10 to 14 years old
Between 10 and 14 years old, some children want to get involved and feel useful. Here are five little jobs that will make them feel older without sacrificing playtime and without putting their security at risk.
Lemonade
Lemonade stands do not require a big investment, can be installed in front of your house and are very well known by potential customers who will gladly encourage your children and drink a fresh lemonade. Usually, children charge 50 cents for a glass of lemonade, which quickly repays the lemons and the sugar. Do not hesitate to give them our recipe and tell them to decorate their little table and to keep it clean for their customers.
Walk a dog
If your child is big enough to refrain a dog from dragging him on the ground, help him place an ad at the supermarket or at the pharmacy and to offer his help to walk a neighbour’s dog at a rate that varies between $5 and $10 an hour. You can also take him to a dog park nearby if you want to make sure that he walks a calm and healthy dog and if you would like to meet the master. A friendly master usually has a good dog.
Mowing the lawn
Not all landlords are moved by the wonderful smell of a mixture of gas and freshly cut grass. In fact, most houses and businesses owners would be happy to avoid mowing their lawn and landscaping companies can charge a lot to do it for them. Find out how much these companies charge and try to be more competitive. Your child will understand the concept of supply and demand and he will find a job that gives him an occasion to exercise, get some fresh air and meet the neighbours. However, remember to give him a few safety tips.
Washing cars
Children can organize a car wash together. They only have to place signs in the surrounding streets to announce the event and offer inside and outside cleaning. Give them tips to avoid scratches on the neighbour’s Mercedes and make sure that they have an access to a powerful vacuum cleaner and to appropriate cleaning products.
Home-delivery
If you know elderlies who find it hard to go shopping, offer them home-delivery service. That way, your child could get a few items at the convenience store, buy croissants every morning or take their books back to the library in exchange for a small weekly allowance.
14 years and older
From 14 years old, a child can accomplish many things. He can earn more money but he can also volunteer to gain some work experience that will be truly helpful in a near future when he will apply on his first job. For example, if your child has good academic results, he can send his CV to a homework helpline. Here are 5 more potential jobs for the summer.
Babysitting
Babysitting courses are offered to children aged 11 or older but in general, the older they are, the more parents will be inclined to trust them. This is why we have placed babysitting in this category. Your children can babysit during the day (in the summer), the evening, at the child’s place or at home. Hourly rates vary a lot, so feel free to contact a babysitting company to learn more about the current rates.
Convenience store delivery
Convenience store owners sometimes look for deliverymen to fill a position that already exists. If your convenience store does not offer this kind of service, your child can take the initiative to offer it to the owner who may simply have never thought about it. It is another good way to exercise and make money at the same time.
Picking fruits
Picking fruits is a much harder job. But if your teen is looking for mature ways of spending time with other teens, it may be the perfect job. Many farms place ads so feel free to take a look at local newspapers and on the web. There are many types of fruits that can be picked throughout summer.
Lifeguard and park supervisor
A dynamic and mature child who is also a good swimmer can follow a lifeguarding course that will allow him to work in municipal pools, wading pools or at the beach. If he can’t swim, he can also apply as wildlife officer or supervisor in the municipal and national parks. Check out the available positions on governmental and municipal websites.
Extracurricular activities
If your child has been following drawing courses since his early childhood, and if you think he has talent, encourage him to sell his paintings in a kiosk by your house or on a classifieds website. He can also get an idea of the value of his paintings by looking at the prices charged by other artists. A pianist, a violinist or a singer can also apply in a band looking to fulfill positions before a performance. I even saw a talented young girl playing violin at a sidewalk sale and she received a fair bit of money for her performance.
