Every week a Guardian Money reader submits a question, and it's up to you to help them out. A selection of the best answers will appear in Saturday's paper.
Would you let your child take a paper round? Photograph: Shout/Rex Features
This week's question: My 15-year-old son is desperate to earn some money of his own and wants to do a paper round starting at 6am. While I want him to learn the value of money, I'm concerned that his schoolwork will suffer because he's so tired. Am I worrying unnecessarily?
Here are some of the answers we've so far received:
My 15-year-old nephew was also desperate to earn some money of his own. He worked long, anti-social hours washing dishes and enjoyed having his own money, but in a relatively short time decided himself that he was too young to be working rather than doing other things. It is always better to let teenagers have a go at things (within reason) and to decide themselves if it's practical that they carry on. Even if he does decide to keep on with the paper round, I wouldn't worry too much. He will be out in the fresh air and that is supposed to wake children up which helps them concentrate better. Who knows, the paper round may actually help his schoolwork!
Karen McMullan, Ballyclare
Supporting him in this venture could be the best investment you can make in his future. As well as him learning the value of money, the responsibility he will have to take on of having to be up at a routine time - presumably seven days a week - will establish him as an ultra-reliable would-be employee whenever any future potential boss scans his CV.
John Hand, Luton
How about talking to the newsagent and asking if there would be a place for him to do it at weekends-giving weekday deliverers a break? I wish I had done this for my son - he was bitten by a dog, not badly, but not a good experience. Alternatively, get him to do weekend jobs at home. List all the possibilities, eg cleaning the bathroom, doing the ironing, anything within the capabilities of a 15-year-old. Be strict so that it is done properly and pay him accordingly.
Alicia Russell, via email
What are your thoughts?
