My helicopter parents forged job applications for me as a teen. I almost made the same mistake with my own child.

You’d have thought the humiliating experience at the bakery would have taught me a lesson forever. But now, as the mom of a 16-year-old girl, it’s difficult not to copy my parents.

I want her to succeed in life and earn her own money. I’d also like her to interact with adults and experience what it’s like to work for the older generation.

At her request, I posted online messages on neighborhood groups saying my daughter was looking for babysitting jobs. There was a good response, and I passed her number to the parents who inquired.

I tried to get my teenage daughter a job, too

Then, I had a meal at a local restaurant with my husband. I read a sign that said it was closing for a few months before opening under new management.

I went to speak to the manager. “Are the new owners hiring more staff?” I asked. “My daughter’s looking for a part-time job in the evening, particularly on weekends.”

The guy looked appalled. “Don’t do this,” he said, shaking his head. I was taken aback. “But I’m just trying to help her,” I said. “You’re doing her no favors at all,” he replied.

It stung at the time. As a mother, I felt ashamed and chastened, but he was 100% right.

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