Anyone from Lawton, OK? How do you get around the child work laws. Here in Ok the kids are not allowed to go to work until they are 16yrs old. Is there a way around that?

i was 15 when i got my first job it was in our towns libray and i loved working with books because i love to read. i tell my kids that reading is so much fun and now my oldest wants to become a teacher when she finishes school.so its never to early to get a job it helps with the values and social skills.

i agree that having a job teaches kids values my 12 year old in the summer helps this elderly woman with her shopping and cleaning and she pays her about 4.00 dollers a hour but she has learned how to save and manage her money and she loves the job.

Good to know and I will have to rethink my initial decision. She has been babysitting for two years, in our state they go through classes and become certified as babysitters...however there are not a lot of clients where we live. My daughter wants to work at a clothing store so I will open the discussion again with a more open mind. Thanks for all the advice.

I don't think it's too young. Aside from babysitting, I got my first paying job at a local clothing store when I was 14. I helped out every Saturday and more during the summer. It was really fun and it helped to form the strong work ethic I have today. I did have to get a work permit so I guess the laws haven't changed around that.

My 14 year old would like to get a job, in our state it is legal with a work permit...Is 14 to young??

My 16 year old son is extremely shy due to a speech impediment. He asked me to take him to a sporting goods store so that he could apply for a job and he was gently told that he had to be 17. He then asked me to take him to a pet store and was told the same thing. I felt that his self esteem needed a boost so I suggested that instead of working at a job that he didn't want to do yet, he could volunteer at the local library. He loves books and wants to be a writer of some kind. He jumped at the idea. I took him and he was filled with confidence when he asked if he could volunteer. I almost cried. The branch manager also told him of an upcoming job for next summer. His eyes were shining. I don't know if I should have forced him to work at a fast food place when he didn't want to, or do what I did to try and make work a positive experience?

My 16-year-old daughter will start her first paying job next week. We found out about it through word of mouth. A friend of hers did the same job last summer. I have to say that I was surprised at all we had to do to get her a work permit. The job is with the city park and rec department and they are very persnickety about work permits. I'm curious if other parents had to get their teens work permits?

Hello its a good idea for children especially if they are mature enough to work, it helps them to be responsible young people the children have to be aleast 14 years of age to obtain a summer job and must get a physical from the doctor stating that they are able to work

That is great! My child is thirteen, and I think he would be excited if he could earn some money.

I think that would be a wonderful idea for my child. How old does your child have to be?

I have to say that applying online has worked for my niece. So far she has like working at grocery stores and fast food places because they allow more flexablility. It has given her a sense of feeling of being an adult she has a cell phone now (non contract) and she's paying the bill. My brother does guide her on how to spend her money he encourages her to save 10% of her check.