Parent Talk: When Is It Time For Teens To Get a Job?

Summer is approaching and a whole new crop of students will be out looking for work. While most places can't hire students until they are 16 or older, there are various opportunities either umping baseball or helping coach soccer clinics that will allow younger teens to work.

And there's always babysitting.

What do you think about teens and jobs? Is it a value in your family that your teen starts working and learning some fiscal responsibility? Or, are you on the other side of the fence and think they have their whole lives ahead of them for working?

Jess Bjokne of Albertville thinks teens should work. "I think it's important for teens to have jobs, even if it's small," she said. "I started working as a mother's helper around age 10 or 11, and then moved on to babysitting, retail and nannying. I learned the importance of money and how to save and use my bank account wisely."

St. Michael mom of two Brandy Roberts agrees, "I think kids need to learn responsibility, the value of money and work ethic." Her 16-year-old daughter Lynlee has been babysitting for a couple of years now. "I expect both of my kids to have jobs in their teens so they learn how to work and also manage their money."

"Most of my friends babysit to earn spending money and I think kids should get a job when they decide they need the extra money," Lynlee said.

Many times having a job and the money that comes with it can also make students feel as though they have just a little bit more freedom too.

So what do you think? Is your teen looking for a job this summer?