To My Valued Community,  

The school year is coming to an end and for many parents in the Silicon Valley this is a relief.  No more AP stress, no more waking up early to drive your teen to school, no more worry about grades and academic performance and a much less stressed teen!  However, now that your happier and less stressed teen has lots of free time, the dilemma arises, what should they do with their time?   

As the mother of 2 teenage girls, this is a difficult one.  I know they have worked so hard during the school year and want down time to relax and hang out with friends.  I think this is age appropriate and valuable, but with friends traveling, our traveling and busy schedules I fear the reality might be extra time on Social Media and screens.  And the big fear, coming home after a long day at work to find a teenage mess around the house, or worse, find that they are getting into trouble and engaging in risky behaviors.  

So what is the balance?  They are too old to go to summer day camps, sports won’t keep them busy enough.  I can give them chores to do around the house which teaches them responsibility and allows them to contribute to our home, but comes with a battle.  So I thought, what would I tell my clients’ parents?  I know that I only have a few precious years left to teach them how to be an adult.  How can I shape their summer experience into a learning environment with the focus on other skills besides academics.  I want them to be well rounded and the school year is so focused on grades and college acceptance that I want this opportunity for them to learn more about how the real world works.  

I know they will get extra social and family time and that is a big value of our family.  We will also travel and have new experiences so they can see the differences in how other cultures and areas do things.  So the next logical box to check is to have some experience earning their own money and having to budget and pay for some of their own expenses during these summer months.  

The following is some information that I hope will be helpful to you in deciding what is right for your teen and your family.  I acknowledge that your teen may not agree with your conclusion and may have anxiety around working for the first time.  If you need help navigating these challenges, our team of amazing therapists who dedicate their career to helping teens and their families is here to help.  Don’t hesitate to reach out for extra support in making these difficult decisions, you are not alone and at CTFT we believe that it takes a village and are honored to be a part of your village.   

 

The Pros and Cons of Teens Getting a Summer Job

Teens getting a summer job can be a transformative experience with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it offers financial independence, valuable work experience, and an opportunity for personal growth. On the other hand, it may impact their academic commitments, limit free time, and potentially expose them to stress or exploitation. Understanding the pros and cons of teens taking on a summer job can help in making an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for them.

Pro: Financial Independence

Having a summer job allows teenagers to earn their own money and gain financial independence. They can use this income to save for future goals, contribute to their expenses, or learn financial management skills.

Con: Time Commitment

A summer job requires a significant time commitment, which can limit the free time and flexibility that teenagers may have during their summer break. This may reduce the time available for other activities such as hobbies, sports, or spending time with friends and family.

Pro: Work Experience 

A summer job provides valuable work experience, which can help teens develop essential skills such as time management, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This experience can enhance their resume and future job prospects.

Con: Academic Impact 

Depending on the intensity of the job and the number of hours worked, teens may face challenges in managing their work and academic responsibilities simultaneously. If they have academic commitments or summer school, balancing both can be demanding and impact their academic performance.

Pro: Responsibility and Discipline 

Holding a job teaches teenagers the importance of responsibility and discipline. They learn to adhere to work schedules, meet deadlines, and fulfill their work responsibilities, instilling a strong work ethic that can benefit them throughout their lives.

 

Con: Stress and Burnout

Taking on a job during the summer can sometimes lead to increased stress and potential burnout, particularly if the workload is demanding or if the teen is not accustomed to working long hours. It’s important to strike a balance between work and relaxation to avoid excessive stress. 

Find Support If You Need 

There are several pros and cons to consider when it comes to teens getting a summer job. 

While it can provide financial independence, work experience, and personal growth opportunities, it may also impact academic commitments, limit free time, and potentially expose them to stress or exploitation. It is essential for teenagers and their parents/guardians to carefully weigh these factors and consider individual circumstances before making a decision. With proper planning, support, and balance, a summer job can be a valuable experience that contributes to their personal and professional development. If you find your child is struggling with the anxiety surrounding finding a summer job, we’re here to help. As a parent, you can’t solve all of your teens’ problems. 

How we can help

At Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, Inc. we are experts in helping teens and their families. With our specialty on adolescents, we are competent at not just helping your teen with the difficult challenges they face, but also with helping parents know what to do, when to back off, when to draw the line and to just know they aren’t alone. Call now (408) 628-0532 to find out if therapy is right for your teen.