Life Lessons
The financial strain of raising teens is no joke.
With three teenagers on the brink of driving age, the expenses are piling up. Have you checked the price of a decent, reliable car lately? And don’t even get me started on college tuition! Teenage girls eat as much as their male counterparts, and my three kids can deplete a fully stocked pantry in a single day.
They often remind me that having three kids in three years was my choice, so I shouldn’t complain about the costs. I see their point, but I can’t help but voice my frustrations sometimes. No one’s perfect, right?
From the time they were little, I’ve made it clear: if they want to drive around with their friends or catch movies without me, they need to earn some money. I stand by that belief: these teens will be getting summer jobs, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
My oldest son has been working every summer since he was eleven, and not just at easy gigs. He’s toiled in hay fields under the sun alongside his grandfather. The summer before he got his driver’s license, he juggled two jobs and saved enough to buy his first car outright. The pride he felt driving it home was priceless, and I couldn’t have been prouder.
Now, my two younger children are set to follow in his footsteps — or at least, that’s my plan. The skills they acquire from summer jobs are invaluable, especially if the work isn’t their favorite. Last summer, they picked berries in a field. My daughter washed dishes at a restaurant, while my son scooped ice cream. There were days they were reluctant to go to work, missing out on pool days with their friends. They often expressed their dislike for working, but they couldn’t deny the joy of receiving their paychecks.
Having jobs also helped them establish a routine and get out of bed before noon, which is no small feat during summer. More importantly, they began to appreciate the value of money. They were less likely to waste or disregard things they purchased with their own hard-earned cash — a lesson I’ve repeated countless times about my own earnings.
Too much free time isn’t beneficial for my kids. They thrive on structure; without school and extracurricular activities, they tend to waste sunny days lounging in bed and scrolling through their phones. With nothing to do but hang out with friends, it can lead to a lack of motivation.
Through their summer jobs, my kids have also learned the importance of finding work that they enjoy. My daughter discovered she didn’t enjoy picking strawberries, but loved interacting with the farm animals and is now considering a career with animals. My youngest son found joy in working outdoors, transforming our entire backyard into a thriving garden. Meanwhile, my oldest son explored plumbing while working for his father, and he has since decided it’s the career for him.
These experiences have instilled in my children a strong work ethic and an understanding of money’s value. Yes, they’d likely prefer to lounge around all summer, but I know that having them work for three months each year is more beneficial than letting them laze about from June to September.
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Summary:
Raising teenagers brings significant financial challenges, from vehicle expenses to the costs of college. Teaching them the importance of work and responsibility through summer jobs is essential. My oldest son has shown the value of hard work by saving for his first car, while my younger children are beginning to understand the benefits of earning their own money and discovering their passions. It’s important for them to experience structured activities during the summer, as too much free time can lead to a lack of motivation. Ultimately, these summer jobs help them develop skills, gain financial responsibility, and prepare for future careers.