There’s no better way to teach a child the value of money than to encourage his desire to work. But did you know that working for a few bucks can also teach kids valuable life skills? Working with others, persuasion skills, and creativity are among the benefits you’ll see if you allow your kids the fun of working at an early age.

Some jobs for kids might not pan out, so keep your expectations realistic. However, you may be surprised when one gig becomes your child’s passion, and you get a front row seat to witness the adventure.

Here are 10 creative ways your child can make some money while having fun.

• Craft Holiday cards in autumn to sell to friends, family members, and teachers in early winter.
• Collect and resell used golf balls.
• Basic landscaping. Every season and every geographical climate has its own unique set of challenges for homeowners, and they’re happy to be offered help. Mulching in spring, mowing, and weeding in summer, blowing leaves in fall, and shoveling snow in winter can all be done within walking distance of your house if your child’s client base is made up of neighbors.
• Start or join an online yard sale. Safer and more convenient than sales sites, online yard sales can be found on social media with a quick search, and usually involve simply leaving items in a drop off point for buyers to pick up anonymously.
• Have a fenced-in back yard? Raise two chickens and sell the eggs for $5/dozen. Check with your municipality to be sure hens are legal to keep in your neighborhood first.
• Salvage copper, aluminum, brass, and steel from construction sites or curbside piles on garbage day, and resell the material at a local recycling center. A mobile app will tell you exactly how much you can expect to make — be prepared to rake it in!
• Does your child love the spotlight? Call local theaters to see how much they pay young actors and musicians. Many community theaters won’t pay unless your child is a leading role, but it’s always worth a shot!
• Buy and resell umbrellas at a train or bus station on rainy days. Sales-specific jobs for kids can be the most rewarding.
• Become a mother’s helper. Since babysitting may still be a few years away, consider letting your child become the helper to a new mom whose hands are full. A mother’s helper keeps babies and toddlers entertained while the mother is still home. Whether she wants a break to relax or needs to get things done, having small children clamoring for her attention all day is draining, and having an older child around to play peek-a-boo for a few hours can be a lifesaver for which she’s willing to pay good cash.
• Tutor younger students. If your child is a whiz in one academic area, have them advertise tutoring services for kids a few years younger in age.

Making Your Child’s Work… Work

Be sure no money-making endeavors interfere with school work or family life, and always know where your child is.

To maximize the life lessons of working early, don’t interfere by working your child’s job for him. Instead, offer other support like encouragement and supplies.

The best time to start teaching your little entrepreneur is not when he shows signs of wanting to work, but much earlier – In fact, as soon as he starts asking for items in the store, it’s time to talk about work. Teaching your children at an early age the value of a dollar is important. Give them the tools they need to get started to a healthy financial lifestyle by leading by example and giving them opportunities to learn themselves.

The team at CESI is committed to helping you make wise financial decisions and to helping you understand how to get out, and stay out of debt. For a free debt analysis, contact us and find out how we can help.

Image Source: Bethany Johnson

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