https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 20 May 2026 01:45:17 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs/page/2#post-1079799 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:25:04 +0000 sandy 1079799@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's so hard to know how to best instill the value of hard work and financial responsibility. I hope my kids will be able to focus on school and sports/clubs during the school year and still understand the value of a dollar. I think there is more to learning about responsibility beyond having a job in high school...I don't want them to focus on earning fun money...I want them to invest in their future by studying hard during the school year and having a summer job. We'll see when the time comes what ends up happening but those are my thoughts for now </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs/page/2#post-1079602 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 13:31:32 +0000 ValentineMommy 1079602@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it depends on the kid and circumstances. If they're involved in school and have activities, I would think it would be a lot. I would want to make sure that school comes first. A summer job - sure! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs/page/2#post-1079598 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 13:30:21 +0000 sunny 1079598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know if I will let my kids have jobs. I never worked throughout highschool because I had too much going on with extra currics, lessons, volunteering and schoolwork. I do think having a job can provide a different set of skills that you learn when you have to interact with lots of people you don't know on a regular basis. In terms of money for college, my scholarships were much more than I could have ever made via a min wage job.</p> <p>I'm thinking that if she wants to have a summer job I'd be okay with that but not during the school year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079201 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:48:15 +0000 Boheme 1079201@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It would depend on school and extracurriculars. I have had a steady job since I was 14, and am better for it. I was a lifeguard at our local community center year-round and I picked up extra teaching swimming lessons. That translated into my first supervisory experience, so it was a great thing for me! DH started his own lawn business at 13, and he has incredible work ethic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079189 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:42:50 +0000 PurplePeony 1079189@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't like my kid to have a regular job during the school year unless he or she was totally uninterested in sports/clubs/other organized activities and the job could take place during the hours between the end of the school day and dinner time. Weekend babysitting would be fine. During the summers, it's up to the kid -- I really miss having summers free now that I'm an adult so I don't think I'd push it too hard, but if my kid wants to make a bit of money and finds a decent way to do it, I'd be fine with that. I didn't have a job until the very end of my senior year of HS (which I wanted to do), and I'm glad my parents didn't make me work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079171 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:32:30 +0000 nana87 1079171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted no because my parents mostly didn't let my brother or I work (besides occasional babysitting, yard work, cat sitting, etc) because they didn't want it to interfere with school or extracurriculars, because we were always super busy with those activities and had really good grades. But it depends on the type of job I think, like if they had an opportunity that would be enriching or teach them skills they were interested in pursuing, I'd support that. But not necessarily to work just for the sake of working, if that makes sense. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079154 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:25:32 +0000 Pepper 1079154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted make, but really I'd encourage him to get a job. I had a job since I was 15 years old at a local grocery store. I made a lot of friends, and it taught me how to manage money and time. Additionally, I think having a job at a younger age helped me to have a great work ethic as an adult. </p> <p>Having a job would depend on his extracurricular activities, however. I wasn't involved in sports or anything like that. If he was involved in sports, I'd still let him have a job, but I would stress the importance of balancing those responsibilities with school work (With school work obviously being the most important part!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079144 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:21:29 +0000 brownie 1079144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If they choose not to do well in school then yes because they will need the job skills. If school isn't challenging them and they have too much time on their hands, then yes. Otherwise, they can do odds and ends (babysitting, yard work, etc) to make some spending money. School is their job and if they do well with that and don't get in trouble it isn't an issue. I prefer that they have other activities like sports and music. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079136 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:18:29 +0000 mrs. wagon 1079136@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I worked at the mall, sometimes got home past 11pm (the only times my parents let me break my 10pm curfew!) and wasn't a pothead. ;) The potheads in my town all did not have jobs.</p> <p>Wagon Sr. also worked at the mall (while I worked at The Gap, he worked at Wendy's!!) and wasn't a pothead either.</p> <p>I will let my kids work and strongly encourage them to do so, for their spending money, but I won't make them. If they don't want to work, though, they'll "make" their spending money that comes from me by working around the house!! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079123 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:13:50 +0000 swurlygurl 1079123@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I said make, but I would count mowing someone's lawn every other week, or cleaning Grandma's house once a month a job. I just want my kid to start learning as soon as possible the responsibilities of a job - even if I have to give them a 'job'. I had a 'real' job my senior year of high school (doing all the invoicing for accounts payable and receivable for a construction company), and it was invaluable! