When spring is in the air, summer can't be far behind, and you're probably already making plans for your kids. A break from the rigors of the academic year is important, and camps and travel are good ways for your children to spend part of their summer vacation. But I hope you'll consider another possibility for your older children this summer - getting a job. I always worked during my teenage summers, and I think it's one of the best learning experiences a young person can have.

First, know the rules as established by the Department of Labor; some states may have even stricter regulations: Teens who are 16 and 17 can do essentially any job (except hazardous ones, as defined by your state) for any number of hours per week. Those age 14 and 15 can work up to three hours on school days and up to eight hours on non-school days to a maximum 40 hours during a non-school week; 18 hours per week during the school year. Children under 14 have fewer choices - they can legally have jobs like delivering papers, baby-sitting or working in a family business. Realize, of course, that these are the limits; I don't advocate pushing your child to work the maximum number of hours.

WHAT THEY'LL LEARN

Entering the work force for the first time represents a tremendous challenge and a great opportunity. Teens with jobs get firsthand experience of what it means to have a work ethic - the importance of showing up on time, (possibly having negotiated public transportation) ready to work and sticking to it. They'll learn a lot about responsibility, about the reality of abstract concepts like interpersonal skills and initiative and, in most jobs, the ideas of teamwork and customer service.

No matter how menial the actual work might be, a summer job is great preparation for the grown-up world of work. Rising to this challenge can instill a powerful sense of personal confidence. And every teenager I've ever known enjoys having some extra cash - to say nothing of the feeling of accomplishment that goes with learning it.

I believe it's important for parents to help their kids become good employees. Assist them by getting ready for work and arriving to work on time. Ask them about what they're doing and what's expected of them. And if there are problems, help them figure out possible solutions.

When your child starts to earn his or her own money, you also have a great opportunity to teach them something about personal finance. That first paycheck can be the starting point for a discussion about taxes, now they'll understand what the phrase "take home" pay really means. It's an ideal opportunity to help them create a budget and learn to save.

You can even start teaching them about retirement investing: Consider helping your teen open a Roth IRA, even if you have to fund it yourself. That way, working kids can put up to $5,000 (or up to their earnings, whichever is less) into an account, invest it in the market, and they won't pay taxes on income or withdrawals, assuming the assets remain in the Roth IRA until the age of 59 and a half. It might be pretty difficult to convince your kid to part with a sum of his or her hard-earned cash, but if you can afford to make the contribution, you'll be giving your child a head start on retirement. And setting a good example for later in life.

THE RIGHT JOB FOR YOUR TEEN

Finding a job will take some effort, but opportunities abound for responsible, eager kids. Some are obvious: retailing, food service, camp counseling. You may have friends or colleagues who have or know of opportunities. Many local governments maintain job listings for teenagers.

Some teens or their parents want to work in more grown-up environments, perhaps related to future career choices. That can be a great experience, but don't dismiss the idea of a more menial job. Mopping floors, busing tables and serving food teach many of the same lessons as being a gopher in a busy office, perhaps with a touch of humility to boot. You and your child should work together to find the right job, which will also depend on the choices in your area.

I certainly don't condone overdoing it. The summer job experience doesn't have to be a 40-hour-a-week grind from June to September. Teens can work part-time, or for just part of the summer; they should have time for leisure during the summer vacation, for being with friends and for enjoying time with their family. But a summer job can be a powerful rewarding experience, especially when it is about more than just earning some spending money. It will build character, develop confidence and engender a sense of accomplishment. It will also undoubtedly help prepare your child for the challenges - and pleasures - of the grown-up working world.

I also believe it's fine for teens to work part-time during the school year, as long as it doesn't interfere with academics or extracurricular activities. Some experts believe that part-time work actually helps academic performance; it forces kids to manage their time more effectively - participating in a team sport or a musical group can have a similar impact. Obviously, if a job does get in the way of their education, you need to step in.

If you think your child is ready, help him or her get a job. Then assist in turning the job into a learning experience.