Introduction
Even if you are willing to work, it can be difficult to earn money for kids. Many jobs have age restrictions or may not have hours that work with a busy schedule of school and extracurricular activities. There's no need to be broke. Kids can earn money by creating their own jobs and money earning opportunities.
Sitting Services
Consider a sitting service as a way to earn money for kids. Baby sitting is a the standard service offered by older kids, usually in the teen years, but there are other sitting services that are suitable for a greater range of ages. A house or pet sitting service requires minimal startup funds. You can visit homes of vacationing customers to feed their pets, walk dogs, water plants, or just check on the house. If you do decide to babysit, consider taking a baby sitting safety and CPR class through the American Red Cross or a similar agency. You will learn important tips and techniques. The class certification will also show your potential clients that you take your job seriously and are well equipped to babysit safely.
Make Something
Crafts provide several money earning opportunities for kids. The craft doesn't have to be complicated, instead choose something you enjoy and that you excel at. Card making, jewelry and paper crafts are just a few options. You can sell your craft items at craft fairs, although you may need an adult with you at the booth depending on the show requirements. There are also online venues for selling your crafts. Some startup cash is necessary for supplies and craft show fees, but if you begin at small shows the fees are typically small.
If you want to make something edible, the standard lemonade stand is an excellent way to earn money for younger kids. You can only provide lemonade or you can add tea, baked goods and other treats to your stand. In winter, consider opening a hot cocoa stand on your street. While this is often though of as a traditional kid's job, some cities require permits for lemonade stands. Unfortunately this means you must also meet food handling restrictions in your municipality. Before beginning this venture, check with your city offices to ensure it is legal for a child to operate a lemonade stand.
Yard Work
Yard work is an option for older kids. Earning money for kids with this job requires almost no startup cash if your parents already own basic lawn equipment. You can rake leaves, mow lawns, or shovel snow in the winter. Older teens can increase their earning potential by providing shrub trimming, lawn edging or grass aeration services. One of the best ways to get more customers with this business is to place fliers on doors in your neighborhood. Keep your rates realistic.
If you like plants and gardening, growing plants for sale is another option in the lawn work realm. You can start seeds of popular bedding plants, vegetables and herbs and sell them when they are large enough. Many people are willing to pay for garden plants that were grown using non-chemical methods.
