| Finding summer jobs for teens |
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A lot of local governments and nonprofit groups are
classifying jobs for younger teens as volunteer positions, says
Ward.
She believes that unless the teen absolutely needs
the money, volunteering isn't a bad way to go for a first summer
job. The jobs provide experience, references and opportunities to
network, she says. "It might be the place where you meet your
next employer."
Rules for parents
If your teen wants to work this summer, there are a couple of things
you need to know.
Depending on local regulations and your child's age,
your teen might need working papers. You can usually get them through
the school guidance office or the local labor department. Basically,
you will certify your child's age and that you have given permission
for him to work. In many cases, the child will also need to provide
additional proof of age, as well as a Social Security number.
Make sure that the child fills out the proper tax
forms. If the employer is lax on this score, you may want to have
your teen look elsewhere.
Put a limit on their hours, as well as when you'll
allow them to work, advises Godfrey. "You want them on a regular
schedule," she says. "You don't want them working really
late hours."
Also check on safety issues. Again, local
laws vary and can take precedence over federal child labor laws
where they offer more protection to the child. Federal
child labor laws further restrict 14- and 15-year-olds from
working hazardous jobs such as construction, warehouse and some
cooking duties.
But what a teen is allowed to do on the job is usually
regulated by age. And you don't want your kids handling heavy equipment
or cutting machines -- especially if they are underage and don't
have the proper experience. The best way to check things out? Just
show up, says Ward.
Money basics
This is also a good time to talk about budgets, Godfrey says. "It
is really about empowerment," she says. Since it's probably
the first time they've brought home an income, they might need guidance
on how much to spend and save.
Her rule of thumb: 10 percent to charity, 30 percent
for instant gratification, 30 percent for medium-term savings (back-to-school
clothes, consumer electronics or gas) and 30 percent for long-term
goals (such as college).
Parents can monitor their teens' spending with prepaid
cash cards, says Godfrey, but shouldn't hand them a credit card.
"Credit is a privilege and not a right," she says. They
should first master a balance of spending, saving and charitable
giving.
Also teach them that they won't receive all of their
paycheck -- they have to pay taxes, she says. "It's a great
time to start the tax lesson."
While some teens have already joined the work force
to help support their families, summer jobs are often an eye-opener
for the rest. "They're going to see how difficult it is to
earn a day's wages," says Godfrey. "And they're going
to figure out, 'Whoa, I didn't earn much.'
"Now when you're in a store and your kid says,
'I want this', say, 'How many days of labor would it take to earn
that money?'"
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