It sucks. I worked in our family business when I was pretty young, as did all my brothers. It wasn't grueling labor or anything like that, it's more like they would just have to have me around while they were working to keep an eye on me, and would give me tasks if for no other reason than to keep me from getting underfoot / in trouble. As I got older I got more complicated tasks, and that evolved pretty seamlessly to me being a regular unpaid employee, until I was able to get a job elsewhere and get paid, which I did as soon as I was able. I still did some extra-curricular stuff, but if I didn't have practice or something I would be expected to be at the store, doing either homework or store work.

I also have a hard time making friends outside of work. Probably unrelated.

My grandfather had a lumber mill where I and my other siblings and cousins worked during the Summers stacking lumber working the forklift at a young age. Great man taught us a lot about life and hard work, and he paid us well and under the table.

The child in the supreme court case that led to this exemption in the US did nothing but school and work.

Family business either rocks or is the worst thing ever. Usually it's tge latter.

Restrictions to child labor in the US are about factory work. And states are passing exceptions so that teens, especially delinquent teens, can work near dangerous machinery.

But kids have always been allowed to do agricultural work for less than minimum wage.

Luckily my parents paid me for work. First it was super easy tasks for allowance, by the time I was in highschool, I was on the payroll.

I lucked out on this one; had three cars in high school (a mercedes (two actually would swap with my brother), a volvo, a jaguar). A credit card. A computer in the early 2000s that cost 4k . Even had an apartment bought for me. But I was stubborn and decided to couch surf to figure out things on my own. Yeah I'm kinda dumb. 🙃

Oh well, if you aren't paying them, then its fine.

Family owned businesses. Aka Didn't Earn It

Their parents are okay with it!

Hot take. Child labor can be a good thing.

The trick is to not exploit them. But a job, a couple hours a day, can build a whole lot of character and life skills. It feels good to accomplish things with tangible benefits.

I think the problem is that capitalism has no regard for child welfare, hence children in coal mines and meat packing plants. But a few hours after school, once or twice a week, in a job that won't maim spirit or flesh? Hell ya.

One of the most rewarding jobs I had as a teenager was a "waiter" at an old folks home. Get them water, condiments, etc. just generally be around and helpful at meal times. Twas a perfect job for a teenager.