Monster has had a job since he was 14. Technically, he’s had a job since he was 12. Before he was able to get paid, he was an assistant karate instructor. They were training him for when he was old enough to teach on his own. Sunshine babysits and she’s a student teacher at dance and is looking into being a soccer ref next season. Both kids are counselors at Camp Invention during the summer as well.
Maybe it’s where we live or maybe times have really changed that much, but my kids are in the minority of kids working. I love the excuse that people’s kids don’t have time between school and activities to fit in work. Anyone who knows my kids knows that they are in everything. Not only do my kids maintain exceptionally high grades at school, but they are involved. On top of teaching karate, Monster also does karate. During the winter, he adds on snowboarding and wants to pick up kickboxing. This past year, he was also involved in Tech Club, Latin Club, and Book Club at school. Next year, he’s adding on to that with HUDDLE and Key Club and taking a leadership role in Latin Club. And Sunshine? Well, there’s nothing that kid doesn’t do. She’s in Student Council, NJHS, Power of the Pen, Ensemble, soccer, softball, dance, tennis, and skiing and I’m sure I’m forgetting things. All this while maintaining straight A+’s.
Jobs don’t have to be paid positions. I know kids who volunteer on a regular basis. That is the same as a job. People are relying on you to be there and do what you have said you are going to do. A friend of mine’s daughter has the craziest schedule I’ve ever seen, yet she volunteers at an animal shelter every other week. These are the real life experiences that kids need to shape them into functional members of society. Mommy and Daddy can’t be around to support you forever.
Sure some kids get paid for chores or doing little things for family, but there’s not a schedule they need to follow. With jobs, kids are expected to clock in at a certain time and clock out at a certain time. If they can’t make it, they need to inform their bosses ahead of time. Sunshine is in charge of finding a sub for dance classes if she can’t be there. Having a job teaches kids so many lessons. Is it hard on me trying to get everyone where they need to be and when? For sure. But having a job also teaches them to fix problems for themselves. They need to learn how to interact with others and not have Mommy or Daddy fix it. I see so many parents “fixing” their children’s problems for them. I’m telling you this now, it’s not helping them, only hurting them. Unless it’s a serious issue, kids need to take responsibility. Of course kids can learn this without having a job. Is Sunshine still a little young to have a job? Definitely, but she’s getting a taste of it, which is what’s important. She wants to work more, but we’re the ones saying no. Next summer will be a different story. To be fair, school is their main job. If they were struggling, they would have to cut back on the things that they do.
To all the kids out there who have jobs, good for you! Keep up the good work! These experiences will only help you in life!