What is it about summer vacation that brings fear into every parent’s life? Is it the inevitable boredom that will strike? The endless days of no routine and structure? The lazy mornings and late evenings? When teenagers don’t have a lot to do, does it spell trouble, or is it a well deserved break?
When I was 15, I got my first summer job. It was at a smoothie place in the mall. My best friend and I worked together and prayed that when our work schedule came out, we would have the same shifts. It was an introductory experiment of making your own money and learning costumer service skills.
I don’t remember how long it lasted, but I worked steadily through my teens and into my college years. So, I got to thinking. Should my two teenagers get jobs this summer, or should I give them one more summer of being young adults? Should they be granted time to just hang out and rest?
Bridging the gap of legal employment and cash work might be the answer. My neighbor asked my son to mow her lawn and help with odds and ends around her house this summer. We agreed on minimum wage for his help.
My daughter volunteers at a horse camp as a counselor and in return gets free riding lessons. And they are both up at my parents’ farm for the next week fixing fences and painting. Of course grandma and grandpa will spoil them with good food and fun, but each of my teens will come back tired and with well earned spending money.
So, if this is to be last summer of my teens not quite joining adulthood and adult responsibility, we might as well enjoy the weeks ahead. I don’t mind a little bit of laziness mixed in with chores and them seeing friends. Looking back at my youth, I wish I had grandparents and a farm that I could escape to. I didn’t and therefore, I occupied my time in other ways.
So instead of us parents thinking: oh no, it’s summer; we should think: thank goodness, it’s summer. Our beautiful wonderful teenagers are home to bless us with their company. Take advantage of the time to spend with them. As we all know it’s fleeting and soon will be gone.
Have fun this summer, everyone. Play, laugh and have some memorable adventures. That’s what summertime is all about.
Elizabeth Knobel lives in Windsor and is the mother of two teens who give her inspiration everyday. She can reached at el*********@ms*.com.
