As we approach the Christmas season, many companies are hiring seasonal workers to handle the increase in business. Many people welcome these opportunities as a way to make some extra cash to pay for all of those gifts on our shopping list. But what about your kids, are there ways they can earn extra cash to pay for gifts (for themselves and others)? According to the current issue of Family Education , there are a number of ways to help kids earn money for holiday spending. Not only will they earn money for the work that they do, but getting paid for a job well-done builds confidence, instills a sense of responsibility, increases independence and fosters creativity.
What types of jobs can your kids do? Here are a few of their suggestions:
Outdoor Activities
Car washing
Yard work
Pet grooming
Snow or leaf removal
Window cleaning
Yard Sales
Indoor Activities
Tutoring
Gift wrapping
Making cards and letterhead
Jobs for Teens
Babysitting
Errand service
Helping elderly neighbors
Many jobs can be done year-round before the Christmas rush. Kids can also earn money during the summer months with lemonade stands, by having bake or sidewalk sales, etc. Once, when I was walking around my neighborhood a few kids were having a sale of their old books and toys. The proceeds of the sale were going toward the purchase of a new bike (if they didn’t make enough money, their parents were going to kick in the rest of the money). I thought this was a great idea and although Tyler didn’t need anything I bought him a book anyway. If kids learn the value of earning money at a young age, they will be more apt to want to earn their own money as they get older, instead of always having their hands in mom and dad’s pocket.
Do you make your kids earn money for Christmas or do you pay for items on their gift list?
See also:
The importance of teaching your children about money
The benefits of a part-time job in high school