I Need A Summer Job
Dear Dr. Judy
Q. I’m 15 years old and tried to get a job this summer but I couldn’t find one. Now it’s Christmas, and I have no money to buy gifts. What can I do?
A. Good for you for trying to find employment. I personally know many 15 year olds were not able to find jobs last summer. Instead of a monetary gift, how about a gift of your time and creativity? Most parents would tell you that they would rather have a gift that you made for them than anything you could purchase. For example, you could give your parents, grandparents, and other relatives a coupon for a service that you might perform. You could wash windows, clean out the garage, walk the dog, cut grass, water plants, do household chores, wash the car, etc. You could also offer to make a meal, snack, or a dessert for the family. Don’t be afraid to ask your friend for ideas if you get stuck.
For siblings, you could offer to do their chores for a few days, lend them CD’s, offer to help out a younger sibling with homework, teach them a new skill, etc.
You could also go on the computer and print out something fun for your family, download a game that you could all play together, burn a CD, add to their MP-3 collection, etc.
Another gift almost everyone loves is a thoughtful note, letter, or poem from you expressing how you feel about them. You could also draw a card or picture. Even if you think you’re not good at drawings, your family will love it.
Just remember that a gift from the heart is always one that will be treasured. Just spending time with your family is often gift enough for them.
Judith B. Krings, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Riverhill Psychological Associates, SC