Overview

Teens may start working during the high school years, often starting with a summer job. Work experience can offer many valuable lessons for teens and gives them a sense of independence and accomplishment. They also develop skills they will need to become successful in the adult workforce, such as how to balance time, manage money, and work with others.

Here are some ways you can help your teen learn to balance responsibilities and set priorities.

• Help your teen with a job search.

  School counselors, family friends, and other types of community networking can be excellent resources. Make sure that when your teen accepts a job, there will be enough time to fulfill academic, social, and family obligations.

• Stress the importance of finding a balance.

  Help your teen understand the need to schedule enough rest, carve out study time, eat nourishing foods, and get regular physical activity.

• Help your teen manage money.

  Have your teen watch and learn how you pay household bills, which demonstrates the need to budget for everyday expenses. Help your teen open a bank account to learn how to manage personal finances.