14 Y Old Summer Job

I don't think there are many places you can even work at 14. I think I did some work at my mom's job at that age but no where that I was actually on payroll.

If, and only if, she likes kids, she should become a "mother's helper." She could make decent money, gain babysitting experience, and start babysitting for cash.

If she doesn't like babysitting, she could start mowing neighbor's lawns. Or offering to do chores for folks for some cash. This would allow her some flexibility in hours but would also get her some cash.

My 14yo son is working at a warehouse that a friend's parents own. They are paying him cash since he's too young to legally work on the payroll. He and his friend are both working about 15 hours a week, and are making $8 an hour. He's thrilled to have the extra cash! I won't let him work more than that because he's also taking a 3 week ACT/SAT prep class, and he has summer reading and a summer assignment for next year's pre-AP classes. I want him to have some time to have fun and be a kid. He's saving 1/3 of what he makes, and he can spend the rest. Actually, he's saving the rest for a laptop, but he is keeping the 1/3 in savings.

Good luck to your daughter!

I would look at your 'Parks and Recreation Department' through your city...in my area they have all kinds of summer jobs for our youth...mostly at all our city pools and such, she could work at the concession stands or entry ways where you take the money, or a good number of other things, like towel girls and such.

It would be my first stop for a first time summer job!

~If she did get a job at one of your local pools that would be fun and if she gets a different job somewhere else generally young teens don't get that many hours so I imagine she would have plenty of time for 'fun'!

You should be very proud of her for wanting a J-O-B....I can't get my (almost) 21y/o SS to want to get a job!!!

My daughter started working at 14. I have no idea how she found the job but she found the job.

What about babysitting? I did a lot of that until I was 17, and made good money doing it!

I admire her for her desire to get out and earn some money. She should be praised for that ambition.

At 14, it may be more difficult for her to get a job. I don't know the laws in TX. I live in Allen and I know Market Street does hire some younger students for bagging and carryout.

My daughter has always babysat because per her cheer schedule, occasional modeling assignments, and she just now got on the Fashion Board for Nordstrom (no pay), she can't commit to a company.

She is focused this summer on getting all the college apps ready, essays, etc. At 14, your daughter should start prepping for ACT/SAT!! As for babysitting, most sitters in my area get at least $10/hr. My daughter averages $12-$17 BUT she does interact with the children, feed , get to bed, etc and she is 17.5.

Of course a 14 yr old will find time for fun. The main thing would be some transportation and how it would effect YOUR schedule being mom taxi.

Good luck

At 14, I was bagging groceries at the grocery store. (I don't knoe iw they still allow this.) I was also babysitting, walking dogs, and doing yard work and housework for people in my neighborhood.

I think Lee Lee is right on again. I lived in MD and had a job at 15 in a pizza shop and my best friend was 14 and had a job at the ice cream place next door! We both had "work permits" that we got through our high school and parents had to sign. There are limits to how many hours she can work per week, and how late at night she can work. I think its a great idea. Working in that pizza shop was actually a really good time for me as a young teen and I learned about being responsible and the value of working for your own money. Let her do the legwork and find the job though - you should not do that for her. She will still have plenty of time to have a fun summer.
Oh, and my job was in walking distance to my house so my parents only picked me up if I was working after dark. I was able to walk there during the day.

I think it is admiral that your daughter wants to work and I would encourage her to pursue a job herself with your guidance. You would be able to decide if any particular situation would be suitable for her. There are not many places that will hire a 14 year old. Many places will not hire anyone under 18. They can afford to be picky, because there are plenty of people needing jobs.

Babysitting would be her best bet and they make really good money! If she does not like babysitting, then the only other option would be to be hired privately; like lawn work, pet sitting, housecleaning, etc. Do you know someone that has a business that might hire her to answer phones or file? Can she clean out your garage or closets and have a garage sale? Encourage her to be creative and think of a need, then fill it!

Jobs are hard to come by these days, even for older teens. Unfortunately, most summer jobs were filled months ago. Next year, she needs to begin looking for a summer job around spring break.

What are your state laws? I live in CA and did start working at age 14. I obtained a work permit (which my parents had to sign) to do it. My first job, besides babysitting, was in a cookie store. So no, I don't think it's too young, in fact, I think it's a fabulous idea. She learns responsibility, work ethics, earns pocket money and it beats summer boredom. Be prepared to drive her to/from, though, if need be. BUT, have her research her job opportunities, not you. That's part of growing up and the whole process. My parents didn't find my jobs for me, I did. (Other jobs that I and my friends had were at ice cream shops, retail stores, pizza places, flower store, etc. You get the idea :) And if she's that intent on working, she'll do the legwork and make it happen.