Kids love summer vacation because it means no school, but what do you do with them day after day? Activities, camps and vacations are a fun way to go, but in between those times you can also give them the chance to earn some cash (and learn how to save).
Finding them a summer job might not sound too hard, but getting them excited about it might be another thing. Start by including them in the decisions on how to earn, and get them excited to save up for something they’ve been wanting.
Begin by asking them what they enjoy doing. What do they feel are their talents? What special gifts or skills do they think they can contribute? Here are a few other questions you could ask to spark ideas:
- Love animals? If they have experience caring for pets of their own, you could help them provide a dog-walking service, or a pet-bathing service. Or they could be a pet-sitter for people on vacation.
- Enjoy kids? Babysitters are always in demand. Get special babysitter training at a local Red Cross (www.redcross.org) or YMCA (www.ymca.net).
- Are you a good learner? If they love to learn it could make them an excellent teacher too. They could start a tutoring service to help younger kids improve their reading, math or science skills over the summer.
- Do you love working outdoors? Think of jobs that will keep them outside. Mowing lawns, washing cars or weeding gardens are all things people need help with. Or if you have a plot of ground big enough, they could work to grow vegetables, berries or flowers to sell at an outdoor stand.
- Have a knack for arts and crafts? They could begin a small business selling things they like to make. Jewelry, stuffed animals, greeting cards, t-shirts or other items that showcase their art and offer others items they’d like to buy are great ideas.
- Like to be on the move? Your children could run errands for people who are too busy or physically unable to get to places like the pharmacy, grocery store or library.
That’s just a starter list, you can take it from here! The key to success is to get the word out about your services or products. Help your child develop a good-looking flyer and post it–with permission–on bulletin boards in neighborhood grocery stores and libraries. You also could pass out flyers door to door, but not in people’s mailboxes. (By law, only U.S. mail can go in mailboxes.)
As they pursue their projects, make sure to be part of the plan and follow with their ideas to make sure as parents you know what you’re doing and where they are at all times. Keeping up with this info will help them have a fun, safe, money-making summer.