by Douglas Favors Ii

Created on: January 06, 2011   Last Updated: January 12, 2011

The best way to assess jobs for kids is to understand why the child needs a job.  The reasoning for a child to gain employment should not take away from parenting.  The most misunderstood action a parent can do is “put a child to work.”  The kid must fully understand why work is not a punishment but a benefit to life.  Remember that work ethic starts at home and ends in a job not the other way around.  Some things must already become regular practice for successful employment for children.  One that is most important is a chore schedule that cannot be altered even after employment has begun.  These chores must be consistently done for a year before a job is considered.  The chores insure that the kid knows some level of responsibility and ownership of work completion.  The chores can be paid by allowance but the allowance should not directly relate to the chores.  Parents must avoid paying children for chores; this allows the child to get a skewed look into work ethic.  Paying a child too early in life can stunt the skill development as far as work is concerned.  Its better to pay a child for final grades then work ability and completion.  A secondary objective in finding a job opportunity for a kid is canvasing.  Parents must be open to give more time to finding the job then the one they currently have.  Canvasing the environment and programs offered in their area is very important.  Parents must put extensive amounts of time is researching and becoming aware of what is available for the child.  A parent must also canvas the child and his/her behavior during chores.  Attitudes and emotions involved with the current chores and school activities must be noted.  The parent must basically study his/her child to see what things make the child excited, happy, upset, uninterested, etc.  Understanding what a kid likes and enjoys will help in finding a job that has balance for the child and the parent.  Finally, all jobs for kids are not “for pay” jobs.  Parents must be first to explain that the job may be for training or growth and development of the child.  Parents must express joy in the new adventure and downplay the fact that money may not be involved at the moment.  Even the jobs that are “for pay” should not be selected solely on the payment to the child.  A good foundation in work leads to less stressful work life for the child as they grow.

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