Hi everyone!
If you believe that kids have to wait until they are 16 to start earning money, think again! It’s never too early to start having money conversations with your kids. And one of the best ways to make these teachings real is to help your children find ways to make money by themselves.
But I’m not talking about giving them an allowance. Nope! Our kids work on commission. They can find ways to earn money by pitching in with responsibilities around the house and the neighborhood. If they choose not to help, they won’t get paid. It’s as simple as that!
If your kids are looking for odd jobs and projects to do to make money, I want to encourage you to support them. Earning cash on their own is a big step and one of the first steps on the path to managing money well. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 15 ways to make money as a kid that you can read through together.
How to Make Money From Home as a Kid
All right, I’m excited to look at ways your kids can earn money. No matter their age or what grade they’re in, there are tons of opportunities for your kids to start bringing home some bacon. Here are 15 ways kids can start making money by themselves:
1. Babysit or be a nanny.
Check out babysitting certification courses through your local hospital or community center. There are also vetted websites like UrbanSitter that can help teens find flexible, well-paid work with trusted families.
2. Help with chores and odd jobs at home.
Housework never ends, but with a little planning, you can set your kids up for success with a chore schedule that fits their age and abilities. From feeding the dog to helping fold laundry, the options are endless. Odd jobs like cleaning gutters, painting walls, and putting up Christmas lights are just a few of the ways your kids can help with basic home projects.
3. Do yard work in the neighborhood.
Pulling weeds, cleaning up after pets, planting gardens, raking leaves—no matter what season it is, there’s yard work to do. And, man, yards are a lot of work. A lot of people would rather pay someone else to do the work for them, so don’t forget to ask the neighbors if they need help too. If you live in a colder place, shoveling snowy driveways and sidewalks in the winter can be helpful to your elderly neighbors and a good way for your kid to make a few bucks.
4. Tutor other kids.
Whether your child is a math whiz or the next great American novelist, there are always other students who could use some help with math, English, and other subjects. Why not develop their teaching skills while making some money?
5. Wash and vacuum cars.
If you live in a family-friendly neighborhood, I guarantee plenty of cars on your block have more than a few stray Cheerios hiding under the seats. This could be an easy side job for your kid to work into their routine. And good news! Vacuums are super portable now, and you can put together an affordable car wash starter kit with some dollar store buckets, sponges, and soap.
6. Walk dogs or pet sit.
Is your child an animal lover? Dog walking and pet sitting (with supervision, if needed) have tons of benefits, like making money, getting free cuddles, spending time in fresh air and sunshine—all without the commitment of permanent pet ownership. It’s a win-win!
7. Host a garage sale.
If you’ve been meaning to clean out some clutter in your house, get your kiddos to help. They’ll have fun making a few bucks digging out old holiday decorations and long-forgotten toys that can be sold to other families who have a use for them. And on the plus side, you’ll have some extra space in your house!
8. Have a bake sale.
Who doesn’t love a homemade cupcake? Throwing a bake sale is a great way to make three things: delicious baked goods, money, and memories with your kids. Find some fun recipes online and get to baking.
9. Sell arts and crafts.
If you get creative, there’s plenty of arts and crafts your kids can make for cheap and sell. To get started, take a walk through your local craft store for ideas.
10. Teach music lessons or perform at events.
If your child has a talent for music, why not encourage them to share their gift with others? They can teach lessons to other students after school or perform at local events with community groups.
11. Share creative talents on online freelance sites.
Online marketplace and freelance sites like Fiverr, Etsy, and UpWork are awesome platforms for older teens to start building a client base for creative work. If your child is a talented illustrator, writer, photographer, audio tech, or has any other marketable professional skills, there’s nothing stopping them from working on paid projects.
12. Sell homemade jewelry.
Your kids can have tons of fun creating unique, handmade accessories, like earrings, friendship bracelets, and custom necklaces. Let your kids express their inner artist and entrepreneur by selling jewelry to friends, family, and neighbors!
13. Resell furniture and clothes.
As your children outgrow their clothes and bedroom furniture, help them resell these items. You can list gently worn clothes on apps like Mercari, Poshmark, and thredUP, or even take them to a local consignment store for cash. For larger items like furniture, try Facebook Marketplace.
14. Get a part-time job.
If they’re old enough, teenagers can find part-time jobs that work around their school schedule. Look for weekend or evening shifts and seasonal schedules during summer break. Check out local libraries, movie theaters, the YMCA, frozen yogurt shops, and other retail and service industry jobs for a steady paycheck.
15. Recycle cans and bottles.
Recycling cans for cash might sound old-school, but it’s a simple way for your kids to make a little extra money while helping the planet. Do a quick Google search to see if your city offers paid recycling.
What to Teach Kids About Making Money
As you and your kids are brainstorming ways to make money, it’s important to explain that money doesn’t buy happiness. Teach them about the value of hard work, helping others, and being paid for a job well done. This includes giving, spending, and saving. Direct conversations and setting a good example will help kids be good stewards of their money as teens and adults.
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