As we’ve covered over the past couple weeks, it’s never too early to start teaching kids the value of money and how to count it. Now that they understand those two concepts, chances are your child is probably starting to get a bit excited at the idea of earning some money of their own. The following includes just some of the countless number of ideas there are for a child to make a buck or two. Please keep in mind anything that your child decides to put their entrepreneurial action toward should have your consent first and precautions should be taken accordingly. If you can work on the project together with you assisting, even better!
01: When Life Gives You Lemons
Perhaps the most popular idea that comes to mind is the lemonade stand. Bringing in a classic like such might be the reason the stands always seem to be so well-received. A refreshing treat the whole community can enjoy; what’s not to like? Later on, these skills might come in handle to become a future barista or work in food service.
02: Yard work
Doing yard work for others can really pay off for children of all ages. If you have younger children, they can offer to water some plants and help hand-pull weeds while you monitor them. If they’re a bit older and are familiar with yard equipment such as how to use a lawn mower and edger, their skills could be a great opportunity for them to make money in the neighborhood. These skills bring in potential to work for or create a landscaping business.
03: Babysit
If your tween or teen is interested in getting started in babysitting, then consider having them begin by offering to watch the kids of relatives, friends or neighbors. Make sure you, as the parent, are familiar with the house where they will be at and know who will be there. You might want to even assist them by just being there with them at least the first few times. It is also a good idea that your child attend CPR and first aid classes ahead of time as well. Babysitting can continue into nannying, child development, family counselor or teacher.
04: Petsit
If your child is a natural animal lover and would rather watch over pets than younger kids, pet-sitting is also a good option. For younger children, it’s a good idea for you to oversee the whole process and for them to not take overnight gigs. When they’re older, they might feel comfortable extending their pet-sitting into house-sitting as well while a client is on vacation. As always, make sure precautions are taken by knowing the where, when and who and knowing the background information on both the owner as well as the pets involved. Make certain the pets are up-to-date on their medical needs and that they have friendly personalities. This job can expand into your child having a bigger pet-sitting business of their own, becoming a veterinarian or dog groomer.
05: Wash Vehicles
This is a good job for children of almost any age. Younger children can offer to wash family members and neighbors cars and older children can level it up by offering to wash vehicles and clean the inside too. These skills can bring in experience for a later job as a car detailer or potential to grow into an auto mechanic.
06: Good Ol’ Yard Sale
Having your child host a yard sale is a wonderful way for them to witness how one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Plus, it’ll encourage them to get rid of items they no longer need, which is bound to make every parent happy. If your child is older and it is okay with you, there are also a lot of online platforms where they can also put their items up for sale and mail to the buyer. This holds future possibilities in many categories including retail and DIY flipping projects.
Again, the above are just a few of many different ways that kids of a variety of ages can make some money. It’s up to them to have the entrepreneurial brain and to take action to make it happen. Be encouraging and supportive and let their minds run wild. You might be surprised to see which route they decide to take and what ideas they come up with. If they’re having trouble coming up with something on their own, suggest a couple ideas. Once they start making money, it’s a good idea they start saving some of it also. Next week we’ll go over how to do just that.
