It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about earning money.
And believe it or not, if you play your cards right, you can even make it fun.
Here in Canada, you have to be between 12 – 14 years old to get a job. But that doesn’t mean younger kids can’t make money. They just have to be a little creative. Keep on reading to learn 5 ways your little one can start earning money and learn the value of a dollar.
Do Chores Around The House:
Doing chores around the house is one of the simplest ways to make money as a kid. You and your child can negotiate payment based on the complexity of the chore. It’s no secret that some chores are not easy. I can’t remember the last time my child volunteered to take out the trash with no strings attached. The point is, the more chores they take on, the more they will start to appreciate the money they made.
Once they’ve made a good amount of money, they can decide if they’d like to spend it or save it. Even if you don’t agree with their decision, don’t be afraid to let them learn from their mistakes.
Organize a Garage Sale And/Or Sell Things Online:
Kids outgrow things all the time! Clothes go out of style, toys get old, the list goes on. When we have so much stuff, sometimes we can forget what we have. Every time I clean out my closet, I find at least 5 pieces I totally forgot I had. And almost all of them have gone out of style or no longer fit right.
The truth is, holding on to older items serves no purpose. Organizing a garage sale or selling items online is a fantastic way to make a few extra bucks. Of course, you can certainly help your child with pricing and setup, but don’t be afraid to let them take charge and be independent.
Organizing a garage sale or selling items online may not sound so complicated, but it can be very time-consuming. Trust us, your child will not be bored throughout the process.
Organize a Lemonade Stand:
Organizing a lemonade stand may seem like a lot of fun, but it’s pretty hard work. Everything from preparing the lemonade to making signs, to greeting customers adds up. Even if your child is more extroverted, talking to strangers can be a little scary. But like anything in life, the more you practice the easier it becomes.
Dog Walking:
Chances are, you or your child know at least 5 people who have dogs and would love some help. The great thing about dog walking is that it isn’t an all or nothing type of gig.
Your child can call up friends and family and let them know that they’d love to walk their dog on an as-needed basis. If your child loves dogs, this won’t even feel like work.
Complete Online Surveys:
There are dozens of excellent online survey sites out there that offer generous pay. Of course, you’ll have to do some research in order to find the best one for you. But trust us when we tell you, you’ll find one. Most of the surveys are pretty simple, and your child can easily complete them while listening to music or talking on the phone.
Here are a few online survey platforms that can help get you started:
Final Thoughts:
We get it – talking about money with your kids can feel a little awkward sometimes. We’re not going to sugarcoat anything here. Money can be stressful and confusing. But it can also be exciting and rewarding.
Nothing we say or do will stop our children from growing up. The time is going to pass whether we like it or not. Teaching your child the money basics early will make the future that much easier.
Here’s some homework for you… Don’t worry, this is the fun kind, and we are reasonable markers.
Sit down with your child at dinner tonight and ask them if they have any questions about money and how it works. Once you are on the same page, you can look over this list and see which tasks they’d like to try!
