Landing that first Saturday job or paper round is a massive rite of passage, giving teenagers their first proper taste of independence and a bit of cash they earned themselves.
It’s easy to see why parents want to lend a hand, but more and more shopkeepers and managers say mums and dads are taking things way too far, ringing up to ask about hours, handing in CVs, or even popping in to do the talking while their kid waits outside in the car.
It might come from a good place, but taking the reins like that usually backfires the second the manager smells helicopter parenting. Employers want to see that a teenager can look someone in the eye, handle a basic conversation, and turn up on time, so handing the reins over to an eager parent sends up an immediate red flag. Giving your kid a bit of coaching behind closed doors lets them build their own confidence, helping them get their foot in the door without you accidentally ruining their chances.
The debate that got people talking
A business owner named Matt Baumgartner recently shared a video online saying he was receiving more and more calls from parents asking about jobs for their teenagers and even adult children. He explained that he turns these requests down straight away. The video quickly spread, with thousands of people sharing their own views.
Many agreed that parents doing the asking was a step too far. Some described this kind of help as enabling, where well-meaning support stops young people learning to do things for themselves. Others shared stories of parents sitting in on interviews and even answering questions for their children.
Employers are understandably wary of the practice.
For many employers, the first contact about a job matters a great deal. It’s often their first impression of the person they might hire. A young person who makes the call or walks in to ask shows confidence and a willingness to make an effort.
When a parent makes that first step instead, some employers worry the young person may struggle with other parts of the job. They might wonder how they’ll cope with speaking to customers, solving problems or turning up on time. Several recruiters said a parent getting in touch first is enough for them to rule out an applicant.
A generational divide shows just how much things have changed.
Many parents who are now in their forties and fifties remember finding their first jobs on their own. They walked into shops to ask if there were any vacancies, knocked on doors for babysitting work and made nervous phone calls themselves. For them, those experiences were part of growing up.
That’s why the debate has struck a chord with so many. Some feel young people today miss out on these confidence-building moments. Others point out that the world of work has changed, with many jobs now advertised and applied for online.
There’s a case for parents helping.
Not everyone thinks parents are doing anything wrong. Many people say parents have always helped their children find work, whether by asking friends, passing on contacts or spotting job adverts. Helping a child get their foot in the door can be a natural part of supporting them. Some young people may also be anxious, shy, or new to the idea of applying for jobs. A little guidance can help them feel more confident. The key question is where helping ends and doing it for them begins.
How to help without taking over
Parents can play a big part behind the scenes. Help your teenager write a simple CV, practise answering interview questions and plan what to say when they call or visit a business. Role-playing a phone call at home can make the real thing feel much less scary.
Let your teenager make the first contact and attend interviews on their own. You can give them a lift, but wait outside or nearby rather than going in with them. If they get turned down, help them see it as part of learning rather than a failure.
Know the rules on teenage work.
In the UK, there are rules about when and how long young people under school leaving age can work. Children usually can’t start part-time work until they’re 13, and there are limits on how many hours they can work, especially on school days. Many local councils also require employers to apply for a work permit for children of school age.
Rules can differ between areas, so check your local council’s website for details. Once young people reach 16 and leave school, they’re entitled to the minimum wage for their age. Knowing the rules helps keep teenagers safe and makes sure they’re treated fairly.
Building confidence for the future is vital.
A first job teaches far more than how to stack shelves or serve customers. It helps young people learn to manage their time, handle money and talk to people they don’t know. These skills will help them for the rest of their lives.
Letting teenagers take the lead, even when it feels uncomfortable, can help them grow into confident and capable adults. Free advice on CVs, interviews and career ideas is available from the National Careers Service. With the right support from home, young people can take that first step into work on their own.
