Summer Jobs for Kids

The best way to teach a child financial responsibility is by encouraging her to earn and manage her own money. As summer break approaches, let’s take a look at 9 easy ways your kids can earn money and learn work ethic for the future. Maybe even spark an entrepreneurial spirit in them!  

1. Open a Lemonade Stand 

It may be old-fashioned, but kids can bring in good money by selling America’s favorite hot-weather drink. For optimal exposure, let them set up near a local yard sale or another neighborhood event. 

2. Assist a Senior 

Your pre-teen can be a huge help to a local senior while earning money on the side. Let your child run some errands, take out the trash, clean the litter box or just chat with a lonely senior.

3. Hold a Yard Sale 

Spring-cleaning season is the perfect time to host a yard sale. Let your kids be in charge by having them choose the items to feature, set prices and run it. You’ll want to be available to oversee things, but let them make most decisions on their own. 

4. Do Yard Work 

If your children are old enough to handle a lawn mower and can be relied upon to trim shrubs and weed gardens, let them offer yard work as a service. 

5. Help with Pets 

Let your kids walk dogs around the neighborhood and offer to pet-sit. If your child is truly a budding entrepreneur and has the skills, they can set up a pet-grooming station out in the yard. 

6. Start a Junior Tech-Support Service 

Generation Z kids are practically born holding smartphones. Let your kids use those skills to help older folks who may not be as tech-savvy. They can offer to organize digital photos, assist with data entry or help set up a Facebook page. 

7. Babysitting or Help a Mom 

Babysitting is in high-demand when school is out and parents are working.  Even if your child is too young to babysit alone, but he can offer services in assisting a neighborhood stay-at-home mom while she’s working around the house.

8. Collect Recyclables 

Help your child gather empty bottles, cans, cardboard boxes and newspapers to bring to a recycling plant. With the bottle and can return law in Michigan, most neighbors will gladly give their returnables to kids for extra money. You’ll be keeping the planet green and helping your child earn pocket money at the same time. 

9. Wash and Detail Cars 

Let your child try out car-washing and detailing skills on the family car. Once they’ve got the technique down, offer car washing and vacuuming services to the neighborhood. And they can admire their work when clean and shiny cars pass by!

Supplying helpful work to friends and neighbors is a win for everyone. Your child earns money, while learning the value of hard work, and adults can maximize their free time with a few ‘to-do’ items off the list!