Last Monday, July 28, 2025, Aya marked a meaningful milestone and she began her first summer job at the age of 11. It's my in-laws' idea to help them with chores because I told them that when at work she does the household chores like washing the clothes after hanging it outside, washing the dishes, vacuum, folding clothes, cleaning her room and others.
We have a dishwashing machine but I did not buy a tablet of soap. She will wash the dishes by hand so she will know how to clean by hand. Aya is helping my in-laws with household chores from Monday to Friday. She takes the 8:22 AM bus and comes home around 4:00 PM. It’s not a high-paying job or anything heavy, but it’s teaching her something far more valuable than money.
For most kids at her age, summer is a time to relax, sleep in, and nonstop play in Roblox. My husband and I had different opinions about this. But I told him, I'm ok about it and its not a punishment for her. My goal isn’t to push her hard but to slowly introduce to Aya the idea of working. She knows time management, being responsible and doing tasks. At school, teachers told things but the skills on doing it takes time to master.
That life has challenges. Especially when she starts her career- a real job. We all start from small and begin from the bottom. I wanted my daughter to learn that in life it takes hardwork, dedication and confidence that will lead her to great success in life.
Aya told me that after her work, Babi gave her delicious lunch and snack too. Aside from that, I admire Aya's confidence that she goes to the pharmacy to buy grandma's medicine and pay for the telephone bills. As her mom, I am so happy and she is confident in doing those things. Watching her grow makes me so proud. She's learning in life and that's what I really want.
This summer job was also helping her to understand the value of money. It feels different when she earns her money. No matter how much it is. She knows how to save money and earn from last week. She was so happy. And I asked her what she will buy for it. She still doesn't know and she wants to save it. She earned 13 euro and Babi added 2 to make it 15 euro all. It's almost 900 pesos in Philippine money.
I'm so proud of my daughter to see her take these small steps toward independence one step at a time is a joy to witness. I appreciate her effort and what she earned. For me Aya's summer is more valuable in life. It's about installing a sense of discipline, responsibility, hardwork, time-management, responsibility and growth.
Those photos are from my daughter. I told her to please take a snap because I want to share in my blog and to say to everyone how proud mama I am.
Another exciting opportunity week for Aya. I’ll always be cheering you on, Aya. Keep going and remember that I love you so much.
