how to get your teens working this summer
Experts predict that the teen unemployment rate this summer will reach a record high for the third consecutive year.
This situation means undue stress on teens and their families.
Many teens rely on this source of summer income to cover both recreational costs throughout the year, and to stash away for college.
Parents rely on not only the monetary gains for their teens, but the structure, predictability and stability that a regular summer job ensures.
Many teens find themselves loafing around the house with little to do except sleep, eat, and if they’re into it, play video games, or spend endless hours on the computer social-networking.
Related: Summer Success: Unpaid Internship vs. Paid Job
The boredom can lead to strain between parents and teens. Parents want their kids to be productive; teens are frustrated with their lack of success in securing a job.
Both parents and their teens can become annoyed and irritable with each other and regarding the situation in general.
While the situation may seem dire, there are some strategies parents and teens can implement to stave off the boredom and create structure.
While there is no guarantee that your teen will walk away with a job, isn’t it at least worth a try?
1. Call around to create a job. Your local neighborhood is the best place to conger up employment. Teens should let friends and neighbors know they are available to do odd jobs. Parents can help to spread the word by talking to friends, co-workers, neighbors and family members.
2. Keen observation can lead to a job situation. A quick walk around the neighborhood could result in an employment opportunity for your teen. Does the neighbor’s lawn need mowing? Are the shrubs overgrown? Do the neighborhood kids seem bored, do their parents seem overwhelmed? Could an elderly neighbor use some help running errands? By offering to take over at the ‘just right price’ your teen can create a job where none previously existed.
Related: How to Find a Summer Job
3. Look into volunteer opportunities. Boredom can easily result in feeling depressed, anxious, and isolated. Volunteer work result in feelings of pride and joy. Many organizations offer formal volunteer programs.
4. Create a volunteer position. Help your teen find a volunteer position by suggesting that he offer to work for free at an organization or business. If for example, she enjoys gardening, offering to help out at a local nursery will provide her with a great experience. Perhaps he wants to become a disc jockey or news reporter-- contacting local stations including public access, or local cable channels may provide him with a priceless experience. Is she an aspiring designer, does he want to be an architect? Your teen should identify and approach local firms and offer to work for free. If your teen loves animals, have him head to the local vet, animal shelter or farm. They may just welcome a helping hand. Who knows, her volunteer work may translate into a paid position. At minimum, the experience will offer structure and satisfaction in addition to experience she needs. The current employment market certainly offers no easy answers, but with a little ingenuity your teen may just able to create a stable summer situation where none previously existed.
More from GalTime:
- The Show You Might Want to Watch with Your Teen
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- Your Teen's First Heartbreak: How to Heal the Hurt
- Parents Teaching their Kids to Text and Drive?
Jennifer Powell-Lunder and Barbara Greenberg are authors of the hit book, "Teenage as a Second Language: A Parent's Guide to Becoming Bilingual." They've set up an interactive website for parents and teens to listen, learn and discuss hot topics and daily dilemmas. You can find it at www.talkingteenage.com.
