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Teeter Totter ~ Finding a Balance Between Me-Hood and Motherhood
Gender: female Date of Birth: January 01, 1973 Member Since: September 11, 2007 Last Signed In: November 20, 2009 Blog Views: 14722 Send To A Friend Sign Guestbook Add as a Friend
Growing That Acorn
Faith Need vs Want A Tight Budget Holiday The Play Priority Disney’s A Christmas Carol – A Mom Review Making it Easy on Yourself When It Rains… You Are Here Halloween with Older Kids September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 Teeter Totter Finding a Balance Between "Me-Hood" and "Motherhood" In this blog I'll be covering as wide a variety of subjects as the duties of a real mom in today's culture. From raising special needs children, family vacations, marriage, relationships, sex, cooking, local to-do, school (both for you and the children), working, hiring a daycare provider, arts and crafts, decorating, holidays, to well... EVERYTHING! No holding back. 
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When to Work?
One question that crosses the parents of a teenager's mind is “When should they work?” The answer these days seems to be at a much older age than when I was young. At 15 ½ I had already been working for a full year. Granted, I was in a hurry to move out, grow up and all to do all the things that most of my peers were happy to delay. Even so, teenagers today seem to be in even less of a rush, as do their parents. At 15, none of my son’s friends have had a job of any kind yet. Even though some are a year or two older! It seems like parents today better understand the importance of grades and education over rushing their children into the workforce. Also, children today seem much busier with sports, camps, lessons and other time-takers than when I was young. All of these forces seem to add up to young adults having their first jobs in college, some even later. Personally, I see much to be learned and gained in a business environment, but fiercely agree that my son’s not ready. Next summer he’ll be 16 ½. Although not yet ready for a “summer job” I do think he’ll benefit from some “summer volunteering.” I think working for free (aka: volunteering) will give him the confidence he needs in that kind of environment before having the pressures of working for pay. It’s also good to learn how to contribute to your community in a volunteer position before exploring what you’d like to do to earn a paycheck! All important “life lessons” in my opinion. How about you? When was your first job? How old were you? Do you think you’ll encourage your teenager to work? Or focus more on school and outside interests? 3 comments from 3 users
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posted by
eileenjane
on Aug 14, 2009 at 11:36 AM
I did a lot of babysitting as a kid, but didn't have any real part-time jobs until I was in college. My kids (15 and 17) have done pet-sitting and the occasional short-term part-time work, but right now the job market is tough! Not only do they have to compete against college kids for the typical hamburger flipping, waiting tables kind of jobs, now some out of work adults are competing for those positions, too.
I do think having those jobs where they need to show up at a certain time and meet certain responsibilities is good for them, though. I wish it was easier for them to find those opportunities! posted by
creatress
on Aug 14, 2009 at 02:44 PM
WOW! Your kids are really ahead of the game. Pet sitting is a great way to earn a little money and learn a lot about responsibilities. That's a great idea. Good point about the job market being against them. posted by
bizmom2
on Aug 14, 2009 at 06:00 PM
I think the best advice would be to allow the child to do what he likes doing instead of pushing him for work. If he likes to work he can go ahead. If he perhaps likes to hon his skills in drawing or painting or music for that matter, give him a helping hand. Just let him live out his passion. That will bring the best in him and he will surely excel.
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