Kimberly Blaker
Teaching kids the value and rewards of hard work and earning their own money is an integral part of helping them develop into responsible adults. Through this, they gain self-esteem, learn the real value of a dollar and develop better saving and spending habits.
Share this list of job ideas below with your pre-teens or teens for a variety of ways they can cash in this summer.
The Grass Is Always Greener
What better way to soak up the sun, get fit and make spare cash than mowing lawns? Create some fliers, and be sure to mention you live in the neighborhood. Include your fees based on yard size, but try to keep the rates below the cost of professional services. Also, don’t forget to include your phone number. Then deliver the fliers to homes in your neighborhood. You can lodge them between doorknobs or tuck them under doormats. Just don’t place anything in mailboxes because it’s illegal.
Young Entrepreneur
Make the most of your neighbors’ garage sales by setting up a refreshment stand in your own front yard. You will need a small table and a handmade sign: “Cookies and Lemonade – 50 cents each.” Set out a pitcher of lemonade or Kool-aid, disposable cups and wrapped cookies. At the end of the sale, add up your profits and divide them with your partners.
Too Old for Toys and Games?
If so, clean out those you’ve outgrown and hold a sale. Make a cardboard or wooden sign to attract neighborhood kids and passersby. Then lay out blankets in your front yard and spread out your goods. Keep your prices reasonable, and don’t forget a 25-cent box filled with odds and ends.
Kiddie Care
Are you old enough to stay home alone? If so, you may be ready to babysit for other children. Spread the word through family, friends and neighbors. Once you’ve gained experience, post fliers on the library, grocery store or laundromat bulletin boards. When babysitting, play games and do activities with the kids. Avoid talking on the phone or watching TV. Parents love sitters that keep their children busy. Also, don’t forget to clean up and wash dirty dishes.
A Little Dirt Never Hurt
Garage cleaning is a big chore, especially for the elderly or anyone who just doesn’t have the time. So offer your services to relatives and neighbors. When you get a job, be thorough. Move everything into the driveway or yard before you begin. Remove cobwebs with a broom. Sweep ledges and the garage floor. Then hose the garage concrete (with permission) to loosen ground-in dirt. When it’s dry, neatly arrange everything back into the garage.
Window Washing
Offering your services for this dreaded task is sure to be a success. If you get the job, make sure your parents know the homeowner and approve of you going inside. Clean the interior of all windows, including doors. Also, don’t forget to open the windows and clean the ledges and tracks. Offer to do exterior windows if you’re tall enough to reach them without a ladder. Ask permission to hose them down to remove loose dirt then wash and dry them by hand.
Life’s a Zoo
Pet owners who don’t like to kennel their pets are often in a dilemma at vacation time. Pass out flyers in your neighborhood offering to pet sit. Do the sitting in your home, if your parents agree. Otherwise, make regular visits to the pet’s home. Be responsible and do precisely as the pet owner instructs, for the safety of both you and the pet.
Weeds Away
Are weeds taking over your neighbors’ flowerbeds? Then offer to get them back into shape. Before you get started, find out which ones are plants versus flowers that haven’t yet bloomed. When in doubt, ask before you pull them. Wear gloves to protect your hands and hose the ground lightly to loosen roots. Pull weeds from rock beds, shrubbery and cement cracks then dispose of them properly.
Errands for the Elderly
Are there handicapped, disabled or elderly persons in your neighborhood? If so, offer to run errands within walking or biking distance. Attach a basket to your bike or carry a backpack for easy transporting. If you have your driver’s license, offer to do more distant runs.
Who’s Walking Who?
If you’re looking for a new summer pal, why not make it man’s best friend? Pass out fliers to offer your pet walking services. Never run a dog unless the owner agrees. And if the dog starts panting or doesn’t want to run, never push it. Dogs can quickly overheat, which can kill them.
Make it Shine
Round up your friends and get ready for some cold, wet fun! Hold a car wash in your driveway or a parking lot with permission from the property owner. Make a large, colorful sign and include your cost (set it no more than your local car wash charges). Have your supplies handy: a bucket of soapy water, rags or a sponge, a hose and plenty of dry towels.
News Courier
Hop on your bike or blades and spread the news – that is, deliver the news. Apply for a route with your local newspaper or add your name to the waiting list. Place newspapers either in a newspaper box or on the front porch to make sure they will remain dry. It may even increase your tips.
At Your Service
Offer home cleaning services to your neighbors. Unless other arrangements are made, plan to dust furniture and window ledges, vacuum carpet and upholstered furniture, sweep and mop floors, clean bathrooms, shake out rugs and make beds. As if straightening up is expected. Also, find out which cleaning products (supplied by the homeowner) to use on fixtures, appliances and furniture to prevent damage.
Pool Patrol
If sunbathing is your thing, then this is the job for you! Find the age and certification requirements for lifeguard duty. Then apply at your community pool or YMCA. Keep your skin safe by using good sunscreen.
Nurturer of Nature
If you’re a nature lover, don’t forget about your local parks. Possible positions may include assisting with planned activities and events, maintaining park grounds and tending ticket booths. Call area parks to find out what jobs they offer and how to apply.
6 Tips for Business Success
1. Get your parents’ permission before accepting a job, and make sure they know where you will be.
2. Dress for the type of job and wear old clothes if they could be ruined.
3. Discuss payment in advance to avoid disputes or hard feelings.
4. Do your best. This will help you earn respect from your customers and make sure you feel good about yourself. It will also likely affect whether you are hired again and can use that person as a reference.
5. If you make a mistake, don’t ignore it or try to cover it up. Inform your employer, offer your apologies and ask what can be done. Your honestly will likely make your employer overlook the error.
6. Be on time. Call right away if you will be late or can’t make it.
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