Time for your teen to start looking for summer work? Start here.

Nothing says dog days of summer like a bored teenager who’s pretty much broke. Instead of forking over cash like an ATM machine, why not point your teen in a different direction? Chances are, a summer job’s not exactly the experience he or she’s looking for. But a summer job isn’t just a job. It can be a valuable chance to learn more about managing time, being financially responsible and getting ready for the next major life stage. In this ABC News video, Tory Johnson shares a few tips teens can take with them as they look for work in a tough economy.

We know what you’re thinking. “My kid’s not ready. I’m not ready. How’s a high schooler ever going to prepare for a brutal job market?”

Relax and take a cue from the old school. Have your teen talk to friends and family, start dressing to impress, gathering references and checking out websites and local labor offices for summer jobs. Better yet, steer them toward fun and rewarding jobs created specifically for them (like camp counselors, lifeguards, babysitters, landscapers, etc.) No matter what your teen chooses to do, a steady paycheck can make a world of difference. In your pocket and theirs. What else? They’ll gain a newfound respect for spending (and saving) when it’s their own name on the check.

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