Parent Talk

Each week, our Parents Council of experts takes your questions, gives advice and shares solutions.

Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.

This week’s question is:

What are some suggestions for teenagers seeking local summer jobs?

Judy Vincent:

It all depends on the interests of the youth. Parents today are constantly looking for a good babysitter for their children or assistance with the elderly or disabled family members. 

Volunteering is a wonderful way for youths to see how things work from the inside out in a variety of ways, including tutoring at the local library, volunteering at hospitals and nursing homes or even helping out backstage at a local theater show.

Jacqueline Montgomery:

Teaching children to make money for themselves is a great tool for their future. It helps them learn responsibility, community service, and what it’s like to feel pride in their own accomplishments.

Some local summer jobs can become a lifelong pathway.

Becoming a counselor at a camp like the Samuel Field Y or an Academy like the Kids College Summer Academy at Queensborough Community College helps older kids think about how they can work with a lot of responsibility.

 Working at a local animal shelter, or a veterinarian’s hospital can teach empathy while deciding if there is a future for them.

 Entrepreneurs have a lot of leeway, developing their own schedules while building on their skills yet to be discovered. For example, they can check the local newspapers and setting up a lemonade or cold water stand where there will be tag sales, car washes and festivals.

 A young adult can watch the babies or toddlers while mom is home or out on errands. They can also help out elderly neighbors who need their garbage put out and the lawn watered. All of these can help a young person gain self confidence while enjoying a little pocket change.