I was 14 when I started fruit picking. It was hard work, took up all my weekend and I had to bike to the farm and back (a good 10km round trip)! But I wouldn't change it for anything. I made some great friends, learned a great deal of how to behave in the work force and had my own money to spend (so I didn't have to ask my parents for money all the time). I did ok at school (B student) and my parents did tell me that if my grades slipped I would have to stop working, the only thing I really missed out on was socialising with my school friends on the weekend. But my friends at work were a great alternative. Really it depends on the individual child, the type of work they will be doing, the hours, how it will affect school, and your gut feeling on whether it is the right thing to do or not! Good luck with the job hunting!

My son was 15 but I think times have changed since then....I think it is a great idea teaches them so much to do with life....let her go for it.

Janice xxxx

How are his marks? If your teen wants to work, I'd be tempted to say as long as school performance is above some level, then he can do all the hobbies, sports and work they want.

I don't think there's a right and wrong for this one.

Another factor is the type of community. In some communities, a teen could be in piano, soccer, hockey, highland dancing and sax lessons all at once. If that stuff is available, it's very enriching and in my opinion is very worth while.

On the other hand, if you live in a town of 300 people, that's a different set of opportunities.

But I feel that the key is that school is in order to some decided level.

I'm sorry hun but I disagree, I know I am not in the same boat, but I think it is too young, I got my first job at 15 and was quuiet content with that. She is still a child and needs to enjoy that because in a couple of yrs she will have plenty of time to worry about responsibility and money and time management, at the this point in time, I'm guessing she has not long started high school and she should be focusing on that. I think some parents and friends of our kids are competing too hard for who has the latest and best of material objects and do we want to encourage our kids into believing that is important?

Just my thoughts. Best of luck. xx.

My son did this at 13 years at Hungry Jacks. He was so eager to get some money. Anyhow he went to the effort to get the job etc and they said yes to him only because he was tall she said but after 2 weeks he quit. He soon found out he no longer had time to see friends and do what he wanted. Some kids may be able to handle it, depends on the child I guess. It could impact on her social and study commitments. My son had 4pm til 9pm shifts and it proved too much for him.

depends where u are.  in certain states of australia the youngest to get a job is 14.5. plus if she wants to start earnig her own money then let her  it teaches her responsibilities. 

Hi I know how you feel, I started working when I was 14 and did not have the best experience I can tell you.  You have to let her grow and no matter how much you want to protect her the best you can do is tell her of your concerns and warn her of the dangers.  I was molested by my manager and even though I had worked in various places this was the only time something bad happened. Make sure she is aware of her rights so that her employers do not abuse the situation and let her know that she can leave if things get out of hand or too upsetting for her to handle, she is still young and has her life ahead of her and she should never be afraid to leave and find another job if she needs to.

Hope that helps, good luck.

i started working when i was 12. as i was under age i was taken advantage of and paid a shocking $5 an hour... BUT i now have a great understanding of money and from the age of 12 realised that it no longer grew on trees. it gives a teen your daughters age feel more mature, they have more responsability (and not your money!). i say go for it, just dont let it interfere with school, and remind her it may take a toll on her socail life! it might change her mind

Hi Lexi

No i dont think its 2 young as long as the employer doesnt take advantage  of her, and gives her the same rights of the other employees...

I was babysitting and helping at the local tennis centre kiosk at her age, and loved how i was getting extra pocket money( thats what we all thought it was back then, not pay hehe)...

If she is mature enough and knows that while working , her studies wont be affected , let her do it i say...

xx cazza

I thought it was 14 and 9 months that they were able to work in a invironment other than paper rounds ( but i do think that has changed since I did it).

Babysitting I would allow at 13. I used to babysit and clean a friends house at 13.