If a teen is working 20 hours a week Monday through Friday, that's four hours a night. During the school year, it's better if teens work on weekends. Parents should also meet with potential employers. It's as important, explained Constantinou for parents to meet with their child's future boss as it is their teachers and coaches. Things to look for include job flexibility and job training.
Some employers even offer study time on the clock and scholarship opportunities.
Some high schools also offer cooperative education programs. To reap the most rewards from a job, employment should match a teen's learning style and personality. If a teen has a learning disability that prohibits him from following oral instructions, then don't put him in a job requiring those skills. Jobs help teens experiment with different career choices and teach responsibility. But if a teen fails to strike a positive balance between school and work, parents should help him find alternatives to part-time employment.