For many, one of the classic rites of passage in adolescence is working a summer job. It’s perhaps the first step on the way toward adult responsibility. Kids come out with a paycheck and experience. Parents come out with the stress of realizing their child is about to leave the nest.
That being said; there’s a lot of guidance that a parent can provide during the summer that can lay the groundwork for a successful school year and a lifetime of work. Here are some things to keep in mind.
They aren’t going to be responsible
You would like your child to dutifully stop by the bank on the way home from a job to deposit their paycheck into some long-term, interest-bearing account. They won’t do that and stop thinking they will. They’re going to blow it on electronics, junk food, and hanging out with their friends. There’s nothing wrong with that.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t a responsible person overall. Kids are going to be kids, especially when they get their first taste of “serious money.” They still get all of their assignments in at school, right? They get themselves up for work, right? If they aren’t, they weren’t ready for a job in the first place.
Don’t let them slip academically
We’ve covered a few strategies about minimizing “brain drain” during the summer, including making sure students keep reading for pleasure and providing learning experiences for them during your family’s summer activities.
Just because a summer job can be a valuable learning experience in itself, don’t let those ideas fall by the wayside. There’s a difference between keeping the brain active with a job and keeping the brain sharp in anticipation of the new school year.
Don’t forget the ramp-up
We’ve also talked before about how important it is to have a period before school starts where the student prepares for the new year. Bed times should be scaled back. Kids shouldn’t be allowed to sleep until noon. In other words, days should become more structured, at least a week before school starts.
This might be aided or hindered by the summer job. Maybe it’s kept the student on a regular schedule throughout the summer. On the other hand, maybe it’s a night job, and they’ve been completely thrown off. If it’s possible, pull back on the reins.
Don’t forget the fun
It’s way too early in your student’s working life for them to equate a job with a meaningless slog with no fulfillment. Summer jobs are supposed to be a fun way to earn a little extra money. Everything else is gravy. If it’s not fun, don’t let them do it. If it’s taking too much of their free time, help them scale back. If they aren’t spending any time with their friends, help them figure out ways to make that happen. Summer is supposed to be a break, even if they enter the working world.