It’s almost summer time and for our teenagers that means summer jobs. As a single mother the decision to allow your child to get a summer job is a big one. If you need their help at home with younger siblings it may be out of the question, but is that fair?
One of the huge expenses of all parents but particularly single parents is daycare so when you have a child old enough to take care of their younger siblings while you work, it can seem like a financial boon. The downside to that is that your older child may come to resent having to care for their siblings.
If you are enlisting an older child to take care of younger ones, make it worthwhile for them. Teenagers can be very self focused so if you can show them that there is something in it for them, they will get on board faster. Don’t just assume that now that they are old enough, this is their job. Pay your child for his or her time. If caring for siblings interferes with getting a summer job, make sure they still have pocket money.
Sometimes it’s best to allow them to get a job, it’s a great confidence builder, and they aren’t always asking you for money for things.
Talk with your teen about their responsibilities around the house. Make sure they understand that like school, their responsibilities at home take priority over a job. Once you have decided what hours they can work, help them with their search.
Even fast food restaurants are looking for resumes now so help your child build one. They can use the child care and volunteer skills they’ve learned on their resume. Writing a resume and interviewing for a part time job will give your child skills they will need when it comes time to apply to colleges.
Do practice interviews with your child. Teach her how to play up her skills so that an employer will understand that she is dependable and able to multi task. Ask the hard questions. Also prepare them for disappointment. Very rarely do you get the first job you apply for so teach them not to take it as a personal rejection but rather as an opportunity to learn.
Once they have a job remember to point out how well they are doing managing their time. Positive reinforcement is much more effective than nagging.
Soon you will have an adult on your hands. Part of your responsibility as a parent is to prepare them for the adult world and working is a part of that world for all of us.