Dad, Andre said I could have a job when I turn 14. I’m 14. ” My daughter has always been fond of her swim coach who has taught her to swim since she was 3 years-old. She’s achieved all the 10 Red Cross levels, finished all three Ranger courses and even a few other specialty ones and now onto her bronze series and then NLS. All this while competing with her swim team. Great! So, what does Andre want to hire you for? “To teach little kids how to swim—the way I had learn.” Life is already coming full circle in my daughter’s young life!
Let’s sign you up with your social security number, your Red Cross certifications and your bank account so you can get paid! My daughter beamed with the excitement of the prospect of her first job!
At the age of 14, I totally encouraged a part-time job for a number of reasons. Not the least of it is appreciating the value of a dollar, especially one that she’s earned herself! Her work duties involve shadowing a full instructor. Besides time management and people skills, she is realizing that teaching is a whole new way of learning. This is something I can never demonstrate and she must find out for herself.
She’s adopted the golden rule of never spending more than she makes.
What are you going to do with your first paycheck? I asked. “Let’s spend it on a mani for me and a pedi for you, daddy.” I girl after my own heart! After years of father/daughter mani/pedi’s, she’s treating me! It was totally worth it.
But there are also cautions to teenagers getting a job. It must not interfere with her school and standing extracurricular activities. There’s also the logistics of getting to and from work. Her after school job could interfere with mine and my ability to take her so she must feel confident enough to take herself. I can always pick her up after her shift, but daytime shifts need to get balanced and planned.
On her workdays, she’ll need two lunches before she comes back home for dinner. There’s also the issue of inclement weather to be content with and there’s no calling in sick unless she’s deathly ill since she has customers. These kids’ parents paid good money and they expect the instructor to show up for semi-private swim instructions.
My daughter’s income is a luxury. All her earthly needs are provided for, so any money she earns is truly hers. She is good with her money and she’s adopted the golden rule of never spending more than she makes. This a very good rule because in time, she’ll earn more; she’ll also spend more. But that equation will keep her in good financial health regardless of the amounts. This is far more valuable than any amount she makes from this part-time job.
