I don’t know about you, but I firmly believe in teaching kids about the value of hard work. There are too many people I know now that think that everything in life should just be given to them. It’s essential to show kids throughout all of their life that if they are willing to work and put forth an effort, good things will come.
I started “working” when I was about twelve years old. My favorite grade-school teacher suggested me to an office where she knew some of the people that worked there. They were looking for someone to pick up the litter around the building, shred paper, empty trash cans. Simple things that kids could do. I was THRILLED. If I remember correctly, I think they paid me $10.00 for every day that I came into work. I couldn’t tell you what I DID with that money, but it made my day!
I am trying to teach my kids, even now, the value of money. What it can do for you, what it can do to you, and how it’s good to earn it and save it. Plus how you can use it to get what you want – you know, the newest Lightning McQueen car, of course! 🙂
Stephanie Hall from Pitch Public Relations, http://www.pitchpublicrelations.com/our-services/, reached out to me on behalf of SuperMoney, https://www.supermoney.com/, with 14 job ideas for kids of all ages. The list is pretty good! With plans for kids between the ages of about four through adulthood.
For the young ones:
- Helping relatives around the house (think grandparents, or elderly aunts/uncles!) – maybe they need help vacuuming, or cleaning out a closet?
- Fruit and vegetable picking (and eating, of course!) – if anyone you know and trust has a garden! This would be ideal and FUN for kids!
- Dog Walking – kids love animals if given half the chance. So they have fun, they can get exercise, and they can earn some pocket change! There’s an app called Rover, https://www.rover.com/app/, that helps find folks who need help with dog sitting or walking! Perfect for kids!
- Selling toys at a garage sale. Are you overwhelmed by toys (I know I am!), and this would be a perfect way for them to socialize, haggle, learn the value of items, and how to sell things to other kids who will love their old and no longer used toys!
For the tweens:
- Craft selling on Etsy. Now, this is something that was NOT available when I was growing up; but what a great idea!
- Face Painting at events – if you have an artsy kiddo, they can make some money painting at local events, fairs, or even significant events (St. Pat’s parades, Thanksgiving parades – you get the picture!)
- Neighborhood pet care – walking pets, playing with them, or grooming them. They could utilize a local vets office (with permission, of course) to hang up a flyer about what services they can offer!
For the teens:
- After school tutoring – there are always younger kids that need help in certain subjects. This would be an excellent way to build up their self-esteem and help out a younger peer.
- Daycare assistant – help out in a neighborhood daycare and get in some playtime with some younger kids!
- Movie theater usher
- Lifeguard at a pool or gym
- Pizza delivery
- Car washer – have them set up a car wash for every good Saturday! Money and clean cars!
- Amusement park worker
Point being – there are so many great options out there that would teach your kids how to earn some money, be flexible, and enjoy making their own money. Not having to rely on parents for everything is a huge self-esteem booster for any age!
What are your suggestions for other things that kids can do to earn a wage of some sort? Do your kids already have a job that they perform all the time or really enjoy? Let me know in a comment! I’d love to hear about it!
Love ya,
Kelly Ann
Relevant hashtags if you choose to share (I’d appreciate!): #jobs #working #kids #earn #money #young #teachthemyoung #learning #teaching #earning #kidsjobs #raisekids #supermoney #earnaliving #parenting #parentingtips #parentingtricks #goodjobs #ideas #funjobs #makeworkfun #interesting #value
Really important especially now that they are still young
Yes, exactly! It’s not only good monetarily, but it teaches them to trust themselves and not rely on everyone else!
This is such a brilliant idea! I think all kids should know the value of money. I think they get handed money so easily these days but I think it does wonders for their confidence and self esteem to really earn it! Great Post!
Linda || http://www.linda-roche.com
Thank you!! My thoughts exactly! I had to work for my money growing up – still do – and there’s too many folks nowadays expecting handouts, in my opinion! Thanks for reading!