Most teens are excited about getting their very first job. That job usually gives them a sense of adulthood and responsibility. Although you will only be just considering letting them work for a season, you want to make sure that you are making a good decision. It is obvious that if your teen is not responding well in school, working may not be the best option, as they may need to go to summer school. However, if you are considering letting your teen work this summer, ask yourself a set of particular questions to determine if the teen is responsible enough for a summer job.
Working is a big step for teens, but it is not something into which your child should jump. Your child should be mature entering the workforce. If it is a hassle waking him or her up for school, you should probably consider a summer job later, for example. However, if your teen goes to sleep at a responsible hour, wakes his or her self for school, and knows the meaning of right and wrong, then he or she is showing signs of maturity, which is one step to adulthood.
It is important that your teen understands that great hygiene is important. Your teen should be showering regularly. If you are nearly pushing him or her in the tub, it may be best to teach them the importance of hygiene in the workforce. Things like showering and brushing your teeth are things of second nature, things that have to be done. If your child is having trouble understanding that, then it may not be the right time for a summer job.
Everyone makes a bad choice here and there, but make sure your teen has a good handle on right and wrong before allowing them to work this summer. For example, teen that stays up all night long and does not awake for school on time is showing poor judgment by staying up. Is the teen showing responsibility by getting their homework done on time? If they are, then your teen may be ready for a summer job.
Everyone makes mistakes, and it is important that your teen understands this before getting his or her summer job. It should not be hard for your child to say sorry or know when he or she is right or wrong.
Make sure your child knows the importance of being on time. Your teen should have a good grasp on this from going to school on time. If he or she struggles with this, it may be effective for you to help your teen find ways to be on time more often.
Does your teen take criticism well? There will be times in the workforce that your teen will be criticized, which is normal. It is important that he or she respond well to negative and positive feedback.
In the workforce, it is important that your teen is able to respect adults, co-workers, and/or consumers, clients, or customers. Your child should be getting along with most people. If your child finds it hard to get along with others, he or she should probably work on their social skills before working.
Find out why the teen wants to work, as this will give you an idea of what he or she plans to do with their earnings. L your child know what you expect as well. It is important to bring up family, friends, activities, money, and grades. If your teen is not at all ready to work, you’d be the first to know. If your child displays maturity, great hygiene practices, is punctual, respectful, and makes good decisions, they will do just fine.