How to Make My Son Get a Job

A cell phone, a car payment, those hot new sneakers. There are a lot of things your son needs, or wants. And perhaps you want him to get a job. You know that besides earning cash, he̵7;ll learn time management and basic job skills. Show him it's time, and as he looks for work, be part of the process -- but allow him to take the lead in finding the job that is right for him.

  1. Open A Conversation

    • Discuss with your teen the direct benefits of having a job: spending money to cover basics or extras, greater privileges that come with taking on greater responsibility, getting a foot in the door for even better jobs down the road, and meeting new and interesting peers or adults with similar interests. These positives will motivate him more than using a negative approach, such as complaining about his couch potato habits.

    Decide Financial Support

    • Set limits on what you as a parent are willing to pay for -- or not -- on a regular basis, and what he will be expected to cover himself. For instance, if you have a set amount set aside each month for his gas money to get to school and back, he would need to cover the extra gas he uses to hang out with friends or take a short road trip. Common areas to consider are food, clothing, automotive, cell phone and entertainment expenses.

    Help Him Focus

    • Help your teen make his job search as successful as possible by brainstorming with him likely jobs and where he should apply. Foxbusiness.com suggests teens apply in areas geared toward this age group, such as camps, pools or sports-related businesses, for the best chance of success. Then step back and let him fill out the necessary applications himself so he can take charge of the process.

    Protect His Interests

    • Insist on safety and academics. Check with the U.S. Department of Labor̵7;s website for rules and regulations regarding youth workers, to be sure your teen is in a safe work environment and isn̵7;t working too many hours. There are federal and state labor laws that govern how many hours and under what circumstances teens can work. Also, be sure to stress the importance of school coming first so your teen̵7;s grades don̵7;t slip during the school year.

    Continue Offering Encouragement

    • Show support for your teen and his new job. Do what you can to make this experience a positive one that will serve him well as he enters the job market full time after high school or college. For instance, offer a special privilege to him after his first full month of work to let him know you see he is being responsible and has earned it.

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