Anonymous wrote:I’ve seen enough to know that between the kids with jobs and the kids who attend pricey camps all summer, I’d rather my kids be like the ones with jobs. Most of the overindulged kids we know are insufferable and I’m not going to raise a kid like that.

+1 million. We have a 800k HHI but will not be doing any pricey summer camps, their grandparents are visiting, it's important to spend quality time with family.

Almost $10k for a 6-week summer art intensive that has a track record of getting students into top college programs with scholarships. It's not for everyone, and I'm not judging anyone who doesn't or can't send their kids to similar programs, but it's important to DH and I, and we've made other choices so that it all makes sense financially for our family. DS is an honors student on track to earn his Eagle Scout before he graduates, so I'm not super worried that future employers will question his work ethic

^I also disagree with the notion that you have to grind it out for a job to learn work ethic. If you really have an interest in something, it becomes not a job but a career and you will be successful. Anyone who has to grind it out in a job just because you need a job, is either not a very happy person and/or not all that successful and living paycheck to paycheck for that job. The trick is not feel like you are working. The trick is to find something you are good at and have the discipline to focus and do well at it. That takes time and luck, it takes trial and error and it's the opportunity as a parent you want to give your kids if at all possible. That's what allows them to succeed. Of course they have to learn to work hard but I'm not sure a summer job earning minimum wage is really providing more value than figuring out what career they may want over many years.

Kids are $$$! Daycare to summer camps to academic tutoring/programs to college. You can't really escape - it's really about your preference and choice of how much you want to spend on your kid.

I think a lot depends on your kids and the amount of weeks during summer you have. Private school summers are often 12-13 wks and Catholic may be 10 while public is less at 8-9 weeks so that's a big difference impacting spend based on the ages of your kid and how much you might work.

Now older, we are doing 2 8-10 day overnight academic camps for older kid + 3 weeks of 1/2 day specialization programs. For younger kid, a 2 wk specialization camp, 2 overnight sports camps for 3-4 days each and a day camp for a week. We are doing 2 wk family travel and the rest of the time is the kids' time on their own. That's $10k right there for just the camps!

I expect that amount decreases when they start working, but I am still a big believer that summer's an excellent opportunity to allow kids to take part in programs that explore their interests by way of academic focused or interest focused residential or commuter camps ie music/art/college based camps. Come college time, they will be able to have a better idea of what they like/want to major.

While working is great for a 16 yr old, I still think that if you're able to provide an educational opportunity, summer's the time to do things they can't do during school which is really not the end all and be all of one's existence. But that's totally dependent on your income too.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve seen enough to know that between the kids with jobs and the kids who attend pricey camps all summer, I’d rather my kids be like the ones with jobs. Most of the overindulged kids we know are insufferable and I’m not going to raise a kid like that.

Yep and making hiring decisions on new grads I’m going to pick the one that’s been working since 16 every day of the week.

I do the same. Never hire the kids who went to big camps and summer internships. Never once had a paycheck. No work ethic

My kid has worked since last summer and it’s not easy. Dealing with rude customers, mopping floors, shutting down, having to skip nights out with friends. It takes a lot of hard work, discipline and humbleness. You are smart to look for applicants who work.