An after-school job can have many benefits for your teen. First of all, it’s a great way for them to learn different responsibilities including being on time, scheduling and working hard. It can also be an excellent way for them to earn money for college or to beef up their resume. But how do you know when it’s too much? Here are some tips to recognizing your child is past their limit.
Assess Their Current Responsibilities
Between soccer practice, dance class, art lessons, debate club, school, homework, social time, family activities and so on, your children are undoubtedly on the go. If your child is considering applying for a part time job, it might be a good idea to assess their current schedule and how they are handling it. Adding a part time job to the mix is a big commitment and responsibility so if your child is already pushing the envelope on their schedule, they might need to reconsider the job or choose a couple of activities to drop.
Recognize Signs of Stress
If your child does have a part time job, it’s a good idea to learn how to recognize signs of stress in them. Some symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Falling grades
- Social isolation
- Anxiety
- Wide-ranging emotions
- Inability to concentrate
- Physical pains (ie: headaches or stomachaches)
- Loss of appetite
If your teen exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s time to determine the root cause and work towards a healthier, balanced lifestyle.
No “One Size Fits All”
Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” solution for whether or not your child should have a part time job. Instead, assess their level of organization, discipline, desire and ability to handle stress and be sure to make the decision together. If it doesn’t work out, help your teen come up with creative strategies to adapt their schedule, using this process as a learning opportunity.
Feature Image: Zhu
