While my daughter was at training for her summer job, I was thinking about the multiple benefits a job offers teenagers. Her particular job is a fantastic job for teens, but when she suggested to her friends that they should apply there as well most of them had reasons why they weren’t interested in working there. Which got me to thinking about various job ideas for teens.

I even asked friends and family what kinds of jobs they had as teenagers. Many of the ideas they shared with me I had never heard of before, and helped me come up with a great list of job opportunities for teens.

While some of the jobs listed are seasonal, many of them teens could balance having during the school year too. I’ve also divided the list into categories depending on your child’s interests and personality. I hope this list of job ideas for teens helps your child discover new skills and gain valuable work experience.

(This post contains affiliate links.)

Job ideas for teens that enjoy working with children:

• Activities Leader at a day camp
• Nanny
• Camp Counselor
• Babysitting
• Leader for children’s programs
• Entertain at children’s parties – make balloon animals, perform magic tricks, dress as a princess or superhero
• Mother’s Helper – Similar to babysitting, but the mother is usually still at home working on projects she has a hard time completing while watching her children. Mother’s helpers keep children happy, safe, and occupied. Sometimes mother’s helpers may do little chores to also help new moms out.
• Teaching Dance
• Music Lessons
• Teen aide at summer day camp
• Photographer

Ideas for teens that enjoy being outside:

• Lifeguard
• Farmhand
• Umpire or Referee for summer sports
• Sports Field Maintenance
• Mowing lawns
• Watering someone’s plants or yard – Many people need someone to care for their yard and plants during warmer months, either because of vacations or they summer in another state.
• Park Maintenance
• Detasseling corn
• Hauling hay
• Washing cars
• Landscaping business
• Irrigating
• Golf Course Maintenance or Golf Caddy
• Construction

For teens that would enjoy working in the food industry:

• Fast Food Restaurant
• Food Truck
• Server at a restaurant
• Concessions
• Snow Cone Stand
• Ice Cream Shop
• Host/Hostess at a restaurant
• Dishwasher
• Barista
• Work at a bakery
• Work with a caterer

Job ideas for teens interested in having their own business one day:

• Sell items on Etsy – If you have a creative teen that loves to make things, they might enjoy this option. This course walks your teen through setting up a store on Etsy and everything they’ll need to know to be successful.
• Bagger at a grocery store
• Internships for local businesses – Some businesses will pay for an internship, but even those that don’t are still a valuable work experience for resumes and references.
• Assistant to a carpenter
• Clerk or Stocker at local businesses

Ideas for teens that work well alone:

• Janitor for businesses
• Custodian at a school – During the summer, schools are doing maintenance to prepare for the next school year.
• Virtual Assistant
• Housekeeping
• Paint – Many people would be happy to pay a teenager to paint their homes, especially if the teen is responsible and keeps things clean as they are painting. If your teenager has a gift for art, they could also offer to paint murals on walls.
• An assistant to the elderly – grocery shopping, ironing, housework, etc.

Job ideas for teens that love animals:

• Dog Walker
• Cleaning up after dogs
• Pet Grooming Service
• Feeding Pets
• Work at a Pet Store
• Cleaning Chicken Coops
• Ranch Hand

Job ideas with perks for teens:

The following jobs sometimes have perks to them as well, such as free admission or discounts while you’re employed there.

• Movie Theater Concessions or Usher
• Work at a local tourist attraction, as a ride operator, concessions, admissions, etc.

Volunteer opportunities for teens:

If your teenager is struggling finding a paying job, there are also volunteer opportunities that will give them valuable work experience and references for future job openings. Volunteer hours are also nice to have on college applications.

Here are some places your teen might be able to volunteer:

• Animal Rescues
• Library Summer Reading Programs
• Hospitals
• Veterinary Clinics
• Nursing Homes
• Summer Camps
• Vacation Bible Schools
• Zoos
• Museums
• Food Pantries
• Community Gardens
• National Parks
• Habitat for Humanity
• Community Events

Did you work as a teenager? What would you add to this list? Share your ideas in the comments.

The post 55+ Job Ideas for Teens appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

Don’t miss the Mother’s Day Giveaway and the end of this Bible Verses for Moms post!

