I don’t think it’s a good idea but…

@sol_cee (38534)
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?
5 people like this
5 responses
Amber
@AmbiePam (117092)
• United States
2h
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
solxee
@sol_cee (38534)
• Philippines
1h
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
solxee
@sol_cee (38534)
• Philippines
1h
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?
2 people like this
Amber
@AmbiePam (117092)
• United States
1h
@sol_cee Yes, he did. I don’t remember how much though.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (497915)
• Italy
1h
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.
1 person likes this
DE
@DaddyEvil (171610)
• United States
1h
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!
lovely
@augusta123 (8419)
•
Just now
It might not be a bad idea if he is using the phone to study. It's only a bad idea if he's doing something that doesn't relates with educational stuff.
Michael Duff
@Wrexxo (579)
•
47m
Its good.its teaches him responsibility