Summer is just around the corner, and that means kids are out of school, and many times looking for ways to earn a few extra dollars.
Even though the legal working age in the U.S. is 14, there are ways for your children to make money before they first become employed.
Is babysitting the right fit?
Here are some questions to discuss with your children before they decide to start babysitting:
* Do you like little kids?
* How did it work out when you took care of younger siblings?
* How do your parents feel about you babysitting?
If babysitting is their thing, the Red Cross offers a one-day babysitter training course that might be available in your area.
Sell, sell, sell!
If babysitting doesn’t sound like something they’d like to do, another fun way to make money is by selling stuff. Just like adults, kids can either sell old stuff they don’t want anymore, or make items for people to buy.
Offer to help them host a garage sale. They can do the work to advertise by putting up signs around your neighborhood, and you can help them by posting on social media.
Or consider using turning a talent or hobby such as taking photos, painting, or making jewelry into a small business. Help them by talking through things to consider, like cost to operate versus selling price. Once again, you can work together to get the word out about what they are trying to sell.
Big brain to big bucks
If your child’s talent lies in school subjects, like math or science, they could also offer to tutor other kids in the subjects that you are best at. If they prefer things like art or music they could also think about putting on day camps for younger children
For this they could also talk to their school leaders about hanging up flyers in different areas of the school district.
And much more…
There are many more ways that your children can earn money. Here are just a few ideas:
* Start a pet-sitting service.
* Ask your neighbors if they need someone to rake or mow their lawn.
* Get a group of friends together to have a car wash.
Always make sure to discuss these ideas with your child before they start working. It’s important to help them understand operating costs too. Summer jobs can be a great way to teach them responsibility for their purchases, the value of saving, and they can have fun doing it!