The 17yos job is just as important as the parents. Because it's not just about the shift this Thursday. It's about the set up and life lessons and work ethic. It's learning the differences between the poversh lifestyle he knows and the potential to break the cycle. It also can be financial relief for the family as he can pay for his wants now going forward AND if they really are that hard up, he can help in other ways-as long as some of his paycheck is for him to save with. This kid needs to be taught the value of savings so he doesn't end up in the same situation as his parent. And once again I am banging my head off a wall saying this IF THE PARENTS CAN'T AFFORD CHILDCARE SUBSIDIES ARE OFFERED. if they don't qualify for subsidy then they need to make changes to their budget.