From an early age, our kids had to earn money for big purchases and other items that were not in our family budget. As they worked a variety of odd jobs, we found that they gained valuable experience working with different types of people (some good bosses, others not so good), learned about managing their own money and learned about delayed gratification such as saving for college. Yeah! That always received a big smile from us parents.
Depending on your child’s age, there are many job options available to them. Listed below are ideas for great summer jobs for your children or for that matter, any time of the year.
- Babysitter
- Mommy Helper – If too young to actually baby-sit, consider being a mother’s helper. This means entertaining the kids while mom gets some work done elsewhere in the home
- Elderly Helper – Many older people enjoy the help and company of children. Kids can do errands, assist with light housekeeping such as taking out the garbage, vacuuming, dusting, emptying the dishwasher, folding clothes, matching socks, etc.
- House Cleaning – Dusting furniture, vacuuming, sweeping floors or cleaning windows
- Car and/or Bike Wash Service
- Animal Caretaker – Feed & play with cats and change the litter box; walk and feed dogs; feed birds and fish and keep their respective homes clean and uncluttered
- House Sitter – Water plants and collect the mail and newspapers
- Landscaping/Yard Work – There are always people willing to outsource yard work to others. Along with mowing the lawns, kids can make the yard look nice by pulling weeds, gardening, raking leaves, trimming bushes, etc
- Snow Removal
- Start a Neighborhood Newsletter – Sell ads to generate revenue
- Look for Work Around the Neighborhood – Most people’s homes are pretty cluttered, and chances are they have an attic, basement or garage that needs organizing
- Bake Sale
- Lemonade Stand
- Clean Up After People’s Pets – Start a neighborhood pooper scooper service. Don’t laugh. We received a flyer for this kind of service on our doorstep recently.
- Collect Aluminum Cans
- Make Greeting Cards to Sell
When children earn their own money, they soon learn what it feels like to earn an honest wage for their labor. One day your child will become an adult and will need to earn a living on his/her own. Start now to help them earn money for an I-Pod or Wii that they keep begging you for. If they are old enough to know what it is, they are old enough to pay for it themselves!
Above all, have a positive attitude and keep the encouragement flowing on your young entrepreneur!
Great Post! New follower here from Mom Loop.