Teen Question?

Question

My teen son wants to get an after-school and weekend job. What do you think? What concerns should I have?

Answer 1

Make sure you explain clearly that their grades come first. If their grades suffer then they will have to quit their jobs to concentrate on school.

This will be a good opportunity to teach them how to handle money. Get them a bank account and teach them how to manage it. Teach them how much to save, how much to give to charity and how to pay the expenses associated with having a job.

Answer 2

I think teens should have jobs. It gives them valuable experience they can't learn in school. It will also be an opportunity for you to counsel him on how to get along with others in a work environment.

But as a parent you will have to lay down ground rules.
First you have to make sure he is in a safe environment for his age group. You have to make sure he knows he must keep his grades up, and that school work is still his #1 priority. Then you will have to make sure he isn't spending his money on "bad" things, and maybe even tell him that saving a portion of each paycheck is a requirement. He could also contribute to the household by using some of his money to buy school clothes and other necesseties. This could be a good opportunity for him to learn how to keep a checking &/or savings account. You might even insist on seeing an "accounting" of what he spends his money on. This may seem "tough" to him, but it's not any different than if he were married.....his wife would have the right to know those things too.

I did this with my kid and he turned out pretty well....he's 24, in the Air Force, married and about to become a father. He's pretty responsible for his age and a good provider for his family. So I guess I took the right path with him.

Answer 3

Yes, you should definitely allow him to get a part-time job.
It will be a great way for him to learn about time management, responsibility, how to interact with customers, engaging in teamwork, how to manage money, etc. It will help to prepare him for the real world. If he is planning on going to college, it will look good on his applications, and if he wants to start working after highschool, at least he will have real work experience. This will give him an advantage over others with no experience.
As long as it doesn't interfere with his schoolwork, I don't think there is any reason to forbid it. I would just make it clear that school must come first and if his grades start slipping, there will be consequences. The only thing you might have to consider is transportation - does he have the means necessary to get back and forth from his job, or will you have to drive him everytime?
Good luck with your situation!

Answer 4

wellll i dont know how your son is. but if he really wants a job. make sure its part time. also if might just say he wants a job so that youd think he is at work but then he might be out in town with his friends and giiirrrllsss. so be careful. ask him why he wants another job. if its for the money, then i say give him some money every month. or if he is like between 15 and 17 and wants to learn to keep a job then let him have one. make sure its close to home and have a talk to his boss and see what he will be doing and find out his schedule.

Answer 5

Be glad he is showing responsibility.Let him know that you support him in wanting to do a part time job. Let him know that school comes first and if his grades fall he will have to work less hours or quit.Does he do any after school activities i.e. sports, clubs etc. He will still need time for homework.How late will he work and how will he get home from work(bus, car, bike ,parent etc) Will his employer be flexible with hours during exam time?Can your son manage his time wisely?Even though your son wants to earn his own money he must be willing to make priorities (school vs.work)

Answer 6

Work is good for a teen. It will keep them out of trouble and teach them some responsibility. I worked from the time I was 12. I think it helps them learn to keep a job when they are older too. It the kids that don't work or don't have to work that grow up not wanting to work.

Answer 7

You should be happy that your son WANTS a job. I have to get a job to pay for car insurance. : D Like everyone else said...

1. Safe place.
2. Keep grades good.

Other than that, it's a great idea because it will teach him responsibility and respect. Also, when he realizes the work it takes to earn a buck, he'll be less likely to spend it on frivolous things.

Answer 8

Number one concern should be schoolwork, grades. Have a talk with him, set rules regarding his school studies and discuss with him how he needs to allow for family time and fun time. If he has the right boss/mentor, having a job helps one grow up and be responsible.

Answer 9

I think it's a great idea and a perfect opportunity for him to learn about responsiblity and money. Just make it known to him that if his grades start to slip, he cuts back on hours and if he still doesn't get them back up, he's done. I had a job starting when I was 15 and it didn't affect my grades at all. Give him the opportunity to prove himself. Plus, when he's at work, you don't have to be wondering what he's doing or who he's with all the time!

Answer 10

i think its a good idea that he wants to go and get a job the only problem with it being after school and weekends is if he has lots of homework hows he gunna fit it in