Frustrating!

I am so frustrated with my darling teen right now.... I just don't know what's going through her head sometimes. We get along very well for a mother and daughter but since she's no longer going out with the same boy, so much about her has changed.  She has a new job in the industry that she wants to pursue in college....that is going very well.  But now, she wants to only work  Monday through Thursday but it's not even 3 hour shifts and she thinks that is going to cover her car payment, gas AND have money left over to go eat out and run to the mall?  I don't think so! It might cover her car note, and gas, but nothing will be left over, and I just don't want to hear about it. She told me that she wants to be free on Friday nights so that she can go to the football games, and have the whole weekend free....however, her job only works her for 5 hours at a time on the weekend, and that's not really much. She wants things her way, but she isn't looking at the fact that she needs money for other stuff too!  Simply frustrating!  And she thinks that I am trying to tell her what to do...how can that be? Who in the world would think that she could set her own hours?   UGGGGHHHHH

Responsibility For Being At Work On Time

My daughter walked out of here this morning, madder than a wet hen, and I feel bad for her but I am trying to teach her some responsibility. She was scheduled to be at work by 7 am....well, she worked yesterday too and then went out for an extensive lunch with her friend, got home and went back into work (she worked a split shift). This morning, she's not up at the normal time and asked me if she could just stay at home. I was not happy because she has pulled this number a several other times, leaving her job with a loss of worker. They don't like it, and I don't either. Her job is not a big conglomerate that can just call in the next guy. I made her get up and go. She wasn't happy with me and before she left, I asked her if she was mad, knowing I would get a yes. She told me that her back was hurting. I told her that she cannot just stay home when she wants to. The lifeguarding job is MUCH easier than her other job and she was okay with going to that one today. Although she has 2 part-time jobs, she rarely works more than 20 hours a week for the both of them together. I made her go this morning because I want her to learn that others are relying on her being there. I told her that after she goes, if she STILL doesn't feel good, to let her boss know and THEY can send her home, if need be. At least she has shown the responsibility of getting there on time. Seriously, I feel bad for her back hurting some, but she HAS to learn responsibility. Was I being too hard on her?

Teens And Summer Jobs

Having a summer job is a great thing for a teen who is trying to learn responsibility, not to mention the paycheck that comes every week or every other week....however, after they have been working for awhile, you might hear those oh-so- familiar words: "I'm tired" or...."I don't like my job". That is not something I enjoy hearing but I have expressed to my daughter that we are ALL tired after working, and if you want anything in life, you MUST work for it. But, realizing that some jobs just aren't all cracked up to be the best one in life, I have given her this advice:
1.Don't quit your present job until you have another job to replace it
2.Realize that this job depends upon you to do your part, so don't just take off because you want to
3.Look for another job that you feel will suit you better, but look diligently
4.Always give your job a notice before you up and quit because it looks better on your resume
5.Try finding a job that fits in with what you want to do in life so you can get to know the field you want to work in, in your future.

Working Through The Holiday

Oh, I am certainly hearing that whine of " I don't like working!" so since she's been working less than a year now, how do I tell her that this is a way of life? It's not going to be her job for the rest of her life, and she really doesn't work that much....however, during the holidays, she has worked very much......great for her paycheck, keeps her busy, but she doesn't like the hours. Well, she's at the bottom of the work line right now, but it won't always be this way. Next year, she will have to get a job more directly within the field of where she wants to be, so this will be good.
I am so happy that school will be back in session after the weekend is through. How has your holidays been with your teen at home?

Learning How To Balance

Does your teen have alot going on in her life? Even though summer's here, things can get pretty hectic, and for my daughter, she has alot going on right now. Working a part-time job, sometimes a split shift, along with caring for and riding her horse, her household chores and free time takes time to learn how to balance. It's okay to be busy, but there are times that she needs to just "do nothing". If your teen has alot going on in her life, make sure that you do everything you can to help her learn how to balance her life along with getting enough rest and relaxation.

"I'm Tired" She said

Yes, I heard those two words that a teenager likes to say during the summer, and I think that she has a valid complaint, at least some of the time. Her working hours are not very much so it allows her to have free time along with days off to have some summer fun. The best of both worlds, especially when the paycheck comes in and she has something to deposit into her account. Getting a good night's rest is very important to a teenager, especially when they are working or having other activities that draw alot of energy. I try to make sure that she is getting enough protein in her diet as well as enough to drink so that she stays hydrated. At least I have NOT heard the words "I'm Bored!" Thank goodness.

A Time And A Place For Everything

These days have been terribly busy and I am glad that my teen isn't saying she's bored. Although extrememly busy, where does one find the time to do everything that's on the agenda? Sometimes there isn't enough time to get it all done in a whole day, and that's okay. There ae days and times when we just have to take time to "smell the roses", and just relax. I think that effective planning does help, but it's not somethng that has to be stuck in glue. Making a list of things that need to get done is good, something to go by, but not set in stone. I want my daughter to work part time but I don't want her to get burnt out by working at an early age. I want her to see that working is good, great excercise, money in the pocket but there is also time for the fun things in life as well. Spending days off doing summer fun activities is important and will make having to go to work more pleasurable. There's a time and place for everything....enjoy your summer!

Some Advice About Working For Your Future

Right now, being only 14, it's a great time. There's no bills to pay, no credit cards, no house payments, no groceries to buy and certainly no car notes yet. Dear daughter, please take my advice: Working is hard, but it can be very rewarding, especially when buying things that you really want to buy....however, don't rush into things. Getting a job requires many things from a person.
1. a way back and forth to work is very important
2. the proper clothing for certain jobs
3. dedication to getting the job done
4. time to spend at the job
5. a sincere effort to be there whenever you are called in
5. a smile !!