Here’s the thing about kids working outside of mom and dad. \u00a0They get a different exposure to the world. \u00a0And I’m all for having kids be exposed to all kinds of experiences. \u00a0Especially if it’s going to help them as adults.<\/p>\n
Nathan and Ryan began “working” at eleven years old. \u00a0They had a once-a-week after school paper route. \u00a0It was the perfect first job. \u00a0They were responsible for getting their papers wrapped and delivered by 6:30 pm. \u00a0If they needed supplies, like rubber bands, they had to make the phone call into the office.<\/p>\n
If a customer had a complaint, then they needed to take the phone call from the office and deal with it. \u00a0But they were also rewarded with customer tips for providing great service.<\/p>\n
During a competition for a brand new ipod, Ryan learned how to go door-to-door (with me not far behind) and sell subscriptions. Ryan won the ipod – then proceeded to sell it on ebay.<\/p>\n
Their years of throwing papers earned each of them their very first glowing letter of recommendation.<\/p>\n
Although Ryan still has part of his original paper route, Nathan gave his up several years ago due to school. \u00a0But they both discovered another perfect job: \u00a0reffing soccer on the weekends.<\/p>\n
Since they’ve been reffing, I’ve noticed a new life skill they’ve learned. \u00a0Dealing with angry adults.<\/p>\n
Personally, I’m not sure if I was ready at 13 years old to handle irate coaches or parents at a soccer game. \u00a0But the boys come home with some pretty interesting stories of adults behaving like immature teenagers. \u00a0And bottom line is, as the refs, they have to effectively deal with it.<\/p>\n
Sidetracked by the fact that the boys were earning extra money reffing, these other benefits never occurred to me. \u00a0 But solving problems on the field has given them confidence in dealing with people who are significantly older than them. \u00a0And besides their paycheck, I consider that a huge bonus.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Here’s the thing about kids working outside of mom and dad. \u00a0They get a different exposure to the world. \u00a0And I’m all for having kids be exposed to all kinds of experiences. \u00a0Especially if it’s going to help them as adults. Nathan and Ryan began “working” at eleven years old. \u00a0They had a once-a-week after school paper route. \u00a0It was the perfect first job. \u00a0They were responsible for getting their papers wrapped and delivered by 6:30 pm. \u00a0If they needed…<\/p>\n