As your kids get older, an important part of teaching them responsibility is encouraging them to spend their time earning some extra money to pay for things that they want (rather than need) like trendy clothes, video games and maybe even some extracurricular activities. There are definitely some great opportunities out there for young people willing to put in some time and effort. Here are a few ideas:
Babysitting. You’d be surprised how many people are looking for babysitters and don’t know where to start. Just letting others know that your teen is interested will help. Once your teen has established a reputation as a reliable sitter, recommendations and word of mouth will help land more work.
Shoveling Snow/Lawn Work. Though snow shoveling (hopefully!) won’t be a consistent income year-round, when a big snowstorm hits, many people, particularly elderly neighbors, would love to hire someone to take care of this tricky job. If you’re lucky enough to avoid bad weather, your teen may still be able to find some work raking leaves or doing some gardening. It’s a great workout too!
Freelancing. If your teen is a good writer, help them build a portfolio of writing samples. Then check online for businesses willing to hire freelance writers to build content on their websites. This type of work will typically lead to more work through networking and is a great way to build a resume for jobs in and after college.
Tutoring. Is your teen a good student? There are plenty of parents out there who are looking for some extra help for their own kids and would be happy to pay. Try posting on Craigslist, putting an ad in the paper or hanging a flier at local schools. You’ll be sure to get some bites.
Anne Perkins is a freelance writer focused on how to live large on a little living. She writes about cash advances for YourCashLoans.co.uk and writes for her own blog, AnnieIdea.com. She enjoys taking any idea and making it easier or cheaper to complete.
Great ideas! I had not thought of the freelancing for my teens. Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend!