What’s that saying: Kids and their money are soon parted?
Okay, maybe it’s a fool and his cash, but you get the idea.
My second grader would rather have her eyelashes yanked out than willingly take on extra chores around the house. However, the kid has expensive taste and just recently discovered that money does not grow on trees, or in Mommy’s wallet.
Enter the summer job discussion. While my 7-year-old won’t be restocking shelves at Piggly Wiggly this summer, there are a slew of other money-making opportunities for her to take advantage of right here at home.
If you have younger children, who are not old enough to apply for summer jobs at fast-food chains, discount retailers or local pools and golf courses, then it’s time to get creative. Kids are never too young to learn the value of money, or more importantly, money management. Summer jobs, whether they are outside or inside the home, help teach kids about responsibility and motivation.
Depending on the age or maturity of your child, you can come up with appropriate ways for them to earn cash this summer, including:
*Keeping younger siblings entertained for an hour or two while you get
work down around the house.
*Helping with light household chores, such as emptying or loading the dishwasher, vacuuming, sorting laundry, or dusting.
*Assisting with meal preparation, including setting the table.
*Caring for pets, including grooming, washing, and walking.
*Washing cars
*Doing yard work, such as pulling weeds, raking dead leaves, bagging trimmings for trash collection.
*Sweeping decks, porches and patios.
Other ways self-sufficient younger kids can earn some cold, hard cash on hot summer days include: setting up a lemonade stand, selling fresh baked goods door-to-door, watering a neighbor’s lawn or garden, organizing a garage sale, collecting recyclables, helping an elderly neighbor with odd jobs, bringing in the mail and newspaper for a vacationing neighbor, or pet sitting.
What are some ways your younger kids earn money during the summer months?