Helping Your Teen Find a Job
This is the second of a 12-week series on kids and earning money, focusing on teens. The tips presented can also be used with younger children if desired.
It is never too early to learn the value of a dollar and never too late to teach your child that value. If your teenager has indicated that he would like to earn some extra income, that's great! If not, maybe now is the time to have an open discussion about finances with him.
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Start with an Open Discussion
Whether or not your teen comes to you and inquires about work or you approach him, start with an open discussion. It should never be about dictating or demanding. We all know what happens when we command a teen to do something. Give him the opportunity to come up with his own thoughts and ideas so he gets a feeling that it is within his control as well.
Word of Mouth
Word of mouth is the oldest and best tool and has been around for dozens of years. If you put the word out that your child is looking to make some money, you may be surprised at how many people need things to be done.
Friends, neighbors, and even your teenager's school may be able to put you in touch with someone, if not themselves, who needs a job or two to be done. Household chores, outdoor chores, and everything in between are great sources of income your child. If you don't ask, your child will more than likely be missing out on some great opportunities.
Use Technology
Most children, even very young ones, know how to use a computer. They are even more aware of how to use social media. If your teenager has a Twitter account, what a great way to let everyone know he is for hire for indoor or outdoor chores.
Have your child design and print his or her own flyer for a specific service. For example, if your child is willing to mow lawns or rake leaves, have him print up a flyer and do a mass mailing.
Call in a Favor
The age-old tradition of bartering has been around for centuries. Perhaps you have done a favor for someone in your life and you are now in need of something in return. Do not be afraid to barter for a favor when it comes to finding work for your child. Perhaps you did some freelance work free of charge for a friend. Maybe that friend can return the favor in kind by employing your child to address envelopes or tidy up an office space during school break.
Never be afraid to ask for a favor in return, especially when it comes to helping your teen find work. You never know - that person just might say yes. This will help take some of the burden of your teen’s expenses or future car off you.
Over to you... do you have any tips for helping teens find jobs, particularly their first job?
These tips can be used with younger children if desired. To read the first post in the series, click here.
About the Author
Suzanne
Suzanne is a 14-year homeschooling veteran, whose older daughter was accepted into every university she applied to. She is passionate about supporting moms through every stage of homeschooling, and also works with them to find ways of generating an income while they homeschool.
