If you’ve got a teenager at home, the thought of a summer job has probably crossed your mind once or twice.  Or maybe a thousand times.  But your teen might be “too young” for typical jobs.  Or let’s face it, less than motivated to track down something appropriate.

But there are lots of options out there.  And I would argue, there are a lot of compelling reasons to encourage kids to get jobs, even a very part-time one.  As long as it gives them a sense of responsibility and specific tasks that they can master, there’s a benefit to it.  And the money’s nice, too.

Maybe there are some extra jobs around the house that your kid could do.  Or around your office.  Perhaps they could create their own opportunities by starting their own “company”, putting whatever skills they already have to good use.  Maybe they have a hobby that could be turned into a gig, such as working at a stable where they ride, or refereeing the soccer games of the little ones.

We tend to not give our kids — teens in particular — enough credit for what they can do.  Coaching them in finding and keeping a job is a great skill, one that builds experience not only with responsibility and money management, but also a sense of confidence and self-worth.  This is self-esteem at its best: feeling capable and as though our contribution really matters.