Work
Here's Liz Atwood in this week's Tween Tuesday:
School has been out a couple weeks. My 14-year-old has been to camp and back. And the boredom is starting to set in. And with the boredom comes the teasing and bickering. I really think it’s time my kids went to work.
The older one has a small pet-sitting service, but I’m thinking he needs a real job. I recently
learned that kids 14 and older can legally work in Maryland and I’ve started to see his classmates working in ice cream stands and restaurants. Yes, there are a few complications: he doesn’t drive and, with the economy still in a slump, there aren’t a lot of jobs for young teens. Still, I think it’s time he started to polish up the resume and pound the streets.
As for the 10-year-old, I need to find some more chores for him to do around the house to pry him away from the video games. Walking the dog for 15 minutes in the evening isn’t enough. He’s a strong, sturdy boy. He could at least pull weeds in the garden.
One mother I know has her tween boys do the laundry and clean the house. I might have to overlook some mistakes like pink socks and missed dust bunnies, but if it will help keep peace, it’s the price I’m willing to pay.
Comments
I wouldn't underestimate a child's ability to do just about any house hold chore including preparing simple breakfast and lunch recipes. When I taught my older children how to do laundry my 8 year old son was taking notes. One day when I wasn't looking he climbed up on the washing machine and did his own laundry. If you stand beside them the first 3-4 times you teach them a new skill they can usually do a good job after that and if they don't, you stand beside them 3-4 more times. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Also, their grandparents live close by and have requested they do some work for pay around their houses. Good luck!
Posted by: Lisa | July 5, 2011 2:44 PM