It’s important for kids to learn how to manage money appropriately. In order to learn those skills, they need to have ways to obtain money. There are lots of different ways for kids to make money. Here are only a few suggestions. Some of these may require your assistance depending on how old they are.
- Allowance-This is usually a set amount given to a child weekly or monthly for following family rules and not getting into trouble.
- Chores-This is usually a set amount if certain jobs are accomplished. My kids have 3 main chores each week that rotate. They also have: homework, practice instruments, clean room, and weed/mow yard, as well as opportunities to do other chores to earn more money. They check off a chart when the chore is completed each day. They get paid based on the amount of work they do. It’s usually about $5/week.
- Bake Sale-My kids have done this a few times. They bake yummy cookies, cakes, and other treats and try to sale them at a yard sale or other event. This is a lot of work and makes a big mess in the kitchen.
- Lemonade Stand-Make lemonade to sell. My kids have also sold water bottles, soda cans, candy bars, and Costco Muffins. This is better for littler kids. I’ve noticed that the cuter they are, the more people will buy. Make sure to advertise with signs and post it on social media so your neighborhood friends will know to stop by. Or try it at a local park or an outdoor event.
- Babysitting-I think it is best to wait until they are 12, unless they are babysitting at my house and I am there to keep an eye on them then they can be a little younger. I just learned the term “Mommy helper” where you basically babysit while the kids while their moms are home doing other things. That would also be a great after school or Summer job.
- Tutoring-If your kids are really smart they can be a great help younger kids in the neighborhood with math, writing, spelling, science, or reading. My kids have helped tutor a neighbor boy with math, since they all love math. The best time for tutoring is after school, but would also make a great part-time summer option. They could take fliers to neighbors with little kids or put it on on social media to advertise.
- Mowing Lawns/Weeding-I’ve been thinking this would be a great option for my son as a Summer job. He has been mowing our yard since he was two (with the bubble mower). You could ask elderly neighbors or super busy neighbors, or any neighbors with long grass. My husband did this with some friends in high school and made great money during the Summer. I know a lot of people that would pay for kids to come over one time and weed their garden. Older kids could rent an aerator or power raker and advertise for a one-time job. We paid someone $35 last year to aerate our yard (for maybe a 1/2 hour job).
- Cleaning Houses-If your child can’t keep his room clean, this probably isn’t for him. This can be a great opportunity for a part-time job. I did this in high school. Once a week, I would clean my aunt’s home-dusting, make her bed, bathrooms. It was 1-2 hours of fairly easy cleaning work once a week. It was a great opportunity for me and I got to see my aunt and uncle often. They could also spend a day cleaning windows, or garbage cans in the area. Pick a Saturday and advertise. A lot of people would pay for a one-time window or garbage can cleaning.
- Clean Cars-You could have a car wash or offer to detail cars. You would wash the car, polish, vacuum, and clean the windows. You could really make them sparkle and make some good money doing that. They could also clean out motor homes and campers.
- Online-There is a whole new world out there. You can do live videos, blogs, tutorials, book or toy reviews, or start a YouTube channel. If your child is tech-savvy, this is a great option that they can do from home. Find something they are passionate about or really enjoy and start there. My niece made some Littlest Pet Shop videos with her toys she loved and was making ~$200 every few months for years afterwards.
- Make Things to Sell. I have a friend who’s daughter makes these really cool dragons and sells them at craft fairs and Etsy. Find something they love and a talent they have and you’re off to a great start. It’s great because they can make them in their free time at home.
- Host a Summer Kids Camp-Some teens get together and plan a week-long Summer camp. Depending on your child’s talents, they could host a STEM camp, arts & crafts camp, sports camp, cooking camp, music camp, sewing camp, etc. Really, whatever your kids are interested in doing. Have them research the topic and plan lots of fun activities to do while they are in the camp. I know lots of parents who are looking for fun Summer activities for their kids.
- Help with Pets-You could walk dogs, pet sit, feed the pets while the owners are on vacation, clean up the poop, or even learn to groom them.
- Get a Part-Time job-This is always an option as unemployment is at an all time low. I worked part-time jobs all through school starting when I was 15. This is a great option to make a little more consistent money. Plus it teaches your kids how to work hard and interact with other people.
- Apply for Scholarships-We have told our kids that they don’t need to get a part-time job if they keep their grades up. Working towards getting scholarships is a great job! There are so many options for scholarships that they can apply for. Applying for scholarships could be an entire Summer job!
- Recycling-My nephews save aluminum cans for months and then take them in. Sometimes they make over $20! I’d recommend getting a can crusher and a garbage bag and putting them in your garage. Your kids can collect cans and crush them as they save them. Then take them in when you have a few big bags.
What do your kids do with the money once they earn it? This is the best time to teach them how to manage their money, pay tithing and learn to give, and save for things they really want.
There are lots of ways for your kids to make money. Think about what they are good at? What do they enjoy doing? Use those talents to help them find opportunities to make money. What have your kids done to make money?
Things that inspired me today.