Discipline How To Blog

My daughter is a high school freshman. She is not old enough to get a “real” job, but I like to have a game plan before she starts asking. The appeal to having is job is MONEY. Almost every teen wants extra spending money in their pocket and since Mom and Dad don’t grow money on trees, they figure that they will need a job to afford all those extra luxuries.

I personally think that having a job as a teenager is a good thing. However, if they are going to work during the school year, the hours should be very limited, 10 to 15 at the most. Here are some points to think about:

• Discuss the hours that your teen can work. Be realistic. If your teen is involved in sports or music, their time may be very limited.
• Suggest the possibility of having your teen work only during the summer. This will give your teen plenty of time for school work and extra curricular activities during the school year.
• Set up a budget for your teen. Tell them what you expect them to pay for out of the money they earn, what they should save, and what they should give to charity.
• Teens who work long hours tend to also be involved in more risky activities. Keep in mind that school work should still be their number one focus.
• If your teen absolutely hates school and does not plan to go on to college, try to get them to focus on a career plan after high school. Are they interested in construction or electronics? Maybe they could get a part time job as an apprentice.

Currently, my girls both get a budget for clothing and can earn extra money from doing “money chores.” Money chores are chores that are above and beyond the normal chores that they do as part of our family, such as filing paperwork, cleaning out the refrigerator or freezer and babysitting. If my teen were to get a job, we would adjust the clothing budget so that she would need to contribute to it as well. I good rule of thumb that I have found is: 40% savings, 10% charity and 50% spending money. Spending money can include such things as gas, movie tickets, clothing and eating out.

When your teen asks if he can get a job, be sure to sit down with him and devise a plan that will balance home, school and job.

Technorati Tags: teen discipline, teen jobs

It is so hard for me to believe, but my oldest daughter started High School today!  Yesterday she was a little kindergartener - and then I blinked.  High School can be an exciting time, but also a stressful time for young teenagers.  My daughter was a little concerned when, at orientation, she could only find half of her classrooms.  Here are a few tips for parents of new High Schoolers:

• Be Involved.  Attend any meetings offered to parents.  If possible, become involved in sports committees or the PTO/PTA.
• Listen.  Be prepared to listen to your child’s fears and also what excites her.  Try to help her overcome any anxities she may have.
• Help you child get organized from day one.  If the school does not provide planner, get one for him.  Help him organize notebooks based on his schedule.  Teach him these skills and then let him go it on his own.
• Read the school handbook and be aware of the rules and regulations.  Detentions are often given for tardiness or excessive absences.
• If your child’s mood changes, try to ascertain what is bothering her.  There may be bullying problems and your child may feel that they can not talk to you about the problem.  Suggest they try their school counselor if they won’t discuss the problem.  If there is a bullying problem talk to the child’s counselor or a school administrator.
• Let you child get involved.  There are plenty of extracurricular activities at school.  Let her find one that interests her.
• Your child should get three good meals a day and get plenty of sleep.  Most teenagers need at least 10 hours of sleep a night!  Limit time spent on computer and video games and television during the week.  Instead opt for exercise, outside time or reading.

Teenagers seem to forget that they are part of a family as well.  They should still be involved in family activities and have responsibilities (chores) around the house.

Have a great school year!

Technorati Tags: teen discipline