Part-time Job
Dear Principal,
My son wants to get a part-time job. I am concerned that this will interfere with his schoolwork. Should I allow him to get a job?
Mrs. Lang
Dear Mrs. Lang,
Some would argue that being a student is already a job and that what he wants is a second job.
The question of a part-time job is different than the question of extra-curricular involvement. Although in both cases it is important to ensure that academic performance is the first priority, school related events generally have a positive effect on student achievement. The activities contribute to the children's sense of belonging to the school community and of being valued.
I would question the motivation behind his desire for the `second' job. Is it simply the desire for spending money or is the job in a field which he has a genuine interest. A job which is interesting to him in and of itself is more likely to have a positive effect on him than a job he does just for money.
Without a doubt teenagers need spending money. It is up to parents to ensure that the pursuit of money doesn't interfere with their child's future. A few hours a week probably won't hurt, but every person does have limits as to the physical and emotional energy they have.
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