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MONEY-SMART KIDS
When a Parent Loses a Job
by Janet Bodnar

Recently I was honored to be asked by the PBS Kids Web site to review new material the site was posting on its "It's My Life" section to help kids and teens learn how to earn and manage money. I was also asked to give advice to kids who write in to the site. I thought readers of this column would be interested in what's on kids' minds.

My dad lost his job last summer. He has a part-time job, but money is very tight at my house and I need a lot more things than I used to. I don't know what to do. I need help!
-- Jessica, age 11

When money is tight it's hard on everyone in a family, and you all need to pull together to get through this rough spot. Your father is probably worrying about finding a new job, so now isn't the time to ask for "a lot more things."

And be honest: Do you really "need" those things, or do you just "want" them? You may want a new pair of jeans, but you may not need them if your old ones are still wearable.

One thing you can do right now is try to earn some extra money on your own, perhaps by babysitting, raking leaves or running errands for older people in your neighborhood.

Now that you're 11, you're old enough to learn how to shop for bargains. A new shirt may cost $20 at one store, but you may be able to pay a lot less for the same shirt or a similar one -- if you wait until it goes on sale, shop at a less expensive store or poke around at stores that sell secondhand clothing.

Getting started as a babysitter

To get some money of my own I decided to take a babysitting course. But it's been almost four months, and no luck getting a job. I tried almost everything, from telling a friend to putting ads. Any ideas?
-- Liana, 12

Parents always need babysitters, so your experience is puzzling. I think you need to advertise yourself better. Go to neighbors who have young children and tell them you're available. Ask your mom and dad to talk to other parents they know. Post a notice on bulletin boards at a community center or place of worship. Once you get one client -- and do a good job -- other parents will hear about you.