Jobs That Kids Can Do To Boost Their Allowance (For Kids 12 and Up)

Teach Your Kids How to Make Money: 20 Easy and Cool Jobs That Kids Can Do To Earn Additional Allowance Money

Last Updated: December 23, 2020

Last Updated: December 23, 2020

little girl holding wallet and dollar bill

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There are more jobs that kids can do than just setting a lemonade stand or babysitting. Nowadays, your kids have access to a lot of easy tasks that they can turn in to fast cash.

You probably heard the famous quote, “It's never too late to start.” Well, as for me, it's also never too early.

Lucky are those who are taught about hard-work and making money even from a young age.

When I was a little kid, I got interested in stickers and paper dolls. I would buy and sell them to my playmates, and I built up a small stand outside our front yard. I played with my little business for the whole day.

It was a fun memory, and that was when I realized that even for kids, there are many jobs that they can do. One of which is the traditional business stand like in my case.

Although I didn't take it seriously at that time, it became the seed for the passion I've always had to set up my own business up to this day.

And so, if you're a teen or a mom reading this, you have access to some jobs for kids that pay well.

Whether for additional allowance or to teach them the foundation of savings, you are in the right place.

In this post, let's find out different child-friendly ways to earn additional money online or at home that your kids will definitely love.

Why should kids earn money?

mother giving her child money

First of all, there are countless reasons why you, as a teen or a little kid, would want to earn some bucks. Or, if you're a parent, of course, you have personal motivations why you would allow your kid to do some work for money.

Whatever that reason may be, there's no doubt that there are so many benefits to kids earning money.

Aside from giving them a head-start in the business world, there are many benefits you may have never thought about.

  1. Kids will learn the value of money and time. Of course, it wouldn't be for hard-labor, but for kids, having money means an additional allowance for things they want to buy.

    As an adult, you can instill into them the value of hard-earned money; thus, teaching them to be financially responsible.
  2. They will develop a sense of discipline and responsibility. At an early age, kids can develop these, therefore preparing them to be responsible adults someday.
  3. Other benefits are that they will develop essential math skills with a lot of computation to be done.
  4. Moreover, they will also enhance their confidence and communication skills.
  5. Lastly, extra money!

How to make money fast as a kid?

There's no one universal formula to get instant cash as a kid that will turn you crazy rich or guarantee success.

It takes time and diligence. However, earning money as a kid shouldn't hinder a kid's childhood. It's just a nice way to make a little cash for the kid's additional allowance or fun pocket money.

From that, kids can start learning about savings, how to become responsible, and of course, more money!

What is a good first job for a kid?

As mentioned earlier, there are many cool job ideas for kids that they can start right away. Maybe for a temporary summer job or during their extra time on the weekends, they can certainly do so.

Most importantly, a good job for kids (depending on age bracket) should be fun and should try to link it to their hobbies. They should not feel like their working when they love and are interested in what they do.

Jobs That Kids Can do

This article will go through interesting jobs for kids aged 12 and above. These kids are old enough to do more challenging tasks but not yet old enough to hold a position.

At this age, they can also pick up a real job and work part-time. Plus, it comes with valuable life skills like learning to interview, fill up applications, time management, etc.

Here are a few ideas to help teens to start making money.

Babysitting

baby touching woman's face

It is one of the classic kids' jobs. Teens and pre-teens can earn money by babysitting younger children for neighbors and friends. Moreover, The Red Cross offers babysitting classes for 11-15-year-olds. A mother's helper job may be appropriate; the parent remains at home during the babysitting job.

Lemonade Stand

three juice jar dispensers

It is another classic and easy way for a kid to start earning money. With it, your kid can be resourceful and creative too.

Pet Care

asian kid walking pets

Dog sitting and walking, name it! Pet care can be a great starter job for younger children. Tasks include walking or feeding pets while the owners are away.

Face Painting

kid face painting

If you know how to to do face painting during events or birthday parties beautifully, it can be one good source of additional allowance.

Carwash

washing a car with a sponge

It is a nice job during the summer. Ensure that you're (or your kids are) ready to get wet, soaked in the sun, and have fun! Be careful, though, not to damage or make a dent in the car.

Lawn Mowing

lawn mowing

It is another beautiful summer or part-time job for teens out there. Ask around the neighborhood for anyone who might need your help; you never know.

Lifeguard

women's yellow crew neck tshirt

If you are an outdoorsy type, this is great for you. A lifeguard is someone who watches people swim to prevent or help out during swimming accidents.

It may look easy on the outside; however, this job should not be taken lightly. Additionally, you must have CPR Training and first aid training as a requirement.

Essentially, becoming a lifeguard involves saving people's lives.

Nanny

woman in gray sweater carrying toddler in white button up shirt

Becoming a nanny or mother's helper is fun too, and it pays well! Especially if you love being around little children, it can be rewarding.

