Entry bubble Summer Jobs for Kids

By: Nicole | May 16, 2008 | Category: General


Backyard FootballHere in D.C. it’s 75 degrees and sunny, which can mean just one thing. Soon, it will be 90 degrees and so humid I’ll need SCUBA equipment to breathe. I might not be thrilled by this prospect, but the kids in my life can’t wait. Summer for them means trips to the beach, lazy days playing pick-up football, and extended bedtimes. In another year or two, it might also mean a summer job, possibly a government job.

So, for those of you who have kids 13 and older, I've gathered together some helpful resources. The U.S. Department of Labor provides specific information for parents about the rules governing youth labor. For example, there are special rules regarding the minimum wage for young workers. There are also time restrictions. Generally, kids 14-15 can work a full 40 hour-week during non-school weeks, but only 18 hours during a school week. There are no federal time restrictions for kids over the age of 16, but you should check your state laws because some provide stricter guidelines. There are different rules for kids whose parents own their own business or farm.

Even if your kids aren’t quite old enough to have a summer job, they can begin investigating careers. Using the Web, you can find information about which industries are growing, as well as match students’ interests with possible career options.

VolunteerAnother terrific idea for kids during the summer is volunteer work, which can provide new skills and foster a sense of civic involvement. In addition, colleges are often impressed by applicants who volunteer their time to help others. Many government agencies have volunteer opportunities.

Do you have any creative ideas for great summer jobs?

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: career   jobs   kids   labor   school   seasonal   students   summer   teens   vocation   volunteer   youth  

Comments (2):

blue comment bubble Posted by Citizen Jmaximus on May 17, 2008 at 02:17 PM EDT

Many of the jobs that used to be done by teenagers are done by undocumented workers now. With the economy in turmoil also, schoolkids will have some slim pickings this year.

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blue comment bubble Posted by emma cyrus on July 02, 2008 at 06:07 PM EDT

awsome kep up the good work!

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