How to Know When Your Teen is Ready for a Job

Teens love the idea of getting a job. They know that a job will give them more money and independence from their family. They feel more adult when they work. But, is your teen really ready to take a job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Legal age: Under federal law children under 14 may only deliver newspapers, work in non hazardous family owned businesses, baby-sit, or do non domestic chores at home. The only exception to this is stage, screen or radio performances. Even these activities are highly regulated.
2. Working papers: Check your states rules that regulate students applying for working papers or job permits.
3. Does he or she get enough sleep now? Will he be able to function when he is getting even less sleep because he is working? Lack of sleep can cause accidents if your teen is a driver, and other careless mistakes.
4. It is likely your teen’s grades will suffer. Are your student’s current grades strong enough to handle a possible dip? How will that hurt your teen in the long run?
5. 5. Does your child take care of at home obligations? Teens happily give up their allowance in exchange for a job that pays real money. But they should still have some responsibility in the home. They should willingly get into the habit of contributing money to the home to show a level of responsibility. (If you do not feel comfortable asking them for money, start a secret savings account for them that you can give them when they leave the home.)
6. Is your child easily led? Will older co-workers lead them astray? If you have a highly impressionable child, letting them go into the workplace too young can be a dangerous thing. You may want to take an extra year or two spend advising your teen in the ways of the world.

Tips & Warnings

• Getting a job too soon can set up your teen for failure.