Job Problem

Teens today want jobs for many of the same reasons you did when you were their age: money, freedom, responsibility, and a desire to be treated like an adult. Though the number of employment opportunities continues to decline, nearly 80 percent of teens say they want to work, and some 1.9 million 15- to 17-year-olds actually held gigs in 2009. For those lucky (and cunning) enough to find work, it can mean so much more than a paycheck. "Your child will begin to interact with coworkers, and possibly customers, and as a result, gain knowledge about how the workplace operates," says Beverly F. Slomka, author of Teens and the Job Game (iUniverse). "It's important that kids take their first job seriously and understand that it's a stepping stone to bigger things later on." Anticipating the problems that a kid might run into in a new venture—and taking preventive measures to avoid them—will help your young worker get off on the right foot.
The Problem: New Job Jitters
The beginning can be scary—the pressure to perform can turn a laid-back teen into a ball of nerves.
The signs: Your child is quieter than usual and complains of a stomachache or loss of appetite before her first day.
How to help: Assure your teen that it's normal to feel anxious. Remind her that the biggest challenge is already behind her (getting hired), and that she may make a mistake but it won't be the end of the world. "Nobody expects perfection on the first day, or even the first week," says parent coach Susan Epstein. When your teen messes up, encourage her to admit it immediately and to ask her employer how she can avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Her new boss should admire her honesty and be impressed with her desire for self-improvement. Helping teens practice basic skills—like making eye contact and firming up their handshake—will also give them more confidence from the get-go.
When to get involved: If your teen is still nervous after a few weeks, it may be a sign of a deeper issue, like a lousy manager or overwhelming responsibilities. Talk it out until you uncover the real issue.
The Problem: Immaturity
It's easy for teens to let "little things" like personal hygiene or a bad attitude damage their workplace rep. Teaching them to behave professionally sets an example for life.
The signs: They're dressing sloppily, arriving late to work, asking to leave early and relaying anecdotes about goofing off.