I always knew raising little ones would come with a hefty price tag, and I was right—kids can be costly. However, now that I’m navigating the world of teenagers, my previous ideas about expenses seem downright silly. Because let me tell you, teens are a financial whirlwind. In no time, I’ll have three of them, and just the thought sends my stress levels soaring.
Here’s a tip for future parents: start stashing away cash before you even see those two pink lines on the pregnancy test. Having a teenager feels like a direct assault on your bank account. They consume food like a bottomless pit, constantly eyeing the latest smartphones and trendy shoes. Driver’s ed classes? Check. A car? Well, they want to borrow yours, which means you’ll need to add them to your insurance policy. And don’t forget the rising gas prices to keep them mobile. Then there are those nagging upkeep costs like tire replacements and oil changes, which can really add up.
Don’t even get me started on proms and graduations; they’re practically as expensive as weddings these days. Gone are the days when they were content to hang out at home with a plate of my homemade cookies and Netflix. Now they want to hit the movies, attend school plays, dine out, and jump around at trampoline parks, all of which cost a small fortune, especially if they want to bring friends along. My checking account is crying for help, and my heart races just thinking about it.
And we haven’t even touched on college expenses yet. Are you feeling the anxiety? Because I certainly am.
This is precisely why all my teenagers will be getting jobs. In our household, not working is simply not an option.
According to a recent Bloomberg article, today’s teens aren’t entering the workforce like we did in the ’80s and ’90s. As someone who grew up in that era, I remember needing a job to hang out with friends or to buy anything beyond the essentials. If I wanted something extra during back-to-school shopping (which I always did), it was my responsibility to dig into my piggy bank.
When I started driving, I handled my own driver’s education costs, car insurance, and registration. Sure, my parents helped when they could, but with four active teens around, we were expected to pitch in. So, we all hustled with various jobs.
My son has transitioned away from sports and discovered a passion for work. Last summer, he earned nearly a thousand dollars, which he used to purchase a new smartphone. He also spent his spring break helping my brother with plumbing, which allowed him to buy a new bike. He’s eager to work again this summer to fund some luxuries that I’m not inclined to buy for him. I reminded him that if he wants a car, he should start saving for one because I’m not footing that bill.
It’s a win-win having him work on a farm with his grandfather or learn plumbing skills with my brother. He’s earning his own money while gaining invaluable life lessons about independence and hard work.
I don’t want my kids to go without life’s necessities, but it’s crucial they understand just how expensive things can be. After all, I’m not a cash machine; I’m their mom. I want them to grasp the value of a dollar so the next time they whine, “But Mom, it’s only 50 bucks, just buy it for me,” they think twice, understanding how long it takes to earn that kind of money.
Experiencing the satisfaction of hard work is something I want them to cherish. Knowing they’ve put in the effort and earned their pay is an incredible feeling. It can build empathy for service workers and encourage them to be mindful of their surroundings, like not leaving trash behind in public spaces.
As parents, we have a lot to teach our children, but we can’t cover it all. That’s why in our home, working is a fundamental lesson. Not only will they appreciate it later, but they’ll also be grateful to themselves when they can afford those designer sneakers or their own car, knowing they achieved it through their own efforts.
So while I’m genuinely proud of my son for wanting to work this summer, I would have encouraged him to do so anyway, and I’ll do the same for his siblings. Learning how to navigate the job market and work under someone else’s guidance is often more beneficial than the paycheck itself.
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In summary, teaching my teenagers the importance of work is not just about the money; it’s about instilling values of responsibility, independence, and hard work. They will thank me later for these lessons, which will serve them well throughout life.