Motherhood is a gift, and at the same time one of the greatest responsibilities we have been given. The good news is, God’s Word is full of Bible verses for moms that encourage and guide us on this journey of motherhood.

30 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms

1) The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. – Psalm 28:7 (NIV) 

We are not alone. He gives us strength and helps us. Trust in him.

2) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

Love is more than a feeling we have; it’s something we do. These verses show us how to love our children well.

3)  For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. – Psalm 30:5 (ESV)

Motherhood is hard at times, but God is faithful to restore our joy.

4) Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Some days seem so long, but we only have our children under our care for a short time. May we remember to make the days and moments count.

5) For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” – Isaiah 41:13 (ESV)

I love this picture of God holding our hands. He is with us and helps us.

6) Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, – Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)

God is doing more than shaping the hearts and character of our children; He is at work shaping our hearts too.

7) He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

“He gently leads those that have young.”

8) Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Another reminder of how to love our children well.

9) As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. – Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)

God compares his comfort to that of a mother. What a privilege to be able to comfort our children as God comforts us!

10) I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

11) but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Philippians 4:13 and Isaiah 40:31 both remind us that God gives us the strength we need for the role he has given us.

12) Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

Our job is to train them, the Spirit will lead them. Praise God for his faithfulness!

13) He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD! – Psalm 113:9 (ESV)

We’re called to be joyful mothers. Oh how I want my children to remember me as joyous.

14) Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:5 (NIV)

When it’s easy and when it’s hard, our hope should always and only be in Him.

15) Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. – Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

A sweet reminder that our children are a gift from God.

16) but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. – 1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)

The influence we could have on our children by living out a gentle and quiet spirit before them.

17) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

This verse goes well with a quote that I love: “Don’t let yourself become so concerned with raising a good kid, that you forget you already have one.” ~ Glennon Melton

Notice the things your children are doing right and let them and others know.

18) and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, – Titus 2:4 (ESV)

We are called to love our children and husband.

19) I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. – 3 John 1:4 (ESV)

When it comes down to it, does anything else even matter than knowing our children love God and walk with Him?

20) Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Praise God for the new opportunities each day brings!

21) But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. – Joshua 24:15b (ESV)

I love this verse, but it also makes me search my heart. Does my home represent a family that is serving the LORD? It reminds me to keep priorities where they should be.

22) She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. – Proverbs 31:26-27 (NIV)

I need to post this verse in my home to remind me daily to watch my words and care diligently for my family and home.

23) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

All the little things you do that you think no one sees, God sees. Do not grow weary. Do not give up.

24) Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. – Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

As moms, we need to be walking closely with God and telling our children about His goodness and faithfulness.

25) You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. – Deuteronomy 6:7 (ESV)

We are called to teach our children about God’s character and His ways in our daily lives.

26) A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. – Proverbs 11:16 (NIV)

Are you kind to your children?

27) The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. – Proverbs 14:1 (NIV)

May we take this wise warning to heart and be diligent not to destroy our family with our words and actions.

28) since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  – Colossians 3:24 (NIV)

With each motherly task we do, no matter how big or how small, may we remember the One we are doing it for.

29) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Sweet mama, you were created for a purpose. Take joy in living out your purpose as you care for your family.

30) Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

It’s easy to become distracted and put our attention towards things that have no eternal value. When what truly matters is our focus being on the LORD and living for Him.

I hope this list of encouraging Bible verses for moms has blessed you. If you would like to post some of them as reminders around your home, be sure to grab the Encouragement for Moms printable below.

Do you have any encouraging Bible verses for moms that are dear to your heart? Share them with us in the comments.

Mother’s Day is coming up and I’ve partnered together with a great group of bloggers to bless some moms BIG TIME this Mother’s Day!  We are giving away FOUR Instant Pots! Instant Pots are quick, convenient, and help to make meal preparation so much easier; every mom or homemaker should have one.  So if you’re wanting to win one for yourself (or for a mother that you know would love one), use the Rafflecopter below to enter.
This giveaway has multiple ways to enter, which only betters your odds of winning! So it’s worth the the time to enter in every way possible.

Giveaway ends May 10th at 11:59pm EDT.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim prize.  By entering this giveaway you will be added to the email lists of some of the participating bloggers (see the Terms & Conditions on the Rafflecopter form for the complete list).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post 30 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

As moms we are called to shape the hearts of our children. What does that look like though and how can we avoid making parenting mistakes?

