I learned this weekend that as minors have entered the work force in
greater numbers, the Department of Labor has taken steps to
create  awareness for teens, parents, educators, and employers of the
prohibitive work-related activities for various ages of minors.  Having a
child, myself, who suffered significant injuries in a work-related
accident, I would encourage parents to be participative in their child's
employment decisions.  Listen to your child as they talk about the
activities of their workday.  Address activities that would seem
questionable based on their age.  How can you have better "foresight" by
learning about the kinds of jobs and work-related activities in which your
child may participate?  Bookmark and visit the Department of Labor Youth
Rules web site at http://youthrules.dol.gov/.  I found this to be a
user-friendly site that has been penned in laymen's terms.  Awareness may
make a huge difference in your child's first work experiences.  I hope many
of you will find this information useful as your child enters the work
force.--Yvonne Kilpatrick