So, the Allowance Is No Longer Enough?
As kids get older, their needs change and they may feel that an allowance isn’t enough money and they would like to earn some additional money. Also, one day, your child will need to earn a living. Kids can get an edge on the work world by starting early and in doing so they will gain valuable experience working with different people, learning about managing money, have some money to spend once they get older, and/or save for college.
At this point, you child is ready for a job. Sometimes this transition into the “job” phase of life runs smoothly. However, often there are some bumps along the road.
I gained some insight into this life-stage in a recent radio interview I did with Doug Root, the owner of Jungle Quest. Since 1988, first through the YMCA and later through Jungle Quest, Doug has processed thousands of teenage job applications and has hired many, many teenagers. I’m going to share with you some of his words of wisdom.
Kids: Why do you want to work? The answer better not be, “because I need the money or because my parents want me to.”
Parents: You are not responsible for getting your child a job. Now, I know you want your kid to get a job. But that doesn’t mean your kid is motivated to get a job.
So, parents. How do you make sure your kid really wants a job? Again, let me say, YOU are not responsible for getting your child a job. I don’t care how much you want your child to want to get a job. Unless, they are motivated, they won’t get one and, if they do, it won’t be for long.
The answer: Dry up familial resources.
Here’s an example. if I’m a kid and I’m 16 years old and I’m getting a $20 a week allowance, what do I need a job for? If I get a ride to the movies every time I want one, what do I need a job for? If I get a clothes allowance, what do I need a job for?
So, we’re back in the trap of, well, just pretend to apply for jobs and then mom will yell at me and then, I’ll apply for a job and then, I’ll tell her that I probably got a job, and then, I’ll get another 10 days of not having to mess with it.
Parents… here is what you do. You basically share their pain. It’s a lesson out of tough love. You dry up familial resources. So, you could say, “starting in 30 days, when you want a ride to the mall, you’re going to have to pay for the gas.” “In 60 days, we’re going to cut your allowance because now you’re 16 or 17. Well, “How can I get any money?” “Well, get a job.”
Another way to add motivation to your teenager is to offer to give them the allowance back once they have a job.
Let’s say they get $10 bucks a week as an allowance. Well, come a month from now, no more allowance. But, if you get a job and your paychecks are $30 dollars, then, I’ll give you your $10 allowance.
So, dry up the allowance. You can give it back once they get a job.
I’m going to highlight something here. There are two very different things:
1) Looking for a job
2) Getting a job.
A teenager ought to be able to get a job in a month…at the most two months.
Now, its might not be a great job. In fact it might be a lousy job. But, that can create motivation too…
All in all, the stage in life when it is time for your teenager to get a job can be trying. The quicker they get motivated to do it, once they are ready, will make your life and theirs so much more enjoyable. To hear more insights, click here to listen to the archive of this show.
Have you had experience with this subject? I’d love you to share it with me.