I can still remember the season of motherhood when God revealed to me that my goal at parenting was all wrong. I had been focused on my children’s behavior and not the heart behind the behavior. Since that moment I’ve always looked for ways I can connect with and speak to their hearts.

I was recently given the opportunity to review two parenting books by Kathie Morrissey. By the titles alone, I knew I needed to read Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Child Away and The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart.

(I was given both ebooks in order to provide and honest review.)

My thoughts about Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Child Away and The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart:

• Both books are easy reads and divided into short chapters.
• Each book has plenty of wisdom to offer individually, but the principles in them pair nicely together and overlap some.
• These are eBooks, which I found handy. I was able to easily read a chapter or two while waiting to pick up my daughters from rehearsals or other times when I had a few minutes available.

Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Child Away

• This book was an incredible reminder of how important it is to guard our relationship with our children.
• I felt challenged to be a better mom by:
  • Investing in more time with them.
  • Listening to them.
  • Encouraging them more.
• It offers practical ways to train your children and tips for being a better listener.

The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart

• Emphasizes that there is a spiritual battle going on in our children’s hearts.
• It’s full of wisdom on ways to prevent losing your child’s heart, but also offers advice if you already have.
• Having our children’s hearts means their hearts are open to us and what we have to say. It gives us the opportunity to pour into their lives and shape their values.
• This book shows you the importance of winning your child’s heart, but it also offers practical ways you can be intentional about fighting for your child’s heart.

Both of these books are what I look for in a parenting book.

• They were quick and easy reads, because as a busy mom things need to be simple for me or I won’t get around to reading it.
• Both challenged me to be a better mom.
• Gave me practical tips and ways I can make changes in my parenting.

You can find the books I mentioned at the following links:

The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart

Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Kids Away

Parenting Mistakes and Winning Your Child’s Heart Bundle

What do you look for in parenting books?

The post Parenting Mistakes and Winning Your Child’s Heart appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

As parents we’ve been teaching our children to be thankful from early on; reminding them to “Say thank you,” each time they were given something. A spirit of gratitude goes much deeper than saying “thank you” for toys and candy though. There is always something to be thankful for. Developing a spirit of gratitude in our children teaches them to look for blessings in their lives even in the midst of trials.

While the Thanksgiving season is a perfect time to focus on gratitude, the tips below can be used anytime. After all, developing a spirit of gratitude is like working on any other character trait; it takes time to shape hearts.

(Some of the links in this article are affiliate links – if you use them you help support this site at no cost to you. Thank you!)

5 Ways to Develop a Spirit of Gratitude in Your Family

Gratitude Conversation Starters

During dinner present a statement or question about thankfulness to your family. Then everyone takes turns responding. This is a great way to get everyone to pause and look at the blessings in their lives, while enjoying a great discussion together.

We use little cards from the Thanksgiving Memories Planner with prompts on them. You could also search Pinterest for gratitude journal prompts for ideas as well.

Thankful for You Notes

Place some paper, cards, and pens in a basket or designated area of your home. Then every few days encourage your children to write a note to another family member or someone telling them why they are thankful for them. Non-writers could draw a picture and ask you to add the words of thanks for them.

Scripture

It is incredible how many times the Bible mentions giving thanks and praise!

Display cards or posters with verses about thanksgiving around your home. Write verses on chalkboards or letter boards. Keeping Biblical truths of thanksgiving before your family’s eyes is a great way to develop a spirit of gratitude.

Thankful Tree

The Thankful Tree is usually practiced during the Thanksgiving season, but you could easily modify it to fit other times of the year as well. For instance, the month of February your family could write on hearts what they are thankful for instead. Either way, having what your family is thankful for visible and being added to is a great reminder for the entire family to have a heart of thanks.

Lead by Example

Do you personally have a spirit of gratitude?

Never underestimate the influence your actions and words have on your children. Tell them why you are thankful for them. Let them see you praising God for the many blessings in your life. When you are going through a trial find reasons you still have to be thankful and share those reasons with them.

As moms, we set the tone for our homes. Out of the 5 ways I’ve shared to develop a spirit of gratitude in our families, our example is the most impactful.

