Traffic pro

Just by going from the facts presented, you could tell her that if she wants the job, then she can pay for the gas to drive her there. Also, if she tends to not pay attention, then this would either cure her of that or she might end up losing her job.
Oh, I got my first job when I was 9 (delivering papers).

Except for occasional babysitting, my first job was after I graduated high school. My parents were like yours...they strongly discouraged their kids from having jobs as teens. Their thinking was that once we moved into the adult world, we wouldn't be able to go back, so we should enjoy our youth as much as possible.

That said, my daughter got her first job at 15-1/2 at the public library. Her choice, not mine.

I think a job would be good. I worked through a job program when i was 14. It was offered by the school. Maybe your school has something like that.

She is old enough, I had a job at her age as did my daughter. Parents who discourage kids getting jobs keep them from growing up and becoming able to take care of themselves. You're also giving her the message you don't think she's capable which is a very negative and hurtful message. If one's parents don't believe in them, who does? Leads to a bad self imagine. Your reason's for not wanting her to get a job are all about you, rather than about her.

I would encourage her to get a job, I would encourage her to find a job closer to home, with a set limit of hours that are appropriate for her. A job teaches kids many lessons. You do have the final word I believe on where she works. And if this is fun place where she wants to hang out with friends, I would offer alternatives.

Sandy

@Sandy - I do not think a 14 year old needs to hurry and grow up. They are growing up too fast as it is and at that age they need to enjoy the little bit of childhood they have left. Waiting to get a job until 16 does not keep a child from being able to function when an adult.

When I was 14 I babysat for a family from 7 am until 5 pm mon-fri and made some pretty good money. I started working a regular job through a co-op program when I was in 11th grade, so 16-17. I went straight from school and could usually get my friend to give me a ride, but when I had to get a ride from my mom - what a pain - she was always late. I just didn't really how busy she was with 6 kids and a big house to take care of. If she can find something like babysitting, where the family comes and picks her up then she should wait until she is 16 and can drive herself.

I agree with you. She should show she's responsible with her household chores before even considering a job. Also, I don't blame you one bit for not wanting to drive her that far to a job. I was not in a rush to work--my first job was after I graduated from high school.

The co-op work program some schools have may be a good option. My sister was in that and she actually was able to keep the job after she graduated.

Melissa at 14 it's time to start growing up and taking responsibility. You can have a nice parttime job and still enjoy childhood things, it's the blending that's important. Parents who keep their children dependant on them regret it later when they're not capable.

Children, kids, and young adults should do things while their interested. If you block them when their interested; and later on your time table you want them to do x y z, it's usually too late.

Catching the window of opportunity is the key to raising a happy well adjusted child. Our doc told us back in the day, raising kids is easy if parents pick up on the signals kids are leaving. In this case, it sounds like she's giving out a really big signal, she wants a job.

It's not about rushing them Melissa is about timing, it's about picking up the signs, it's about windows of opportunity.

Sandy

I believe it's fair enough if you give her permission to get the job she wants. I started working young too so i know how it feels to be restless and wanting to earn, wanting to learn new things, etc. If she's not that responsible about her chores at home, it doesn't follow that she won't be responsible about her job,if ever. I was like her when i was her age!I hated household chores and was kind of careless at home but i did great in my first job and it made me feel great to be able to help my parents financially at a young age.

Just give her the benefit of the doubt. Trust her. She'll mature in no time.

@Femmepower - My issue is not worry that she will not do well at a job because she has not done her chores lately. My issue is that her chores come first.

My children have always gotten everything they have asked for. In return they must do all of their chores in a timely and respectful manner.

14 seems a little young and with child labor laws I think their hours are very limited. Babysitting would be a good alternative. I got my first job the summer after I turned 16 (and had a driver's license). It only took my dad a couple weeks of picking me up from school, taking me home to change and then dropping me off at work only to pick me up 4 hours later before he got me a car. He got it, but I paid the $127 each month (car payment) and was also responsible to put gas in it. He covered the insurance.

I was 14 when I started to work

I was 14 when I started to work.