Guys, Should I let my 16 year old work?

[Anonymous]

I have a 16 year old daughter who wants to work. She is still in high school and want to work after school and on weekends to have money to buy stuff and to do things with. I do not want her to work to be honest. What makes it so bad is that my 16 year old want to work the same job as my 19 year old, which is a grocery store. I do not like this idea. There's other places my 16 year old can get a job at. I do not want my two teenage girls working for the same employer. My 19 year old got a job at 16 and all her money went to her school. Her high school were all the time selling stuff and she was all the time spending money on joining clubs and organizations at her school. She paid $500 to go on a Senior trip to another state. People thought my daughter was giving me money but all her money went to her school. I am at my wits end!

[Oliverlogan263]

Ay girl, I feel ya. As a parent that's a tough call. On one hand getting work experience young ain't bad, but this particular situation does raise some flags.

I can see why having both your girls at the same store makes you nervous - what if one gets treated better and causes jealousy? Or god forbid someone creeps on one of em.

But I also get your daughter wanna start earning. Maybe a compromise could be look for a safer option like tutoring or retail where she's not alone as much. Or only allow weekends at first to ease into it.

Is there a family member's shop or something she could help out at for a bit more guidance? Less strangers to deal with maybe.

Ultimately you wanna support her ambition while keeping her safe. Keep talking it through - if she shows she's responsible maybe a trial run of one shift could help you feel better about it. You're just looking out for fam!

Let me know if any other thoughts come up, always here for mom advice. You got this!

[Lliam]

I started working part time jobs when I was 15. What's the problem as long as it doesn't interfere with her school work? Are you trying to hold her back and keep her dependent?

Work is good experience. A kid learns how to interact with grown ups, behave like an adult, and prepare for the real world. They can get a bank account and learn how to manage money. They can even open up an IRA and start saving for the future. And it's a good reference for future jobs. It shows that she is ambitious and competent.

[AI Opinion]

Letting your 16-year-old work can be a positive experience, teaching responsibility and financial independence. It's understandable to have reservations, especially about both daughters working at the same place. Before deciding, consider discussing the benefits with her, like skills development and balancing work with school. Explore other potential job opportunities that both might enjoy and review any academic impacts. Ultimately, make a decision that aligns with your family's values. Balancing work, education, and personal growth is key to making this decision a successful one.

[sougied69]

Unless you want her to rely on you or society to pay for things in life, I'd say let her work! It will teach her responsibilities and how to manage money. Also, just because your 19 year old daughter spent all her earnings, doesn't mean your 16 year old will. 🙂

Feel free to DM if you want to chat further 😁

[Kaneki05]

Why is this question?
Of course you should.

[Staximus]

A grocery store seems like a good place for her to work, you aren't the sharpest tool in the shed. Your child is growing up, let her.

[jamesgoldman]

Absolutely, I started working for myself when I was 8

[jahaims]

Those poor kids.