Is it advisable if we allowed our kids to work at 16?

@rozebara (139)
Philippines
April 4, 2007 7:48pm CST
i have a son who's really eager to work this coming summer, i tell him its not yet time for him to work because he's too young i told him to enjoy his summer in some other way, but he keeps on telling me that he would like to help us, i feel happy inside my heart because in his age his responsible & very concern to his family, but i believe its not yet time, what can you advice me on this?
7 people like this
52 responses
• Canada
5 Apr 07
In the UK we finish high school at the age of 16 and so because of when my birthday fell, I actually graduated when I was 15. I started my first real job two days before I took my final exam, so I was working before I was 16. I think it depends on the maturity of each individual. Your son is showing a maturity that not many kids his age show by wanting to work and earn some money. I say tell him he can get a job, but that there are certain limits you'll place on what sort of jobs he's allowed to go for. I wish you luck.
@magnel (2263)
• India
5 Apr 07
In today's world its never too early for work... youngster are eager to come out of their study world and face the real world... So I think it fine for kids to start working at the age of 16... It will be good for them to gain experience for their future...
2 people like this
@roque20 (518)
• Philippines
5 Apr 07
Here in philippines,18 years old below are not allowed to work.But i have heard some cases that 17 years old child work but i think there is no problem with that as long as the child has the capacity to do his/her work.
• United States
5 Apr 07
I got my first job when I was either 15 or 16. I honestly dont really see a problem with it. I think it can be good for the kids growth into a good adult. The only adive I could give is that I think its the parents job to make sure they can handle the whole thing. If school work starts to go downhill becuase of a job then I think a parent might need to step in.
2 people like this
@kitkat1 (1227)
• Canada
5 Apr 07
Really if it is time yet or not in the long run would be up to you cause you are his parent but i will tell you my views on it as i have a son who will be sixteen soon an is talking about the same thing. I believe myself that it is an excellent experience for a child just to go out and work at a real job for the learning let alone the money. They learn how to act in an employee boss relationship and they learn about responsibility. I believe what i like the most is that after they have experienced working for what they want they can appreciate what we the parents strive so hard to do for them as we go out to work. And it dont hurt that they learn the value of getting that money that they spend so freely. After they go out and have to work to earn it they may not be so friverlous on what they spend it on. I think it is a good experience in alot of aspects as long as it does not interfere with school.
@4cuteboys (4099)
• United States
5 Apr 07
I got my first job by choice around the age of 14. I worked year round not just in the summer scooping ice cream in the local mall, I loved it! I would say 16 is totally acceptable to start a job if he wants to! I would be encouraging him to get a job! It will help him feel productive, earn some money for himself and keep him out of trouble!
2 people like this
@phon4u (2215)
• Laos
5 Apr 07
I think he can start the work whenever he can, I have started to help my mum when I know how to work with any thing. He can start from the little light work to the tough work. I am still help my mother now although I am busy with some thing else.
1 person likes this
@lilmissy (481)
• United States
5 Apr 07
im 16 and i work on the weekends saturday and sunday only i make a lil over $250 a month , i give my mother $200 to help the family its my choice it makes me feel good, $50 a month is enough for a coke or something yea would be great to have cash but if my family is haveing a hard time and i am out eating bymyself or with friends i feel badly 2 days a week is enough tho it can be overwhelming after awhile between school and weekend work the only day i truely have off is when a natioal holiday falls during the week
1 person likes this
@drumm1n (499)
• India
5 Apr 07
yup i think its a more than appropriate age for someone to start workin!...im 18 and im already investin in da markets! so theres never a too early age! your son will learn alot from a somple job. things he would never had realized if he were in school!
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Apr 07
This is good for your kid. My son started working at 14 and he is all the better for it. He is an accountant. BL was ready to start work at this age. A mother should never tell a 16 year old son what to do or not do; he needs to be shown respect. He is obviously trying to show responsiblility and show you that the way you raised him was good.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
5 Apr 07
I had my first job when I was 12, I work at my uncles shop.I love it,well if it's his choice then why don't you give him a chance.I mean after all it is summer, he can really learn a lot from having a job...I did.You're lucky you have a son that cares and think about his family, you don't find a lot of those these days.
@cinz20 (63)
• Philippines
5 Apr 07
well for me, i think no problem with that as long as he can do his work as well at the same time he continue his studies..
1 person likes this
@aprilsong (1884)
• China
5 Apr 07
Well,you have a good boy.He is very filial.Indeed he is too young to work.And he should enjoy other things.Like going to a college. By the way,does your son want to have a full time job or does he just want to have a part time job?If he just wants a part time job,it is ok.Anyway experience of working is helpful for him.But if he wants to have a full time job,i suggest you advice him not to go for it at such a early age.Anyway,going to a college can be very useful to his future.And if he gets into his 20s and 30s.He may regret for his choice.
@mflower2053 (3223)
• United States
5 Apr 07
let them yes but make them no. Awww hes so sweet to want to help out the family. I think if he wants to let him. It could learn alot from it. Maybe he wants to start saving up for a car or taking his girlfriends on dates later on. I wouldn't take his money from him for bills yet.
1 person likes this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
5 Apr 07
Shite, my Mom'd be kicking me out the door telling me to get a job at that age. It's plenty old enough to get a job..the younger one gets a job, the better they'll be able to take care of themselves later. Remember: landlords and people hiring kids trust people who've had experience before, working, who've held down a job. Doing it in one's teens often gives people the incentive to give you a try. I had my first job at thirteen, cleaning a resale shop.
1 person likes this
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
5 Apr 07
If your son has good grades and he is trustworthly,I see no reason why he cannot get a summer job...I know we really just want to hold them and want them to have a good time,but i think maybe it would be good for him.He is 16 and will soon be wanting his first car.It could be a way for him to save some money toward that car,he will be wanting soon.It might teach him some responsibility...Our children do not know the value of the dollar,but this would be a good way to let him learn on his own.I always let my boys have a summer job,sometimes it keeps them busy and out of trouble.Just make sure he has a job where he will be in no danger and not around bad company...He sounds like a really nice boy,wanting to help you.I would let him save some of his money and put it or save it toward something he may want later..I never had a problem when my boys worked in the summer,they enjoyed their jobs..I raised three boys and never had a problem.Of course that final decision will be up to you,theses are just my views.Good luck
1 person likes this
@Myrrdin (3599)
• Canada
5 Apr 07
16 is plenty old enough to have a job, I had one by the time I was 15. Having a job teaches them about the value of the dollar and responsibility and discipline. I think it is not only good to allow him, but you should be encouraging him to work hard.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
5 Apr 07
In our country it is not legal to for someone below 18 years old to work. But if it is allowed in yours leave the decision up to your kid. It will make them learn about the value of money and harwork more. And it will make them understand why you work so hard for them too.
1 person likes this
@angela2006 (1845)
• China
5 Apr 07
i think it is a good thing to your kids to work in summer holiday.one hand,it can give them work exercise and make them know how hard to earn money.on the other hand,they can earn some money to relieve your burden even though you have no this request.they will feel happy when they earn money bu themselves.
1 person likes this
@pengqing (217)
• China
5 Apr 07
Ah well,you have a foolish Guaierzi is your blessing.I think children should let him more contact with the community and get more exercise,good for his future development.
1 person likes this