by Janine Culotta

Created on: July 09, 2009   Last Updated: July 15, 2009

Absolutely! Older children need to learn to work in order to grow up as responsible adults. I would also go out on a limb and say getting them into a work-release program in high school could be beneficial. It it will keep them out of trouble,as well as,give them independence from the family, and more importantly, they can put it on their resume. Learning good work habits at a young age is imperative to success in their future endeavors. Although, nothing is more important than school, working in the real world will teach them skills that they would not otherwise achieve. It will take them away from the proximity of temping situations for which they could make bad decisions.

At work they must follow the rules in order to get paid and keep their job. They learn discipline and industry.A basic job,for example,at a dry-cleaner is a great place to start. Not only will they be safe from trouble, they may come home and hang their clothes properly! Spending time having responsibility for their own job will help boast their self esteem. As a bonus,when their wallet swells, they will be able to attend more events,which may not otherwise be in the family budget.

Of course, one of the best ideas is that they may also save their money for college or trips. When they have to spend their own earned cash they quickly learn the value of a dollar. It is not magic. It does not grow on trees. It takes a very long time to make and saving it is the best thing you can do to have a bright future. Unfortunately, life's necessities also will come into play. If an accident or problem arises the teen then must pay for their own solution. They will learn, real quick, not to do that again. I believe having a sixteen year-old work is a super way to have them get a fabulous job by eight-teen years old. Part-time should be the rule. No more than fifteen hours per week. When they are eight-teen they could possibly work full-time in the summer,during school break. Then hopefully go back to school and still maintain part-time status at work, while going to school.

As a mother it brings pride to know your child is doing his part for their own well being. Building a productive future, one step at a time.eventually,reward them with something that matches their effort. Help them to get a car, if they show a good work ethic. This will ensure they will take care of it and help pay for the costly insurance, expensive gas, and some of the monthly payments. When they have to use their own debt card to fill up the tank, they may learn how to drive more economically.

In addition, we must also discuss the fact that many children have learned that the parents will pay for everything. This is very detrimental to the young adult. When kids are given everything, they never learn how to earn it. It is always a given. This makes for a unproductive, unmotivated and unhappy generation. We must not gift our children until after they have earned it, otherwise parents are rewarding unwanted behaviors. Start them young, with a flea market where they can earn money for rides on the boardwalk. Then they will get the idea and hopefully be ready to work by sixteen.

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