| Before your child is sixteen, she will be limited to working at an informal job, such as baby sitting, delivering newspapers, or doing yard work. If your teenager wishes to start a job, you should encourage her if it won't interfere with her school work. Getting a job teaches responsibility and allows her to develop pride and self confidence. Handling money will also teach financial responsibility.
Older teens may begin to have formal jobs at a store or restaurant. These types of jobs should also be encouraged, but the hours should be limited to about 13.5 hours a week, so as not to interfere with school work and extracurricular activities. Weekend hours are preferable to afterschool hours to limit the disruption to her school work.
If she is becoming overwhelmed or stressed by the combination of a job and school work or her social life or grades are suffering, you should rethink your position on letting her work or decrease the hours you allow her to work.
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