Summer jobs for teens

[Anonymous]

My DD will be 16 this summer. Back in the days of my youth. 16 was the magic age to work in retail and restaurants. But my DD says she's asked at a local mall, and the stores she's checked are only hiring 18 and over. She's also applying to local recreation day camp jobs. Any other ideas? She really wants a job and is willing to do the work to find one. Are there local resources she should be checking for listings? Her high school doesn't seem to have any listings.

[Anonymous]

I was a lifeguard. You need some certifications for that, but it's a lot of fun...and looks good on a resume later.

[Anonymous]

Yogurt shop?

[Anonymous]

Try a mom-and-pop shop instead of a big chain. Playseum, for instance, is staffed by high schoolers.

[Anonymous]

If your daughter if kind and patient, I would suggest trying to get the word out that she would enjoy being a paid "sitter" for a younger child or a paid "activity partner" to a teen with a disability. Checking with local organizations which work with children and teens with a disability, she might leave her information. I would suggest that she meet the child or teen and do things a couple of times before making a firm commitment. This kind of experience can really help her see if areas such as teaching, social work, health care etc. might be for her, And, it will most likely develop a certain maturity and awareness in her that she may not have as yet.

Another idea would be to put her information out there on your local neighborhood or school list.serves or with programs which may only be part-time for kids or teens.