Money means more to kids when they have earned it themselves.
Teens and tweens naturally ask for money for material things and entertainment as they get older. As the need becomes more frequent, their parents may suggest these kids get a job so they can earn their own money. Most jobs available to kids ages 11 through 17 are entrepreneurial, due to minimum age requirements for working for someone else. Working for their own money will give kids a sense of accomplishment and the gratification of a job well done.
Babysitting
Babysitters are often recommended by friends and neighbors.
Babysitting is a job for kids as young as 11. They are best suited as a mother's helper, who is there to entertain the children while the mother is working in another part of the house. Babysitting is not a job for girls alone. Boy babysitters are popular with families of boys. Parents rely on friends and neighbors recommendations. Word of mouth is your best form of advertising. As the babysitter outgrows the job, she could easily pass the business down to her siblings.
Pet-Sitting
Dog walking is an important part of pet-sitting.
Pet-sitting involves caring for people's pets while the owners are on vacation or away for the day. A pet-sitter will be responsible for giving fresh food and water, walking dogs and cleaning out cat litter boxes. Although the pet-sitter does not spend the night, he is there often enough to bring in the mail, water plants and take the garbage to the curb. Create a flyer with your name, prices and references, and pass it out to the families in your neighborhood. Unless your parents are willing to drive you, you want to find customers within walking distance.
Yard Work
Yard work includes mowing the lawn and raking leaves.
Yard work can be a seasonal job or stretched into a yearlong position. Summer is the busiest time for yard work with lawn mowing, edging and trimming bushes. Spring cleanup is needed for flower beds and preparing the yard for summer. Fall is the time for raking leaves, cutting back flowers and planting bulbs for spring. If you live in a northern climate, there may be snow that needs shoveling. Print out a flyer listing your services and prices. Determine if you or your customer will provide the equipment and who will be responsible for the yard waste.
Odd jobs
Know your limitations before accepting a job.
Odd Jobs can mean a variety of things to different customers. Know your limitations. If you cannot lift heavy boxes, don't accept a job to clean out the basement. Make a list of things you could do, and hand it out to neighbors and friends. Odd jobs may include washing the dog, weeding the garden, and painting, sweeping out the garage or helping to serve dinner at a party. Doing odd jobs may be a good match for someone with a busy schedule. Most odd jobs only take a few hours to complete.
Tags: friends neighbors, Know your, Know your limitations, Most jobs, raking leaves