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079049 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:43:54 +0000 immabeetoo 1079049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would strongly encourage it. All of the kids I knew who *didn't* work had more time to party, laze, etc. I worked 15-20 hours a week in high school as a waitress and doing stable work and it forced me to learn time management and financial savvy. I didn't have time to mess around with carousing and mischief - I was waking up early for work or working late at night. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079041 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:42:45 +0000 Dandelion 1079041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I prefer my kid be involved in extra curricular things, and if a job would interfere with homework and everything, then I wouldn't let/make him. But, if he can handle the schedule of it, I'd certainly let him do it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079038 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:41:20 +0000 BSB 1079038@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: I worked at the mall and I didn't become a pothead. I was exposed to it during my senior year. </p> <p>I think it depends on my child. Some can take the multi-tasking. Some can't. Either because they need to concentrate on school or they have extracurricular activities that takes up a lot of their time... Like sports.</p> <p>I did end up having a job since I was 14 and it continues throughout college. For me, since my parents didn't have money, having a part time job was the only way I could afford to buy things. It motivated me to earn a 'living' and balance work and school. It also showed me how much of a workaholic I was. I had 3 part-time jobs at one point in high school. </p> <p>If my child is motivated to balance work and school and not have grades suffer, I would let them.</p> <p>I think time management is a great thing to learn. But like I said, it depends on the child. I don't want to push them to having a job if they are concentrating on sports or school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079023 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:37:14 +0000 Bookish 1079023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It depends on how busy she is with her extracurriculars. My mom made me get a job for the summer when I was 14 (and obviously unable to drive myself). I worked at a local movie theater and regularly got let out at midnight or 1am. I did not feel safe waiting for my parents to come get me.</p> <p>In LO's case, if she wants to buy things above and beyond what we provide, she will need to get a job. However, I'd hate for her grades to slip (or for her to be exhausted 24/7) because she has a job + school + activities. We'll just have to evaluate when the time comes.</p> <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: Yep, you can parent even when your teenager is more independent. I'd even go so far to say that's when they need your guidance more! I know I fought my parents like crazy about curfews and rules when I had my license, but without their guidance, I probably would have gotten myself into trouble! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079020 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:36:44 +0000 cascademom 1079020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Both my brother and I worked in high school. He did caddying up at the country club in our neighborhood. I bused tables at two restaurants. For my first job, my mom made some crack about me working. I rode my bike the mile down the street and got a job bussing tables. </p> <p>DH worked at his grandfather's HVAC business throughout high school and a little into college. So, he has a similar work ethic as me.</p> <p>Depending upon the economy and their grades, I'll definitely encourage a summer job. I think it's important for a kid to learn the value of money and earning their way even in a small way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079017 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:35:31 +0000 artsyfartsy 1079017@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: I had a curfew up until the night before my wedding when I move out! It was reasonable. Along with my responsibilities, I gained lots of freedom. My dad let me do basically whatever I wanted as long as I paid my bills, did my chores, went to school and work, told him where I was going and that I was home when he asked me to. He couldn't sleep without knowing we were home safe, so he just wanted us home in time for him to get to bed at a decent hour.</p> <p>Because of that, I was always honest with my dad where I was, even when I went to parties, and I never broke curfew.</p> <p>He monitored my cell phone use only when I went over my minutes or text limit. But I also paid my portion of the cell phone bill. I never misused my cell phone but I think if I had my dad should have had the right to take it away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079003 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:32:51 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1079003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: Yes, you can and should parent even when the child has means.</p> <p>If the curfew is 11, the child tells their employer upfront the hours he can work. Or you make the exception for days he's working. Or the child finds a job that does not require late hours- office work.</p> <p>If you don't want your child having a cell phone then you forbid them from purchasing one. If she has a cell phone she is paying for you set the ground rules- keep and use under x, y, z rules. If she violates the rules tough luck, lesson learned she is now under a cell phone contract and doesn't get to use her phone.</p> <p>If your child has a car that he paid for, but is grounded. Guess what he doesn't get to use his car. You don't have to let him buy a car if you don't feel he is mature enough for one.</p> <p>Your child is still in your care, custody, and control. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1079001 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:32:37 +0000 artsyfartsy 1079001@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Having a job at 16 and paying all my own bills taught me a lot of lessons! I also was super prepared for life on my own when I moved out. At the time I hated it!! But now I realize the value of it. I want my kids to learn the same lessons. </p> <p>Plus I made some life long friends at my first job, and even married one of them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078997 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:30:51 +0000 HabesBabe 1078997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I won't make them, but if they can show me that they can balance work/school, then I would let them, but only as a junior or older.