Often, parents are busy at work, so they need someone else to take care of their child when they're out and pay a low price compared to enrolling their kids in expensive daycare centers.

Ask around the neighborhood and offer your service and rate.

Fast-food server

fast-food crew smiling

Typically, teens will most likely have their first job in the retail food industry. It is a good start, and it pays fairly decently.

Establishments usually hire even those without prior experience. However, restaurants and the likes will comply with the minimum age to work in each state and work hours may be limited.

To thrive in this field, you must adapt to fast-paced work and work well under pressure.

Newspaper and Pizza Delivery

smiling young delivery man holding card box wearing mask

If you know your way around the neighborhood area and nearby local areas, you can also try becoming a newspaper and pizza delivery person.

You may only think of this as in movies and books (especially if you're a Zoomer), but even though the technology is rampant, there are still oldies out there who prefer the newspaper with fresh milk! And, you can do this delivery job part-time too!

Sell crafts on Etsy or eBay

lose up of girl hands coloring eggs for easter

Calling the creatives!!! For your handmade arts and crafts, you can certainly list them on eBay, Etsy, or at any local online marketplace and make profits out of it. You can sell stationery papers, bracelets, dream catchers, and many handy crafts you can make.

Bake goods and sell them

father and daughter checking-on the halloween cookies

If you love cooking and baking, go ahead and do it and offer your baked goods nearby. You can also list them for sale online. It is a great way to earn extra money. So, go ahead and nurture your kids' business skills!

Tutor

Jobs that kids can do- one on one tutoring or online

If you're good at a specific topic, you can offer tutorials for younger kids at school. Coordinate with your school administrator, or better yet, establish your tutorial services online.

It's easy to do this, especially now via video and chat platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet. Remember to specify your rate per hour, depending on how the tutorial system will work for you.

Become a Vlogger

boy in blue dress shirt holding black selfie stick

With a simple camera or smartphone and great content, you can be a vlogger! You can start by creating videos and editing them, and start uploading them on Youtube. Becoming a vlogger nowadays is fun and pays well.

Freelancer

 girl holding pencil while looking at imac

For 12 kids and above, you can be a freelance writer or blogger. You can choose to do it as a part-time job. One good starting point is becoming a freelance writer. With so many gigs out there, you will never miss out on anything. Plus, there are a lot of resources and helpful tools to get you started.

Be a Virtual Assistant or a Social Media Manager

man typing on macbook laptop

Ultimately, there's no age as to when you can do this job or that job. As long as you know how to perform the essential tasks and meet up to your supervisor's expectations, you're good to go.

Typically, a virtual assistant or a social media manager is a remote job done online from home or anywhere. As a VA, you provide administrative tasks and other operational or back-office roles for the company.

You mostly only need to be well-organized and know how to use administrative tools like word processors and spreadsheets

Tech Assistant

tech assistant with headphones on

If you're a tech junkie, you can work as a tech assistant for start-ups and established companies online. You'll learn how to create and maintain websites, provide technical assistance, of course. Aside from that, you can build your own application too!

Shop for adults

child and adult woman shopping for Christmas souvenir

Another easy way to earn money is to offer your service as a personal shopper. Mostly for busy adults and professionals, you can cater to them. However, make sure to follow any special instructions along the way.

Design printed tees

white crew neck shirt

If you've got the right equipment, you can also create designs for a clothing line and print them yourself.

Besides, you can also partner up with someone and build your own printing business. It is an excellent idea for making money as many people are into customized shirts and stuff.

Online Jobs

online jobs for kids and teens

Online jobs for kids abound these days. From taking paid surveys online, selling stuff, and doing other online activities, they will never run out.

It can be a fun way to fill some time during summer break or when you just want to stay indoors. However, parents should still investigate and ensure that the websites their kids are visiting are safe, and there are no age or permission requirements.

Related reads: Top 10 Highest-Paying Survey Sites to Make Quick Money and Easy Freelance Jobs Online for Beginners to Get Started With Right Away

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many ways for kids to boost their allowance while enjoying what they do.

Overall, they don't just work for the sake of money, but they are learning life skills, financial stability, and all that while they are young.

Moreover, on the parents and adult side, ensure to have patience with your child and do not make them do hard labor. They're still kids and have the right to play and enjoy.

Treat them to things other than money, like gift rewards or genuine but straightforward praise and appreciation, for learning how to do chores and other stuff, whether within the house or for someone else.

Essentially, kids will learn that “The smarter you work, the more you earn,” and “The more you spend, the less you have.” It's important to let them know and learn about the value of money and time.

After all, money doesn't miraculously grow on trees.

Further, the end goal should be molding your kids into learning how to monetize their hobbies and build a sustainable business out of it that will contribute to the community's well-being.

Good luck to the budding entrepreneur!

Have you done any of these jobs before? If yes, tell us about your experience.

If you're a parent, what cool jobs do you think children can do out there? Suggest more below. We would love to hear from you.

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