to buy your child a car?
This is extremely important because if your teen is late for work, or is unable to get there, it will affect his or her employment record for life. Negative references are extremely detrimental when seeking employment later in life. So be sure you have the transportation issue worked out well in advance of applications and interviews.
With all of these things decided, you are ready to have a serious discussion with your teen. Make sure that he or she understands the responsibility that they are taking on, and that they are prepared to meet their obligations for the entire term of their employment. Also instill in them the knowledge that they are in the real world now, and that mistakes with this job can affect their career for years to come.
If you decide after reviewing the facts that your teen should not have a job, explain this to them as best you can. List your reasons for wanting them to stay unemployed, and let them know that you will address the subject again when summer rolls around. Let them know that you are sure they could handle the responsibility, but that you want them to focus on their education.
