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Earning your own money as a kid can feel like unlocking a whole new level of independence. Whether it's saving up for something special or just wanting to be more in control of your spending, it’s an exciting milestone. And the good news? There are plenty of ways to make it happen.
Why Making Money as a Kid Matters
For kids, earning money can be about more than just cash. It may help build a sense of responsibility, support real-world learning, & even develop early entrepreneurial thinking. And while not every method will be a perfect fit, exploring different ways to make money as a kid could uncover talents & interests that stick.
Building Habits with Allowance & Young Savers Accounts
Getting an allowance can be more than just a weekly payout. It might be your first chance to manage money on your own terms. Whether it’s earned through household chores or given as a regular amount, tracking where that money goes can help you build awareness around spending & saving.
One way to build on that habit is by opening a young savers account with help from a parent or guardian. These accounts are generally designed for children and teenagers. While they typically don’t earn much interest, they can still help introduce the basics of online banking, budgeting, and seeing how small amounts can add up over time.
Even if your income comes from small side jobs or helping neighbors, combining those efforts with a structured place to save may help turn everyday earnings into long-term goals.
Fun Summer Jobs for Kids
Summer can be a great time to try new ways to earn money, stay active, and build confidence. Whether you're helping around the neighborhood, starting a small business, or teaming up with friends, there are plenty of creative ways to turn free time into something productive and fun.
Yard Work & Chores
These tried-and-true options still top the list.
- Yard work: Many neighbors appreciate help with mowing lawns, raking leaves, and watering plants.
- Indoor chores: Helping organize a garage or decluttering a pantry could be valuable to someone nearby.
- Flyers: A simple flyer or neighborhood social media post might attract attention.
Lemonade Stands & Yard Sale Hustles
Classic, simple, and still popular, these ideas give kids a hands-on way to learn basic business skills.
- Lemonade stands: Setting up a stand to sell lemonade, snacks, or cookies in your driveway or at a park could be a fun way to earn money. Clear signs, simple pricing, and friendly service may help draw in neighbors.
- Yard sales/garage sale: Selling old toys, books, or handmade crafts at a family yard sale may be a good way to earn extra cash. You could help set up, greet buyers, and handle small transactions.
Car Wash or Dog Wash Service
- Car washes: With some buckets, soap, and towels, you could offer car washes to neighbors. Teaming up with friends may help cover more ground and make it more fun.
- Dog washes: For pet owners who don't want the mess at home, offering to wash friendly dogs outside using a hose and pet-safe shampoo could be a hit. Just be sure the dog is comfortable and you have permission first.
Jobs for Older Kids
If you're ready to take on a bit more independence and responsibility, these ideas may help you earn money while building useful skills. Many of these options involve helping others, managing simple tasks, or starting small projects with some adult support.
Tutoring & Homework Help
- Tutoring younger students: If you're strong in math, reading, or science, you may want to offer homework help to younger kids.
- Flyers & Facebook groups: Posting in local social networking groups may help you connect with parents looking for help.
Selling Clothes Online
If you or your siblings outgrow gently used clothes, consider reselling.
- Depop, Vinted, eBay: With adult supervision, these platforms may help kids start small resale businesses.
- Pro tip: Learn basic photography & writing catchy descriptions.
Babysitting & Pet Sitting
Once you’re old enough, babysitting & pet sitting can offer flexible & consistent income.
- Babysitting: Training courses through local community centers or the Red Cross may add credibility.
- Dog walking or pet sitting: Apps or neighborhood Facebook groups may help kids find clients.
Tech-Savvy Ways to Make Money as a Kid
Creating Content on YouTube, TikTok, or Twitch
If you’re comfortable on camera & have something to share content creation might be worth considering. Whether it’s gaming tips, crafts, or daily vlogs, sharing what you enjoy could help you build an audience and potentially earn money over time.
- YouTube & TikToks: Monetization generally requires specific viewer milestones & advertising partners.
- Twitch & livestreaming: Whether it's Esports, drawing, or music, there’s room for creativity.
- Limitations: Typically, accounts on these platforms require parental involvement or supervision if under 13 or 16.
Selling Digital or Handmade Products
- Etsy: If you make bracelets, art prints, or even digital downloads, Etsy could be a useful platform.
- Kindle Direct Publishing: You may want to write a short book or journal. With a parent’s help, publishing it could be a possibility.
- Merchandise sales: Sites that offer print-on-demand may help you set up shirts, stickers, or other custom gear.
Tips for Parents & Kids to Work Together
Parental support is crucial for kids earning money. Guiding them in their first job and discussing fosters a rewarding experience for all.
Set Expectations Early
Talk openly about what kinds of work are appropriate and how much time should go into them. Consider boundaries around screen time if the work involves content creation, or physical limits for things like outdoor chores. Safety should always come first, especially when interacting with others, working online, or using new platforms.
Create a Simple & Realistic Schedule
Even fun jobs can feel overwhelming without a plan. Help your child build a basic weekly schedule that leaves room for school, downtime, and family time. Having clear time blocks may reduce stress, encourage consistency, and prevent burnout, especially during busy stretches like summer vacation.
Track Earnings & Progress Together
Keeping a simple record of what was earned, how it was earned, and where the money goes can be motivating. This could be as easy as using a shared spreadsheet or a notebook. Parents may also want to explore tools like a young savers account or prepaid debit cards that allow kids to monitor their spending and practice saving toward a goal.
Keep the Focus on Learning
Not every gig will go as planned, and that’s okay. Use challenges or slow weeks as a chance to reflect and adjust, not as setbacks. The goal isn't perfection. It’s about building confidence, learning new skills, and exploring interests together in a safe and supported way.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to make money as a kid, but there are plenty of options worth exploring. From local gigs like yard work to online ventures like Etsy or YouTube, the path you take could reflect your interests, skills, & how much time you’re willing to put in. It’s about learning, experimenting, & growing along the way.
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