A GREAT MOTIVATOR

Money is a great motivator. Particularly for teenagers who want to have a bit of freedom to buy things for themselves instead of relying solely on their parents. The idea that you will get paid in exchange for work you do is a concept that should be started as soon as possible in order to prepare children for adulthood.

Just recently, my younger daughter discovered through her friends that there is one place which allows a 14-year-old the opportunity to work and earn a taxed income. She set up an appointment for an interview, which took place after we returned from our trip to California last week, and got the job immediately.

I drove her to her first day of work today. A shift which lasted 4.5 hours. She has two more shifts this week before she leaves for a week-long cruise with her father, stepmother, and siblings. Upon her return she will experience the joy of getting her first paycheck. I have already had the discussion with her about saving a portion of her income, but she will eventually learn how to manage her own income. For now, I am excited for her to be able to experience the freedom that money brings when you work for it.