I don’t think it’s a good idea but…

@sol_cee (38943)
Philippines
April 10, 2026 4:56am CST
My son has just finished the 2025-2026 school year and recently graduated from junior high school. (Is graduated the correct term?) He’s now in full vacation mode, and I don’t want him spending all his time just tinkering on his phone, so I decided to give him a summer project. There’s a part of our house that needs painting, and instead of hiring someone to do it, I asked if he’d be willing to take it on. He took Visual Arts as his elective and has been part of a painting class for four years (since seventh grade), so he does have a background in ‘painting’. When I asked him what he would need for the project, he seemed quite knowledgeable and gave me a list of materials. I bought everything, and he’s all set to start soon. I’m just not sure if it’s a good idea, though. Have you ever had a summer project when you were young?
8 people like this
8 responses
Amber
@AmbiePam (121999)
• United States
10 Apr
Why do you suddenly think it is a bad idea? It sounds like he is willing, he has the knowledge, and it will keep him busy. I think you came up with a wise idea. The summer I was 13 and my sister was 15 my dad had us strip the walls in the living room and then paint them. I made sure to run the fan though because it got hot!
3 people like this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
10 Apr
Honestly I don’t even know why I suddenly got nervous about it - I already bought all the materials now I’m like… what if it turns out terrible??
2 people like this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
10 Apr
Oh wow, that actually sounds like such a fun bonding moment with your sister! Did your dad at least pay you for all that hard work?
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Amber
@AmbiePam (121999)
• United States
10 Apr
@sol_cee Yes, he did. I don’t remember how much though.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (503616)
• Italy
10 Apr
I was going to ask the same as Amber, why do you think it's a bad idea? Just keep an eye on him to check that he does everything correctly. I cannot remember I ever had summer projects when I was young.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (503616)
• Italy
11 Apr
@sol_cee I would have also been worried letting a young boy take care of this project.
1 person likes this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
12 Apr
@LadyDuck I think that’s just the official “mom instinct” kicking in. Better to worry a little than not at all lolll
1 person likes this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
11 Apr
Hi Anna-san. I guess I was just a little worried he might mess up the project - but that’s not fair of me. As a mom, I should be supporting him haha
1 person likes this
DE
@DaddyEvil (175020)
• United States
10 Apr
I started working a full-time job when I was 13 years old. My dad had passed away and mom needed help paying the bills for herself, my youngest brother and myself. I was only legally allowed to work a full-time job while school was out for the summer. During the school year, I was only legally allowed to work two hours a day after school. If your son is willing to do the work and believes he can do it, then you should believe in him and let him try. I'm very happy to see you back again, Dearheart!
1 person likes this
DE
@DaddyEvil (175020)
• United States
11 Apr
@sol_cee My sincere condolences. It's okay. I was surprised to see you on myLot yesterday. It's always nice when you make it here.
1 person likes this
DE
@DaddyEvil (175020)
• United States
11 Apr
@sol_cee I know. I wish you were here a little more often, though.
1 person likes this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
11 Apr
@DaddyEvil lol, I do surprise cameos on myLot sometimes
1 person likes this
DianneN
@DianneN (254948)
• United States
12 Apr
I think it’s a great idea! Obviously, he’s old enough and knows just what to do. I used to go to the beach with my friends at his age.
1 person likes this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
14 Apr
I was more of an “expert at avoiding beaches” at that age
1 person likes this
DianneN
@DianneN (254948)
• United States
14 Apr
@sol_cee Silly girl!
Valentina
@valherma00 (4312)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
10 Apr
i think it's an excellent idea. he has a purpose now and maybe it won't be perfect like a pro is painting but you'll always remember it's him who helped you out
1 person likes this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
11 Apr
What you said made me smile. Thank you
1 person likes this
Valentina
@valherma00 (4312)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
11 Apr
@sol_cee kids like doing important things and you made the right choice. welcome and thank you for sharing
Michael
@Wrexxo (2852)
•
10 Apr
Its good.its teaches him responsibility
1 person likes this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
11 Apr
Yeah, I agree - it’s a good way for him to learn responsibility Did you also have summer projects when you were younger, or was summer more of a real break back then?
1 person likes this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
12 Apr
@Wrexxo Ohh I see, so it was more like school in disguise then
1 person likes this
Michael
@Wrexxo (2852)
•
11 Apr
@sol_cee they weren't real breaks..they were time for extra lessons
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Jeff Moffitt
@moffittjc (128924)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 Apr
That's really awesome that he agreed to take on the painting project. Hopefully, he researched everything he needed and how to do it before he actually got started. Keep us updated on how it turns out.
1 person likes this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
23 Jun
Hi Jeff, slr. He already finished it, and we're really happy with how it turned out. All that research beforehand definitely helped. How have you been?
Valerie J. Routhieaux
@just4him (323193)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
15 Apr
It sounds like a good idea to me. The fact that you are giving him that kind of project will give him the confidence to do a good job.
1 person likes this
JB_girl
@sol_cee (38943)
• Philippines
23 Jun
For sure! He got it done, and now he's probably feeling like he can tackle anything.
1 person likes this