What are some things your family does to develop a spirit of gratitude in your home?

I would love to hear about them!

The post 5 Ways to Develop a Spirit of Gratitude in Your Family appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

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When we were expecting our first child I poured over the popular book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Reading each page and referring to it every time the littlest thing had me worried. In the month’s leading up to our son’s graduation and his departure to college, I found myself again wanting to know what to expect. So I did what most moms do now, I asked Google and searched on Pinterest. I found a few lists on what to bring to college and a few posts that made this already emotional mama cry, but nothing really about what I should expect as a mom as my son leaves for college and a new season of motherhood begins.

Here is what I have learned over the last 3 months since our son has been away at college:

1. You’ll become a regular at the post office.

   In the last 3 months, I’ve probably been to the post office more than I had in the last 2 years combined. It is fun coming up with care packages that fit into the Flat Rate shipping boxes. Our son even records himself opening the packages. I absolutely LOVE seeing his expressions as he goes through it all.

2. You’ll suddenly have a renewed interest in your child’s diet.

   It’s almost comical to me, but I ask my son at least a few times a week what he ate. In fact, if I were to be totally honest, the first couple of weeks I may have even asked him daily. His school serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so I don’t know why this is such a concern for me. Maybe it is because food has always been a love language I had with my son. (He loved to eat and I loved to cook for him.) Maybe it is because as moms we make sure our kids are fed. Whatever the reason, the fact is I ask him often what he is eating. I would love to know if I am crazy or if other moms do this too!

3. If you weren’t a fan of social media, you might become one.

   He doesn’t post often but when he does, it just makes my heart smile. It’s such a gift to see pictures or videos of him and all that he is experiencing. I love getting to see the world through his eyes as I read his posts. The pictures he shares help me to put faces to the names of many of the friends he has made as well. We also use Facebook Messenger to video chat, which is amazing! It’s hard because I want to hug him, but so, so good to see him while we talk. He also loves getting to see everyone.

4. You’re going to miss that teenager that sometimes drove you crazy.

   Let’s be real, that last year at home isn’t an easy one. When you think about the emotions your teenager must be feeling as they become an adult and prepare to leave all they have ever known. Plus the emotions their parents are feeling as they reminisce over precious memories of their child and process their new role as the parent of an adult. If all that isn’t enough add to the mix the emotions their siblings are feeling about saying good-bye and the family dynamics changing. That is a whole lot of emotion. No wonder that last year home is tough.

   All that being said though, you’ll miss them. Sometimes you’ll miss your child so much that your heart aches. I’ve tried diligently to keep my thoughts captive and not dwell on what can’t be changed, but to rejoice in the blessings of this season. Even so, there are times the tears come and it just hurts. I’ve learned to praise God for giving me someone so wonderful that it hurts to be away from them.

   

5. Your son or daughter will miss you too.

   Our son was and at times still is really homesick. Sometimes he wants to talk for hours; sometimes he’ll call multiple times a day, and some days he might just send a text. I just try to be available when he needs someone to talk to. He also loves getting pictures of everyone, letters and packages. As hard as it is to be miles and miles away from each other, I’m so thankful to live during this age of technology. A simple text and picture can brighten someone’s day and it really helps keep our family connected.

6. You’ll learn to let go.

   Don’t get me wrong, I still give him advice, but he usually asks for it. It’s completely up to him what he does with it.

   I’ve also found peace in knowing that God loves him more than I could ever imagine. He has a plan for his life and is with him.

   Letting go so they can become the person they are meant to be doesn’t mean loving them less. It just means your relationship changes, which leads me to the last point.

7. Your relationship will change but it is wonderful.

   The days of cuddling, instructing, and caretaking are over. Your role has changed into being the mother of an adult and it is such an important role. You get to be their biggest encourager, the one they know will speak truth into their life when they ask for advice, and the one that they know is praying for them. As much as I miss my son, I love watching him become a man and seeing all God is doing in his life. This season of motherhood isn’t so bad after all, it is really quite wonderful.

If you’re the mom of a college aged son or daughter, I would love to know if you can relate to any of the things I have learned or if you have something you would add, please share in the comments.

The post What to Expect When Your Child Goes to College appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.