When I was in high school, I spent my afternoons working at a local grocery store, slicing meats and assembling deli sandwiches. I wore a vibrant orange uniform that seemed to carry a permanent scent of grease, no matter how often I washed it. Those two years taught me little beyond the skills of cleaning fryers and the occasional bruise from a meat slicer. My paycheck went primarily to clothes, gas, and, well, let’s just say, some less-than-healthy vices.
Fast forward to my own children’s high school years, and I made a firm decision: no jobs for them while they were in school. My husband, who had his own paper route at age twelve in snowy Wisconsin, looked at me like I had just suggested we build a spaceship out of popsicle sticks. But I was adamant. I wanted their focus to be on school, extracurricular activities, and spending time with family and friends. Summer jobs? Sure, but during the academic year? Nope!
I understand that some families rely on their teens to pitch in financially, but ours wasn’t in that boat. Throughout discussions with other parents, I often heard that part-time jobs instill responsibility and teach the value of a dollar. However, my own experience told a different story: I worked to fund my social life, not to learn financial literacy.
Instead, my kids learned commitment, discipline, and time management by diving into their studies and activities. Their days were packed with classes, practices, and rehearsals, making them feel like integral parts of their school community. At 16, we gifted our oldest a car, which our youngest then drove when he turned 16, allowing them the freedom to manage their schedules without me as their personal chauffeur.
Now, you might think they were spoiled—everything handed to them on a silver platter. But don’t be fooled! While we did provide them with some financial ease, we maintained high expectations. They were required to prioritize their studies and commitments, showing up for family dinners and hosting guests like it was a royal affair.
Once they reached college, both of them found part-time jobs to supplement their allowances, graduating in four years and managing to live independently with minimal assistance from us.
Would this approach work for every family? Probably not. But it certainly worked for us, and I wouldn’t change a thing!
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Summary:
I chose not to have my children work during high school to allow them to focus on studies and extracurricular activities. While some believe jobs teach valuable lessons, I felt my kids benefited more from their commitments to school and family life. They both went on to work part-time in college and are now thriving independently.