Want your kids to learn how to make money? Children can learn to earn money at an early age, and here’s how to help them manage it.
A while ago my 7 year old came to me with a problem.
A big problem for a kid.
He wanted to buy a LEGO and didn’t have enough money to do it. Ahhh…. I thought… a great opportunity. So I opened up the LEGO website on my phone and he scrolled through the sets until he found one he wanted.
It was expensive.
????
I didn’t kill his dreams, though…
I said, “Well, okay, if you need that muchh money then you’ve got a lot of work to do.”
He readily agreed and spent the next couple of months working hard. By the time he’d earned around $50 he decided he’d opt for a less expensive LEGO, but the earning/making money bug had bitten him.
Before we get into ways that you can help your kids to make money, let’s talk about what the kids do with their money when they get it really quickly.
Teaching Earning, Saving, Giving & Splurging To Your Kids
When our kids earn money, they are required to save a little, tithe a little, then spend the rest. Here are some of the ways we do this.
- When my kids earn money, I hand them over the full amount. Then I ask them to hand me back the saving and tithing portions. I want them to hold the money in their hand then give it back and see how that feels. Let’s be honest – it doesn’t feel too sporty – and they may as well learn it young and still get in the habit of doing it.
- We choose a percentage to save (for future larger purchases, college, or whatever you choose, doesn’t mater) and a percentage to tithe. If you don’t tithe, you may call this a percentage to give.
- I keep these two amounts in envelopes for each child and then we tithe them or use the saved money when convenient.
- We choose to operate in cash instead of using one of the handy child allowance cards because I’m not convinced that will mean anything to a kid. I want them to understand money, amounts, change, and to feel it go in and out. They’ll have their whole lives for cards.
Now, let’s get at it. Here are some awesome ways to help your kid make some money, for whatever their goals.
Read: Why Credit Card Parenting Costs You More In The Long Run
How kids can earn money in their own home
All kids have different skills and abilities, but most will want to earn cash once that option is on the table. It’s important to choose “paying chores” for your kids that are accomplishable as well as more challenging for them. Kids can do normal chores for free, but earn money for more difficult chores.
- Wash Windows- This chore can be time consuming and merit the cash earned. It takes a bit of skill and upper arm strength so that hard-working kid will earn it!
- Organize & Dust Bookshelves/Office Areas- It’s amazing how dusty books and shelves can get.They may not be on our top “to do” list, but are sure to need a good cleaning from time to time.
- Wash the Family’s Vehicles- If your kid loves being outside and water activities, this one is sure to be a hit. I recommend setting a weekly car washing rotation.
- Organize Closets- If you’re like me, the pantry, linen, Tupperware, hallway, and bedroom closets can always go for a good override.
- Groom Household Pets- Bathing the household pets can be a challenging and rewarding job.
- Dust Furniture- Dusting on a regular schedule can be a very manageable way to teach discipline and consistency.
- Rake Leaves- Especially during fall, this job can be a weekly chore.
- Organize/Maintain the Cleaning Closet- As any mom knows, having a tidy cleaning closet is very helpful in maintaining a clean home. Assign the “paying chore” to better everyone’s cleaning experience.
- Scrub the Fridge- This chore may not be a weekly job, but it’s one that requires hard work and attention to detail.
Read: How To Set Your Child Up For Financial Success
Check off critical household, social, and hygiene skills for your child so they’re prepared (not petrified) of growing up!
More ways kids can make money doing work at home
- Practice Being the Junior Gardener- This goes beyond just watering mom’s potted plants. Kids can earn money by taking the responsibility of watering, weeding, and caring for their plants or garden area.
- Clean the Porch- Porches always seem to need to be cleaned off. Deep cleaning this part of the house sounds like a good idea to me!Organize a Yard/Garage Sale- Have you kid do the planning, organizing, hanging of flyers, and cleaning involved.
- Collect & Sell Firewood- This job can be coupled with land cleaning or assisting in clean up for a job site.
- Make a Craft to Sell- This is good if your kid is crafty or enjoys making things out of wood, glass, clay, or art supplies. It may be time to turn that hobby into a way kids earn money.
- Become a Laundry Helper- Collecting laundry from rooms and making sure the floor of the laundry room stays picked up can be a great way for kids to make money. Washing kitchen towels and rags are also examples of how this chore can be done.
- Organize a Bake Sale- This can be organized and sold online, by a local store front, or even for a church function.
- Can Food or Make Fruit Jellies for A Local Farmer’s Market- This opportunity has become very popular over the last few years. Some older kids enjoy earning money, meeting people, and making food.
Read: 8 Ways To Be Sure You Can Handle Financial Emergencies
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How kids can make money working for others
Once your kids have learned some healthy money earning, saving, and spending habits… you may be ready for them to branch outside of the home to earn some cash. Here are money earning ideas, or at least where to look for opportunities!
- Lawn Mowing– This is one of the oldest and surest ways for older kids to make money by working for others. Especially during the summer months, this job can a real money earner. If you’re thinking of letting your kid do this, read these Lawn Mower Safety for Kids article first.
- Gutter Cleaning– Especially when it comes to elderly neighbors, this job can be useful!
- Cleaning Boats/Campers– Make a flier advertising the cleaning of these items and pass out to your neighbors who have boats and campers.
- Dog Walking– This job is more successful in city areas and can be a real money earner is done successfully.
- Pet Sitting– Do you want to teaching reliability and general care of animals? This job can be done in your own home or by stopping by the house of the pet(s).
- Wrapping Christmas Gifts– Your kid can make money by finding neighbors, older church members, or family members would value some help in wrapping their Christmas gifts.
- Tutor a Younger Child– Kid’s learn well from other kids. Moms can help kids earn money by helping them learn how to tutor. Their teaching skills can be used to help other kids.
- Teach Music Lessons– In the same way, older kids can tutor/teach younger music students.
Becoming a Mother’s Helper
Becoming a Mother’s Helper- Do you want to instill helpfulness and a willing to serve in your older child? Teaching him/her to become a Mother’s Helper may be a good option!
See the following posts for in-depth info on this job:
- Mother’s Helper Description
- How to Find A Mother’s Helper
- How to Pay a Mother’s Helper
- The Ultimate Guide to Mother’s Helper
- Interview Questions for Mother’s Helper.
How to help your child get the word out about their services
As part of the learning process, moms can help kids earn money by also teaching them how to successfully advertise their goods/services.
- As a mom, some of my favorite words to hear are “how can I help you?”– Start by teaching kids gratitude for the job opportunity and willingness to jump in and do their best.
- Make Fliers- Teach how to use a word processor such as Microsoft Word and typing skills. Then, allow your kid to design his/her flier based on the service bring provided.
- Word of Mouth- One of the most important skills for moms to teach kids about earning money is how to effectively communicate their service/ability. Proper use of manners, appropriate signs of gratitude, and overall professional attitudes will take them far!
- Cold Calling- Talk about learning a communication skill. Teaching how to cold call their neighbor or family member can go a long way!
- Utilizing Social Media- Assist your child by posting their flier or information about their service on your Facebook page. You can even post this information on a community board such as: local buy-sell-trade, garage sale find, and jobs in the area Facebook groups.
Helping your kids make money will benefit them for life!
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