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Wes: Frequent readers know that I’m a big fan of teenagers making their way in the world and that any transfer of money in the home should be an economics lesson. Regardless of your means, if you start kids earning their own money at age 4, they’ll never come to believe that anyone gets anything for free.

It’s also good for teens to have jobs outside the home, and parents should let them cover a lot of their personal expenses out of that revenue. What is considered a “personal expense” needs to be clearly spelled out. It’s important to feed and clothe kids — but it’s OK to set a budget for clothing that a teen can then enhance with personal funds. Gas, entertainment, fast food, etc., should come off of a teen’s income. I always recommend that cars be financed in such a way as the teenager is making a substantial contribution to their purchase, and then the car be transferred to the teen upon reaching adulthood and paying off the note.

These days more parents really like this idea of kids having a job — and that excitement grows as economic times get worse. Unfortunately, this is leading to a lot of impatience with kids who simply can’t find summer jobs because there aren’t many left. The jobs that would have gone to high school kids are going to college students, and even 18- to 22-year-olds are having a tough time in this labor market. They’re now competing with people whose unemployment checks are running out, forcing them to take the jobs that would usually be available to young adults. So the bottom line is this: Parental patience is necessary for unemployed teens right now. The unemployment rate for this age group is many times higher than for the nation at large. In that light, here are a few tips to get you by in negotiating this delicate situation.

If you want your children to work hard at getting a job, don’t cut them an easy check. With one exception I’ll explain below, you shouldn’t harangue your child to find work and at the same time give them $20 for gas. That’s like your employer telling you to get back to work and then giving you a bonus. If you child is on the unemployment line, feel free to create some make-work programs. He can draw a paycheck from you until he gets a job. But don’t just hand out a welfare check as long as your child is able-bodied. There’s always work to be done.

Reward effort, not outcome. It’s late June, and it’s increasingly unlikely your teenager will get a job this summer. However, that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t try. There is great value in perseverance in the face of a difficult situation and against long odds. Further, if your child starts now, she may be able to find work in August just before the huge labor pool of college students rolls back into town. Feel free to provide an incentive for every application your child completes and turns in. You might give a bonus for every interview they are offered.

Finally, try and keep in mind that the point is not to have a big paycheck for your child. Kids really don’t NEED much money to survive, and they certainly don’t owe it to their parents to work. The point is again to teach economics lessons to young people so they’ll be ready for adulthood. Having the job is just part of that lesson, and right now the lesson is about coping with unemployment.

Kelly: Once coming of age, a great expectation from teenagers is to join the work force. It’s here that we integrate into the reality of the public domain and all the ups and downs it has to offer. We’re expected to learn responsibility and the value of money. However, with our current economic downturn, many of us, including me, are faced with fewer options when it comes to applying for jobs.

I’ve had my share of agony applying everywhere I can, but I always seem to come up short. Every day I find myself searching the Internet for a new employment opportunity. Then I find myself searching around town applying aimlessly, hoping that I will luck out. So far, it hasn’t been too great, but that doesn’t mean I should or will give up.

I know it can be intimidating for teens as they try to enter the world of work. So here are my tips when applying for jobs: Look nice when requesting applications. Chances are you’re receiving an application from a manager, and first impressions are important. When turning in an application, ask to see someone in charge. Then, introduce yourself to that person. Doing so shows some degree of professionalism and shows that you are personable. Third, be sure to follow up on your application. Give the employer at least three to four days, then call the place and inquire about the status of your application.

I know for parents it can be frustrating to see your children still unemployed for the summer and lounging around the house. Give them time to get on their feet. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Even help them search. Talk to your co-workers or neighbors and pick their brains. It never hurts to inquire, and getting an ideal job is all about social networking. Remember, we’re all experiencing this economic downturn together. Your support gives teens comfort that it’s OK to be rejected, and if you don’t succeed the first time, then keep trying.

Next week: My son is bailing out on college.

— Dr. Wes Crenshaw is a board-certified family psychologist and director of the Family Therapy Institute Midwest. Kelly Kelin is a senior at Free State High School. Opinions and advice given here are not meant as a substitute for psychological evaluation or therapy services. Send your questions about adolescent issues (limited to 200 words) to doubletake@ljworld.com. All correspondence is strictly confidential.