Want your child to learn some responsibility? Does your child constantly ask you for money for mall outings? Does your kid really think money grows on trees? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, we’ve got the perfect solution – help your kid get a job! A job instills responsibility, independence, discipline and a self-pride into kids that they can’t get anywhere else. They will also begin to understand how hard you work as parents and will stop taking you for granted. Additionally, their entrepreneurial endeavors may pleasantly surprise you and have you beaming to your friends about how proud you are! Here are some great ideas for jobs, for kids of all ages!
Younger Kids (8-10)
While younger kids cannot legally get a traditional job, nor should they, there are a number of ways you can encourage your little one to make some extra money. Of course, you need to play an integral part in any of these “jobs” as your kid is not ready to be on their own. When it’s hot out, setting up a lemonade stand on a residential, busy block is sure to bring in some bucks. Who can resist ice cold lemonade and an eager kid? If your kid is creative, they could make some money by making greeting cards for people. Pet-sitting for a neighbor is yet another great job for kids of this age. If you’d rather your kid stay close to home, you could pay your kid for doing chores around the house. A set weekly allowance for doing X amount of chores would work well rather than, say, $5 for any chore they do, so that they don’t leave your house spotless but your wallet empty. If you have a home office, your kid could help you out with administrative duties, like stapling, typing, filing, mailing letters, shredding, etc. With the extra money they’ll be making, you can visit the toy store every so often and let them pick out something they really want. They’ll appreciate their new toy because of how hard they worked to earn it!
Tweens and Younger Teens (11-14)
Kids ages 11-15 are also too young for traditional jobs, but there are plenty of things that they could do at this age to make some extra money. When the holidays come around, your child can offer to wrap presents for friends, family and neighbors. Additionally, they could ask their local bookstore to set up a booth in the corner where they could offer “donation only” gift wrapping. Other jobs include dog walking for the neighbors, tutoring younger kids, and teaching older people how to use computers. For the slightly older, mature kids, they can make some good money by babysitting. Kids this age probably won’t be content with a trip to the toy store with their hard-earned money. They want the bigger stuff, the Nintendo DS or the iPod Touch. If they are getting discouraged because they are not making enough money in a timely manner, you can make a deal with them where you will match every dollar they make to help them reach their goal. That is, if they make $100, you will give them $100 so they can buy their gotta-have-it-because-all-my-friends-have-it electronic.
Older Teens (15 and up)
Older teens are ready for the more traditional jobs. But, the real question is, what are some appropriate jobs for teens? Movie theatres, smoothie joints, ice cream shop, coffee place barista, retail (hello employee discount!), summer camps, restaurants, grocery stores are all great choices for the kid that wants to make money quick. Internships are another great option that will not only teach them responsibility, but will give them experience in a field they are interested in. However, many internships are unpaid. If your kid prefers valuable experience over making money (rare, but it can happen), they may want to volunteer somewhere, like a hospital. If your kid doesn’t want to commit to an official part-time job just yet, they can do tasks around the house or neighborhood, like washing cars or mowing laws.
More Tips for Older Teen Jobs
Don’t know where to start? They should channel into what they’re good at, and find jobs that pertain to that. If your kid loves to be outdoors and is a great swimmer, they can apply to be a lifeguard at a local community or school pool. If your kid spends almost every waking moment on the computer, why not suggest they get into web or graphic design? If your child loves to paint, suggest they make some extra money by selling their paintings or offering their artistic services to someone. This “first job hunt” is the perfect opportunity for your kid to not only make money, but start to hone into their life’s desire. But, remember one thing: Before you allow your kid to get their first official job, make an agreement with them – their job will not interfere with school or other duties. If you see your kid is tired all time or their grades are slipping, then they will be forced to quit!
