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| My Teen Wants to Work; Teen wants to make some money | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 28 2007, 10:10 AM (466 Views) | |
| Post #1 Aug 28 2007, 10:10 AM | hamsters |
| I know this is probably very normal, my husband says 'all boys want some money in their wallet'. My almost 15-year old son went out and found himself a part time job washing dishes in a local establishment. He has been complaining that he wants more spending money and wants to earn his own. I was very proud of him for showing the initiative. He is a mature kid. I guess I am on that 'cusp' of still wanting to protect him and am having trouble letting him grow. I want him to still be a 'kid'. I never worked in High School, but my husband did. I always felt that once I started working, that was it--you never get to go back and be care-free again. He gets an allowance and has chores at home. He will be starting High School (9th grade) and I want him to have the proper time for his school work. We have been supportive of this idea as long as school comes first. I also told him he needed to think about saving (instead of only spending) and he said he already thought he would put $20 per every $100 he earns into savings. He also asked me to buy him a small pocket planner so he could calender himself properly. I have been trying to get him to use a planner for his school responsibilities forever. I guess you all think I am crazy for my worry? |
Newbie
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| Post #2 Aug 28 2007, 10:36 AM |
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| No, you're not crazy at all. You're just concerned about your "baby". It sounds like he has his head on straight, so I wouldn't be at all concerned about him testing the waters in the work field. As long as he keeps his school work in line, and doesn't develop an "attitude", then support him totally. Of course you're going to be concerned, but I'd worry if you weren't worried. It sounds like you have a wonderful kid. |
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| Post #3 Aug 28 2007, 04:12 PM |
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"I always felt that once I started working, that was it--you never get to go back and be care-free again." I have been working since I was 16, and I never stopped until I was 34 and my son was 7. So I see what you mean. BUT, there is a big difference between working to keep a roof over your head and food on your table, and working to have spending money. You and your hubby provide your son with the necessities he needs now, so as far as he is concerned, this time of his life is still care-free. Just wait until he is responsible for providing all the basic needs of life for himself to worry about whether or not he is enjoying life. Good job, Mom! B) |
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| Post #4 Aug 28 2007, 05:04 PM |
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Hamsters, Your son sounds amazing. He's going to put 20% away, he wants a day planner to keep track of his school and work schedule and he'll be earning his own spending money. Sounds to me that you've raised one heck of a responsible kid and he's already working on being a real man - earning his own way. And look at it this way, since he still has 4 more years of school, he can decide he doesn't like working while attending school and he may give up the job. I say give yourself a pat on the back and realize that you've done one heck of a job. He could be like my nephews - I want a car and you're paying for the gas and insurance until I'm 18. No, I will not get a job to pay for these things. I am entitled and you will pay for them. |
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| Post #5 Aug 29 2007, 07:40 PM | hamsters |
| Thanks all for the support and kind words. Funny thing is that when he reported in for the job they found out how old he was. He looks 16+ and presented himself with as he said "a handshake and good eye contact" and they never imagined he was only 14 (15 in February). I am proud of him, even though he is now very disappointed. I let him know he was a success even though the job didn't materialize. To my relief, he is going to concentrate on starting off high school with no job responsibilities and says he'll be back for a job when they are ready for him. |
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| Post #6 Aug 30 2007, 08:16 AM |
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Hamsters, I'm glad it worked out that he won't be working. But I'm curious as to why he can't work at 14. Is it the policy of the company or the state you live in? My daughter was working at 14. She just couldn't work more than X hours and couldn't start before a certain time in the AM and she couldn't work past a certain time at night. |
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| Post #7 Aug 30 2007, 09:00 AM |
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Some businesses just don't hire kids under the age of 16. It depends on the child labor laws in the state you are in, but most states also have a limit on the number of kids under the age of 16 that a business can employ at any given time. Perhaps that business already has reached the limit. It's always a good idea if he focuses on his school work, anyway. The work ethic he adopts with regard to self-discipline in school will help him in the working world, too. Best of luck! |
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| Post #8 Aug 30 2007, 08:08 PM |
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| It sounds like you aren't making him work, you are letting him work - big difference. He knows school has to be his priorty "work" right now. The only thought I have is be careful where he saves his money. Colleges take almost everything in a kids bank account. We learned to let the kids save it in thier piggy banks and/or spend it on things that will be useful in college BEFORE the college takes 90%. Less interest, but ultimately more than that saved. |
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