Many parents are bracing themselves for the summer with their teen. There are so many things to consider - everything from what time their teenager needs to be out of the bed in the morning, how much time they should spend gaming, expectations around the house and curfew, just to name a few. Typically, the teen's perspective is different from the parent's point of view.
While the school year can be very taxing and it's nice to have less stress during the summer, experts encourage parents to avoid throwing structure out the window as kids rest up for the next school year.
Perhaps one solution to keeping your teen constructively involved is to strongly encourage them to find a summer job. While 13 or 14 may be too young for employment, they do have other options. It isn't too young to do yard work, baby-sit, clean houses or some other type of work.
Julie BaumgardnerTeens can learn so much from having a job. In fact, it can help prepare them for life. Actually going through the interview process is a serious accomplishment, as many young people struggle with conversations that don't involve texting. Learning how to look someone in the eyes and answer questions about yourself is huge.
Once they have secured a job, they typically have the opportunity to learn a few things. Some of those things include how to get along with a diverse team of people, manage their time, deal with authority figures other than their parents and engage with people who are rude and difficult. They also can experience getting along with kind and encouraging people, develop an understanding of a work ethic and learn how to handle the money they earn.
One teenager accepted an eight-week job as a summer camp counselor. The job was not glamorous, and many of her co-workers were challenging, so the teen frequently talked with her parents about the difficulties she was experiencing. Halfway into her commitment, she told her parents that four other camp counselors had quit. The parents felt like the teen was looking for a way out as well.
Both parents strongly advised her not to quit, reminding her of the commitment she made. She stayed, and to this day has never forgotten the lessons she learned about how to treat people, what respect looks like and that she had it in her to overcome adversity and finish what she started. She learned a lot about herself that summer, and while she wouldn't want to repeat it, she would not trade the valuable lessons she learned.
Summer jobs can teach the life lessons most parents want to instill in their children as they prepare for independent living. If you are wondering where to start, First Things First is offering Success Ready on June 1-2 at Chattanooga State Community College, 4501 Amnicola Highway. It's a two-day networking experience for teens ages 15-18 who are interested in summer employment.
Day 1 consists of communication skills, going over the basics of a job application, how to prepare for and what to wear for an interview, managing conflict and keeping drama to a minimum. Day 2 will feature a job fair with a number of employers who are ready to hire for summer jobs. You and your teen can find more information about Success Ready at firstthings.org.
Whether your teen wants to build a resume for college or is preparing to learn a vocation, securing a summer job can be just the character-building experience he or she need. It will certainly teach them lessons that will serve them wherever life takes them.
Julie Baumgardner is president and CEO of family advocacy nonprofit First Things First. Contact her at julieb@firstthings.org.