my mom wants me to apply for jobs for the summer now (not summer camps, like minimum wage jobs ie. retail, or internships) is this realistic that i need to apply so far in advance?

I agree with you Madison, it seems a little premature to be applying for summer jobs right now.

I kinda agree with your mother.  Around here school is out in 2 months.  If you wait too long the jobs are all gone.  It won’t hurt to have your application on file. You never know.