My boy just landed his first "sort of" job

[angel]

Hey,

Just wanted to let you know that my son just landed his first little job. He is about to be 12 so he isn't allowed to have a real job but every saturday he sweeps the sidewalk in front of a little grocery store and does little things to help out and in return he gets free sandwiches and if he wants something else he is allowed to work it off.

He was very upset with me because his grades wern't so great this first 9 weeks of school (he is in 6th grade) and my husband and I told him he couldn't accept the offer until we heard from his teachers that he had improved 100% at school. I just got the e mail from them stating that he has completely turned his school effort around so i went to the store and he can still help out on saturdays.

Just wanted to share,
Angel

[joybell322]

So cool! Congrats to your little (big) guy! It's great to hear about something that works to get grades turned around!

[angel]

Thanks,

I don't mean this mean about him at all it is just the truth. I used to have a problem with him claiming his back hurt (SBO) everytime i asked him to do anything he didn't want to do. I found it odd because he could play just fine and later he admitted that he was just saying that a lot of times to get out of doing stuff he didn't want to do. I knew it because i have SB myleo and used that trick myself a time or ten in my younger years.

He has since stopped doing that since i didn't buy into it and is doing much better learning that if you want something get out and work for it.

I mentioned this because when he took the iniative to go out and look for a job (after we told him the only way he would ever have a cell phone is if he paid for it) my mind went back to when he used to try and get out of work by using his back problems.

I am not saying everyone does that but i will be the first to raise my hand and say that i used it a time or two to pull the wool over some eyes.

Angel

[ollieholmes]

I hope he sticks at it. I did little odd jobs when i was younger and its certainly done me good. It taught me alot of things like patience and respect that are usefull now.

[Barb]

That is awesome. Congrats on your mom success :)

[Dodger67]

This is great news!
I know how strongly you feel about the dependent, "welfare sponge" issue.

[Gymp]

Yep I've gotta raise my hand too.I remember using my disability to get out of work at home also.It didn't take my parents long to figure it out LOL...

I remember one of my first jobs it was picking all the weeds out of my Grandmothers second neighbour's driveway and was paid very well.They gave me a puppy and I named her Princess...

A good work ethic at a young age is great.Good to hear.

Gymp

[LisaJoy]

Angel, I've been reading old posts in various threads to get to know everyone and I have to say that I think you are an awesome mom!

I had my slacker moments as a kid, usually trying to get out of yard work. But my first job (age 12) was delivering circulars. I've been continuously employed ever since (32 years)! Work ethic definitely comes in large part from the parents. Although the desire to eat 3 square meals a day is also an effective motivator.

Of course, I still procrastinate when there's something unpleasant to do (like grading papers)!

Lisa

[LisaJoy]

I did not mean to imply that people who are unable to work, for whatever reason, lack a work ethic!
Lisa

[angel]

Thanks Lisajoy,

We know you didn't mean that. Me and Dodger have had many lengthy conversations on this very subject. Work is something that I believe any able bodied person should do. My definition of able bodied is different from a lot of other people's if you can answer a phone you can work, if you can sit on the computer all day and chat play games etc.. you can work. THere are some out there that simply have to many problems and can't. I have met some people that i can truly see where holding down a job would be damn near impossible but there are very very few people that fit into that catagory.
I remember when i started working people would always tell me how crazy i was because i didn't have to work. That i should just sit back and enjoy what the government was giving me. Made me sick!!!!! What they didn't understand that the big huge amount of 600$ per month (at it's highest) doesn't allow you to live independantly, pay your bills and also eat.

I agree with you on work ethic in all kids! There are a lot out there that think if their dream job doesn't fall into thier laps while they are sitting on the couch playing video games then there are no jobs out there. I am trying to make sure my kid doesn't do that (because he totally would if i would let him). I told him my job was to raise him, love him and teach him well but once you hit an adult boy it is sink or swim!!! No living with mom etc.... My mom did that even with my crutches, my SB. Sent me out into the world to make my own way.

Angel