Chick Fil A hires younger kids in normal times. Not sure about not. Also not starting a debate about Chick Fil A. Just stating facts.

Anonymous wrote:If your child is involved in any activities, check there as well. DD does martial arts, and she can start getting paid for assisting with classes, at 14. A friend's teen turned 14 over last summer, and was getting paid for chess and robotics camp (he is a rated junior chess player, and went to robotics nationals pre-COVID).

This is how my kid got a job the day after turning 14. DC has been working there for over 3 years now.

My son is 15 and in Virginia, I’m going to suggest that he work at giant or Safeway in the summer. He can be a cashier.

If your child is involved in any activities, check there as well. DD does martial arts, and she can start getting paid for assisting with classes, at 14. A friend's teen turned 14 over last summer, and was getting paid for chess and robotics camp (he is a rated junior chess player, and went to robotics nationals pre-COVID).

Work as a caddy at a local golf course? My son is hoping to be a junior tennis instructor which is allowed at age 15. They aren't really instructing but are helping with court maintenance and coralling kids. He would have loved to be a junior basketball instructor but I'm still not sure those camps will run this summer since they are inside.

I'm pretty sure you can work at McDonald's at 15 (although it varies by state). My husband worked there in high school and he said it was a great, really flexible job. He also said he learned that he didn't want to work at McD's for the rest of his life.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe a local diner? A coney island type, breakfast/lunch place that doesn't serve alcohol. They will usually hire servers at 15. I worked at one for several yrs starting at 15 and it was a great first job.

That was in the 90's though. Times are different now.

How so? You can legally be hired to work as young as 14.

Upscale trendy diners probably won’t hire a 15 yr old, but most simple mom and pop greasy spoon type diners do. Work there. Hard work, but simple and quick money. Good lessons in multitasking

Because now there are work permits required for non-family members. More regulation, and many employers do not want to deal with it.

Work permits were always required for under 18 workers. It is just a simple form and the teen is responsible for most of the work in getting it from school, giving to employer and returning. No big deal.

Anonymous wrote:DC Summer Youth Employment registration opened last week. It's an option if you live in DC.

Great program. My kids have participated every summer since they started high school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe a local diner? A coney island type, breakfast/lunch place that doesn't serve alcohol. They will usually hire servers at 15. I worked at one for several yrs starting at 15 and it was a great first job.

That was in the 90's though. Times are different now.

How so? You can legally be hired to work as young as 14.

Upscale trendy diners probably won’t hire a 15 yr old, but most simple mom and pop greasy spoon type diners do. Work there. Hard work, but simple and quick money. Good lessons in multitasking

Because now there are work permits required for non-family members. More regulation, and many employers do not want to deal with it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe a local diner? A coney island type, breakfast/lunch place that doesn't serve alcohol. They will usually hire servers at 15. I worked at one for several yrs starting at 15 and it was a great first job.

That was in the 90's though. Times are different now.

How so? You can legally be hired to work as young as 14.

Upscale trendy diners probably won’t hire a 15 yr old, but most simple mom and pop greasy spoon type diners do. Work there. Hard work, but simple and quick money. Good lessons in multitasking

Baskin Robbins has best reputation for hiring 14-15 year olds. My daughter did the research. She spoke to a manager at our local shop and was told to check in with her in April, as that's when she hires for the summer.

Work permits in VA are electronic - kid enters info, employer then enters info, then parent enters info before it's approved.

How about ice cream shops?

OP here. Thanks all for the great suggestions and insight.

American Plant in Bethesda hires at 14. My son has worked there since his freshman year. They are a terrific employer, really good to their people.

Anonymous wrote:Maybe a local diner? A coney island type, breakfast/lunch place that doesn't serve alcohol. They will usually hire servers at 15. I worked at one for several yrs starting at 15 and it was a great first job.

That was in the 90's though. Times are different now.