by Patricia Watson

Created on: March 19, 2010

Preparing your teenager for their first job is one of the most important things you can do for your child. Start early in your child's life, teaching them moral values and to respect the value of earned money. Your teens success or failure in their first job, may hinge on your advice and direction.

Respect for Authority

Children should be taught to respect others, especially their parents and other adults. If your child is rude to you, and it is not corrected at an early age, it may grow into a rebellious nature during the teen years. The teenager that recognizes the authority of the parents will be more apt to accept direction from their employer.

Allowance

It is never a good idea to just give your child money.  Assign chores that your child must complete before they can get their allowance. For each chore that is not completed, make deductions from your child's weekly allowance. You will need to be firm and say no to any money, if all chores have been neglected for the week. Train your child to recognize that an allowance is just like earning a pay. They will soon understand that a poor job performance may equal reduced income.

Time management skills

Arriving on time for work, and getting the job finished before your shift ends, is an important factor in getting a career established. Your teenager should have enforced house rules from an early age. Provide a structured home, with regular mealtimes and curfews, this will teach your child the importance of managing their time wisely. Make sure your teen gets proper sleep and a healthy diet. Set an appointed time for homework each evening. If your teen has not finished all their necessary household obligations, they should not be allowed to use gaming devices or go on-line to socialize.

Love and enjoy your children, but remember to give them the skills and direction they will need to be successful in their adult years. Your teenager's first venture into the real world will be that first job outside of the family home. You can take parental pride in knowing you have done everything possible to help your young adult take pride in their new found employment.

Communication

Always encourage your teenager to come to you with their problems and questions. They will learn to use these communications skills in their first job. It is important that they know how to work with their employer and co-workers. Honest and open dialogue will help them realize; problems that are shared with others, are more easily solved.

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