Summer Jobs for Kids

posted by barbara

Yes, it’s almost that time. Summer vacation will be here before you know it which means it’s time for road trips, baseball, swimming … and summer jobs! Or will your kids be spending the summer playing video games, watching TV and hanging out at the malls?

It might just be the latter IF you believe kids don’t need a part-time job since…

… They’re involved in plenty of extra-curricular or sports activities.

… They’re expected to excel in all school-taught subjects and have the highest GPA possible.

… They’re not expected to contribute to their personal expenses or their college fund since money is not an issue.

Did you know that fewer teens have part-time jobs nowadays?
It’s not just because jobs are scarce and filled by adults, often retirees. It’s also because GEN X parents just aren’t as focused on the benefits of their kids learning the basic
skills that the “just-getting-started” jobs easily afford These skills are best learned from personal experience. It’s interesting to note that a frequent complaint employers have is that current crop of teenagers and college grads lack a healthy work ethic. And no wonder!

Savvy parents get that having a part-time job helps kids learn about being responsible, listening to their supervisor, and learning what it takes to succeed as an employee. Letting kids work and contribute to the family’s expenses, fosters confidence, teaches money management, and allows you to give the biggest gift of all: self-sufficiency! So even if your child doesn’t HAVE to work, it is still vitally important.

Where Pre-Teens can Look for Jobs

Neighborhood Jobs
Some of the most common job opportunities, especially for preteens, can occur within your neighborhood. Some examples are dog walking, lawn moving, weeding, mother’s helper (not
yet trained to be a babysitter), pet sitting, tutoring, auto detailing. It’s best to link an interest your child has with a need in the neighborhood.

Community Projects (for pay or as a volunteer)
Municipal government hires kids that are 14 years or older to work on community projects. Non-profit organizations can always use the help. You can also consider church or other-faith-based programs. Kids can work as “junior” church day camp or bible study aids in lieu of having to pay to attend.

Where mid-and Late Teens can Look for Jobs

Service Industry
Restaurants, especially fast food, and grocery stores are a good bet due to their high-turnover. Positions there include cashiers, servers, stockers, and kitchen crew. Gift shops, golf clubs and swimming pools are also possibilities.

Cultural Institutions
Museums, fairs, amusement parks, outdoor concerts often hire extra help to better handle large crowds during summer events. Golf clubs and swimming pools are also possibilities.

Small Businesses
Solopreneurs and small businesses hire teens for office work. Teens especially excel in offering computer assistance: setting up and maintaining Facebook business pages, creating marketing videos to post on YouTube and so on.

Create a Dream Job
Teens can offer services by teaching their skills to others, especially kids who are a bit younger. Your son or daughter could help younger children improve in a sport and get paid for passing on this knowledge. Your child could end up designing CD covers and selling his artwork! This is how young entrepreneurs get started!

Have your teens make a list of things they like to do and do well, and would enjoy teaching others. Do your kids know how to play a musical instrument; are they good at baking, cooking or crafts?

How to Help Your Kids get a Summer Job

1. Help teens identify what their good at. Teens often take their strengths and talents for granted.

2. Obtain a sample application and provide guidance on what to include. A poorly filled out application can be costly.

3. Co-create a plan targeting contacting potential employers; set realistic time-lines and follow-up on your teen.

4. Do a mock interview. Ask your teen a series of typical employment-related questions.

5. Have your kids keep a vigilant eye out for “Help Wanted” and “Now Hiring” signs. Encourage them to inquire within even if there is no sign posted. It could turn out to be perfect timing - before anyone else knows about the opening!

Just imagine how great it would be for your teens to transform their favorite tasks and interests into a summer job. With your help, they could end up wowing prospective employers with their skills and confidence.

My best,
Barbara

Author, Coach, Parent/Teen Expert

For more ideas on how to facilitate growth and help teens become responsible and contributing adults, refer to the 7 Simple Steps in Coach Your Teen to Success.

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