I recently listened to a podcast where the guest was Dr. Lisa Damour, PhD, an expert in adolescent development. In the episode, she said one of her most common "prescriptions" to her adolescent clients is to get a job. With summer right around the corner, now is the time for your child to start job searching.
Teenagers grow in profound ways when they have a job, specifically one that isn't connected to a family member. This is supported by research conducted under the U.S. Department of Labor and organizations like the American Psychological Association. A summer job is so much more than a source of spending money for teens. It teaches accountability, resilience, work ethic, and how to take direction and feedback from someone other than their parents and teachers. Dr. Damour said that the most profound growth and maturation that she sees in her clients happens when they get a job. We hope that you can encourage your child to build their independence by applying for work over the summer!
