Creating Wealth for Children This Summer: 11 Methods for Earning Income Before They're Legally Employed

11 Methods for Earning Cash During the Summer Vacation (Before They Qualify for Employment)

Hey, welcome to "Best Summer Ever," a guide to helping you make the most of the summer season. This isn't about sitting back and waiting for the perfect summer to happen; you've got to make it happen yourself.

Now, with inflation taking its toll and our wallets getting thinner, we might have to watch our spending when it comes to buying stuff for our kids during the summer break. Since not all youngsters can work like they reach the legal age, it can be tough for them to earn money for that cool new toy or video game they've been wanting. But don't worry, I've got a few ideas.

Tap into their creative side

You know how friendship bracelets are back in trend because of a certain pop star? Well, this could be an opportunity for your kids to unleash their crafty side and use those beads to make and sell them. If beads aren't their thing, they can make buttons, design wall art, or even tie-dye some shirts. If your child is over 13, let them sell their creations on Etsy with your permission. Make sure they understand the value of their work by helping them calculate the cost of materials and the time they spend on each project when pricing their pieces.

Sell their old stuff

If you've decluttered their room and got rid of old toys they never played with, they don't necessarily have to end up in a charity shop. Second-hand and vintage toys, especially LEGO sets and bicycles, are in high demand. Your child can sell those to friends or post them on eBay or Facebook Marketplace with your help. They'll learn about the value of money and entrepreneurship while profiting from the sale of their belongings.

Tutor their peers

If your kid is a math wiz or could teach you about fractions, algebra, or any other difficult subjects, they can help others in their neighborhood or school by tutoring. Both in-person and remote tutoring can benefit others while instilling a sense of value in kids by making them understand that their time and knowledge are worth getting paid for.

Become a dog walker or pet sitter

If your kids are animal lovers, they can put their love for furry friends to good use by starting a dog-walking or pet-sitting business. They can start by gaining experience at a local shelter or helping their friends with their pets. Then, they can create flyers and other promotional materials when they're ready to spread the word.

My oldest son recently took an interest in Minecraft, but as someone who's never touched the game, I'm at a loss. If your children are experts in creating those blocky worlds, they can show others the ropes and sell their skills to kids in their neighborhood or at school.

Handle basic landscaping tasks

Getting your lawn mowed or any other landscaping tasks taken care of can be quite expensive at conveyor car washes. If your kid likes to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, they can offer their skills to neighbors who need some help with their yards. You can even advertise their services on the Nextdoor app.

Babysit

Speaking of Nextdoor, it's also a great platform to put out there that your kids are caregivers looking for jobs. Let your community know that they're available to help out other families in need of child care, and you might be surprised at how much they can earn.

Start a car washing service

While automated car washes can be convenient, they're not always the cleanest option. But doing it by hand can be a pain. So if your child is willing to invest in some basic supplies, they can offer their car washing services in your neighborhood.

Show off their video game skills

Your child might spend hours carefully choosing games and reading reviews on YouTube before deciding to make a purchase. Why not let them turn that habit into a way to earn money? If they're 13 or older, they can create a YouTube channel with reviews and video game strategies. If their content catches on, they can earn money through ads, subscriptions, and donations from viewers, or even live stream their content on Twitch. They might not earn as much as Tyler "Ninja" Blevins, but it could be the start of something big for them.

Take an online survey or two

I know it doesn't compare to the other options, but this could be a great way for your child to make a few bucks while staying indoors during the summer. They can take surveys on websites that pay for their time, though the pay might not be very high.

These are just a few ways your kids can earn some extra cash over the summer. So, let's make the best summer ever!

Sites such as MyPoints and Swagbucks provide incentives for individuals aged 13 and older to fill out surveys, some of them even offering a sign-on bonus. Most of these sites pay only a few dollars for a brief period of time, but the earnings can pile up during the summer months.

Recycling Centers

Recycling facilities will compensate individuals for gathering cans, bottles, and other recyclable materials. Not only will your kids get paid by rummaging through their neighborhood for soda cans, but it will also clean up their area.

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Here are two sentences that contain the words 'best summer jobs for kids' and 'Family':

The best summer jobs for kids can provide valuable life lessons and help alleviate the financial strain during the summer break, benefiting the whole Family.

Encouraging your kids to explore the best summer jobs for kids not only lets them earn money but also strengthens their connection with the Family as they share their new experiences.