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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

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Original poster

14 year old boy - what part time jobs can they legally do?

37 replies

PollyPelargonium52 · 29/03/2019 06:35

Hi all my son is 14 and I have been teaching him various life skills around the house with a view to working a few hours in a part time coffee shop or something. However it states online only a few hours of light work are allowed at this age.

He won't do a paper round and he wouldn't do babysitting he isn't into that. What other jobs realistically are there at this age bearing in mind we live in a very small town and the bus service is infrequent. I would prefer him to go by bus and be independent although I do drive.

Other than that I can pay him to do more advanced tasks in the home and garden so he improves his skill base but it isn't really branching out.

What else is there does anybody know as I am really at a loss. As all he wishes to do is go out with his friends beyond doing his homework and going on gadgets and I would prefer to ground him with a bit of responsible work/lifeskills alongside.

Many thanks.

OP posts:

ssd · 06/04/2019 15:06

Maybe it's different in England, I'm talking about refereeing in Glasgow area and the abuse refs get is unreal, especially from the parents watching.

Thunderpunt · 06/04/2019 20:01

Ah I see. Is Scotland not overseen by the FA? I guess we are lucky in that respect, the FA Respect Code of Conduct is there exactly to make sure it's a positive experience for everyone involved, and our league will not tolerate any deviations from that code. Naturally there are occasions when tempers flare, or someone gets a bit hotheaded, but even as a 14 year old DS felt confident in his decisions and on more than one occasion has told an adult to wind his neck in if getting a bit OTT!
However I have read news reports of places where it gets ridiculously competitive and out of hand both on and off the pitch so can well believe what your saying if that's the experience your DS/DH have had. Sad really as ultimately it's kids football and not the Premiership!

Sundance2741 · 07/04/2019 08:56

If it's life skills you want to promote, why not see if he'll do volunteering first? Gives a chance for him to commit to something but not have to fit into an employer's expectations. (Though if he's reluctant, will he stick to that or a job anyway?)

One of my dds has been a Brownie volunteer for some years and the other helps with dance lessons for under 5s, though that is for her Dof E award. (She goes to classes herself with the same company)

Nameusernameuser · 07/04/2019 08:59

Skittles team need anyone to stick up? 14 is young though.

Babygrey7 · 07/04/2019 09:06

He's 14, let him enjoy being a kid for a bit.

As to life skills, how about scouts or cadets? My DS is learning lots of life skills at cadets (including volunteering, DoF if he wants, first aid)

But really, let him be a kid for a bit, work can happen later

BarbedBloom · 07/04/2019 12:43

I also think he is 14 and there are years yet for him to get a job. You work for a long time and I want my children to enjoy being a bit lazy, seeing friends and focus on school. People mature at their own speed. There is a reason regulations are so tight about 14 year olds working.

continuallychargingmyphone · 07/04/2019 12:44

In full agreement with ssd

AuditAngel · 07/04/2019 19:52

DS works in two of our family businesses. Wine bar most Saturdays in the kitchen, cooking, food prep or washing up. Can’t serve as underage. Also sometimes works in family restaurant for big events, like Rugby internationals.

DH has been amazed at his work ethic as he can be a lazy beggar at home.

Supercuts · 07/04/2019 19:57

If you are in a country area...

Gardening
Work on a farm

Fruit picking starts soon.

Original poster

PollyPelargonium52 · 25/04/2019 11:05

I enjoyed two part time jobs when I was 14 but I did live in a much bigger town and my mum did not work so had time to drive me to those places. I enjoyed earning a living from a young age that way.

The generation these days is far more entitled so I just hope he finds something even if it is two hours weekly so he knows the world doesn't revolve around him only (not helped by being an only child either lol). i think I will encourage him to look online on Spotted on facebook in our location. Thanks to everyone for their comments.

OP posts:

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 25/04/2019 11:12

Lots of ds's mates had part time jobs at 14, it's good for them.

Ds couldn't find one for ages so volunteered from 15 onwards in a charity shop before finding a paying job.

Do you give him lots of spending money? It usually helps if they don't have lots of disposable cash or they're saving for something specific.

makingmiracles · 25/04/2019 11:16

Local pub with a skittles ally? My dc (13) did sticking up a few weeks ago 8.30pm-11.30pm and earned himself a tidy £25 for the effort, he was really chuffed with himself.
There’s not a lot available at that age tbh but why won’t he do a paper round? ANy pubs/cafes needing pot washers?

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