Shaketha Marion McGregor found the perfect way to prove to her children that money doesn't grow on trees.
The 30-year-old Georgia mom decided to host a job fair in her home after her three kids (Jahkeem, 13, Takeia, 10, and Serinity, 6) were constantly asking for allowances and cellphones. Seeing an opportunity to teach a lesson about the value of work, time management and money, McGregor put together the ultimate hiring event; she even drafted applications and conducted interviews with her children.
“I was thinking that there’s a way we can all get what we want. There needed to be more housework done at home and they wanted money,” she told Yahoo Lifestyle. “It’d be perfect for them to work for the things that they really want.”
Surprising the kids with the job fair after returning home from school on August 13, McGregor posted job ads for a kitchen manager, lead housekeeper and laundry supervisor. Applications included space for her children to detail their previous experience, salary requests and availability before being scheduled for interviews in “Mom’s room.”
“My 10-year-old thought that speaking with a slight British accent would help her,” she told Yahoo. “Serinity surprised me the most. She was very professional. It seemed like she’s done this before.”
McGregor also created a credit union that gave each child a credit score and offered opportunities for them to improve their standing, including finishing their homework on time.
“Adulthood happens and it happens hard and sometimes you’re just not prepared for it,” the mama of three told Good Morning America. “Whether they’re applying for school or a new job or something, they can look back and say, ‘I did this with mom all those years ago.’”
Since sharing her post on Facebook, she has received more than 200,000 likes, 130,000 shares and much praise for her innovative parenting.
One user said: “You are absolutely brilliant and my new inspiration as a parent and teacher!!! I can see this working in my classroom as well for those jobs to help keep our classroom cleaner! I’ve been looking for a new way to get my teenage kids more involved with household chores and I am going to use your idea! Thank you so much for making parenting fun!!!”
“You don’t have to wait until they’re 18 to learn about hiring, money management, and credit,” McGregor said. “It’s a great way to educate your children and have that quality family time together.”
Cheers to you, mama.