Summer Jobs Give Kids More Than a Paycheck

Summer jobs can give teens valuable life experience that help them transition to adulthood — not just a paycheck, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Benefits of summer jobs include:

Career exploration: Summer jobs and internships help high school students explore different careers that might interest them. They also provide opportunities to network and find future mentors.
Financial independence: Teens learn financial skills such as budgeting and money management.
Time management: Teens learn to manage their time, set deadlines and be accountable.
Communication skills: Teens learn how to interact with their supervisors, customers and colleagues.
Work ethic: Teens learn values such as teamwork, respect and responsibility.
Self-confidence: Working in the real-world boosts self-esteem and self-confidence.

When looking for a summer job, suggest that your teen consider these factors:

Is it a good fit? Look for jobs that align with your interests and skills.
Is it flexible? Summer jobs should be flexible to accommodate a teen’s schedule.
Is there time for family fun? Teens will need to take family vacation plans into account.

Teens should consider their priorities and achieve a balance between work and other commitments.

More information

For more about the benefits of a summer job, visit Kids Health.

SOURCE: American Academy of Pediatrics, news release, July 27, 2023