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:

At what age do you believe children should get a summer job? What are some good ideas for earning a little money locally during the summer for those who are legally too young to be hired for an actual job?

Judy Vincent

Depending on the maturity of the child and the nature of the job, a 14-year-old could work as a babysitter as well as other assorted jobs.

A teenage boy or girl could get hired to do lawn mowing, errands for older people or even companion sitting for the elderly.

Also, some camps have a counselor in training program that starts around age 13. That is a great way to learn responsibility as well as have a fun summer outdoors. It's great for teens that enjoy working with children and playing sports.