This is what I've told all 6 of my children. 16 - 17 years old, need/get a job, get a savings account (put into it, 1/3 to 1/2 of their pay - this money goes for a car or their own place when they move out of house at the age of 18), if they don't want to ride the city bus, they should be able to afford a scooter/helmet for transportation to/from work for now, the rest of their pay goes for things needed/things wanted. I pay for school needs and medical needs. If they spend their money foolishly, thats their own fault.
Oh, and I tell the ones who have jobs what we are having for supper and they decide right there if they'll eat out or not. I don't fix meals for 8 people very often any longer. Saves me on my food bill.
My 19 yr old son was 17 yrs old, just weeks shy of turning 18, when he was kicked out of my house because of breaking a major house rule. He is enrolled in college and going on his 2nd year, home for the summer, has 2 summer jobs, and he helps out.
My 18 yr old son enlisted in the Air Force when he was 17 and moved out into Basic Training around 3 weeks shy of turning 18, now currently in Japan, and he helps out.
My 17 yr old daughter has a 1 yr old baby girl, has a job, does for herself and baby, (< 21 yr old daddy> lives with his mom> has no job >legal problems brought on himself> will be heading for more if he doesn't get himself right). My daughter lives at home and helps out.
My 16 yr old son has a job, is active in church, active in Urban League, and he helps out.
My 14 yr old son is already putting applications in around town for jobs, he's getting his name known, he'll keep doing this every 3 months like everyone else above has done, he has chores to be done around house.
My 11 yr old daughter has chores around the house and she can't wait to be 14 to be able to put in applications for jobs.
I do not give out allowances since I don't make that much and they don't "earn" money either. My children do not have chores if they work 30 hours or more, so thats why they are out and about looking for jobs at 14 yrs old.
They've all had a job at Salvation Army right before school opened back up, their payment was clothes for school they were allowed to pick for themselves. On the applications they fill out, they are required to put Salvation Army down as their first job. They've also had other jobs when they were 14/15 yrs old, but they've had my permission to work, along with keeping good grades in school.
My Fiance' works (against his doctor's orders, my orders, his mom's orders), he doesn't feel like he's pulling his share as a man if he doesn't work ( me and children of legal age all work).
My children need to know (in 2 yrs) how to hold a job, balance a budget, keep a clean house, and cook.
18 yrs old and not in school - You have 1 month to find yourself a place to live or go to a SHELTER - they will give you a place to rest your head, and maybe even help you find a place to live, oh and by the way, they also make you pay for rent and food.
I've done my part, now legally, you're on your own, and I love you!
Sorry it's so long! But I work around alot of teens/young adults who have a "so whatever" attitude towards work, most do not tend to stay long at any particular job.
I've went thru the phases (ages of 11 - 15)of disrespectful children (some of mine) and all I've done was take their bed away (mattress stays), drawers go (clothes are put into large tubs), tv's and any music players go out also. They are put on a younger child's sleep schedule (bedtime is 9pm). Everything has to be earned back. They hate this!