</p> <p>One of my co-workers doesn't let his kids work; he said their "job" is to be a student. His oldest is a junior and is in sports-- she needs to maintain a 4.0 GPA (she's in AP classes) in order to keep playing sports. She called his bluff one quarter and he pulled her out of soccer... LOL. I kind of like his approach, but I remember being so proud of myself after getting my first paycheck and buying my own prom dress. We'll see. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078984 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:25:51 +0000 Mrs Hedgehog 1078984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the same mentality my parents had. Once you are of the age when you can make your own money, I will buy you necessities. Anything else you want, you buy. It taught me how to work for what I wanted, how to save for big important stuff vs just spending the money because I had it and respect for money and work. Best thing my parents did for me. They didn't do that with my younger sister and they are about to turn 21, only one has a job and neither are remotely smart with the little money they do have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078978 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:23:51 +0000 Sophia 1078978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was always active in sports during the school year (cross country in the fall, basketball fall-winter-spring), so I never had a job during the school year. I lifeguarded and taught swimming lessons at our local pool during the summers and usually worked 40+ hours a week. I LOVED it. I'm hoping our future children will be into something similar. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078940 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:15:14 +0000 Maysprout 1078940@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Probably something during the summer. My only worry is that she works in maybe better places than I did. I worked in restaurants where there was a huge amount of drug use, which I know isn't the case in most restaurants. I didn't get sucked into it but a lot of the girls who were the same age as me ended up getting in over their head both with drugs and sex, and the guys were much older than the 16, 17 years we were. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078933 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:13:44 +0000 pui 1078933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: I do see what you mean. When my DH bought his first car at 16 (completely out of his own pocket) his parents once tried to "ground" him and prevent him from using it and he was just like "uh, you can't take my own car from me".</p> <p>I think a curfew is still reasonable though. They still live in your house.</p> <p>Also, I don't agree with the idea that just because a kid earns money he should be able to spend it whatever way he wants. As adults we have lots of things we need to spend money on that we wish we didn't have to. I think it's important to teach a teenager that he needs to pay his bills and put money in savings and only spend a portion of what he actually makes. My DH got in trouble for buying lunch everyday, for example, because his parents were teaching him that that was a poor way to spend money. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078909 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:09:20 +0000 pui 1078909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would certianly let them have a job if they want one, but I wouldn't make them. I got my first job when I was 18, after I finished high school.</p> <p>Fun fact, my DH has never worked for anyone else in his life! He started his first business when he was 14 (making vinyl signs). I definitely don't think he missed out on anything for not having a part time job. I hope that we can teach our kids to be little entrepreneurs too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078902 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:08:05 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 1078902@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've thought about this a lot and I'm still torn. I understand the value of money/work thing, but giving a kid a job gives them a lot of independence especially in this age. For example, if a kid gets a job and pays for his gas money and cell phone, do I still get to limit how/when he uses his cell or car? Can I honestly set a curfew of 11 PM for a kid who has to work until midnight on other occasions? I think if a kid doesn't work, he or she doesn't get all the fancy stuff. I didn't have a cell or a car in HS. But if he does work, then is he entitled to spend the money he earned, or can I make him save it, etc. My husband had a job and saved all his money for college. But his parents gave him spending money, cell, school clothes/supplies. He was a very obedient kid though. I wonder if I would have balked at such an arrangement..... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078894 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:06:57 +0000 MrsH 1078894@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I worked summers at a golf course in HS - best job ever. We will probably let or make - hard to tell which way we will go as its a decade and a half away :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078865 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 09:57:43 +0000 loveisstrange 1078865@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will let them, if they want to work. School and extracurriculars will always come first though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078843 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 09:52:41 +0000 MapleMoose 1078843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids will work in high school, just like DH and I did. Life is so busy, I find it was helpful to figure out how to balance the craziness. Plus if they want to buy things they will need to earn their money, just like DH and I did. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078834 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 09:51:09 +0000 mrsjyw 1078834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tutored privately and at a center during high school. I will let them work retail jobs as long as it doesn't interfere with school/sports. DH worked p/t at retail jobs throughout high school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-letmake-your-kids-have-a-job-in-hs#post-1078833 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 09:51:09 +0000 DillonLion 1078833@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was so busy with extracurriculars I didn't have time to work besides helping at my dads business. I hope the same for my kids </p>