How Kids Can Make Money
Kids Can Make Money Too!
Children always want a new toy. Even the day after Christmas, kids will find something newer and better than what they just received.
As a way to encourage children to learn the value of a dollar, they can begin doing small tasks around the house or selling small products, like lemonade. There are many ways to go about it, but every choice has one thing in common: children learning to make money for themselves.
When I was little, I wasn't fortunate enough to live in an area where I could easily sell drinks to strangers walking by. I lived on a small farm, several miles from the nearest town. Luckily, I did have a few things up my sleeve.
Read on to find a few examples I've tried and others swear by.
How Kids Can Make Money
Children making money? Insane!
With all the toys out today, kids will always want something. As a parent, instead of just giving a toy to them, try to get them to earn it. There are several ways they can make money to help buy their new favorite toy. Besides, if they work hard, it wouldn't hurt to throw in a couple more bucks to help them out.
There are two ways they can make money: 1) Money from your neighbors. 2) Money from you.
It's your choice! Because frankly, if you don't want your children selling things on the sidewalk, that's up to you. Just be sure to discuss it with them.
No matter what you choose, this is a learning experience for your child. So be patient and communicate with them on what they want to do.
Here are just a few ideas they could try to earn a few dollars:
Image source: Public Domain
Collect Cans
Or other materials to recycle
Something I did when I was younger was collect aluminum cans around the house and alongside the road. It took a while to build up a nice stash to turn in, but some areas will have better luck (such as the $0.05 or $0.10 redemption states).
Although aluminum recycling is the most popular, there's also a growing amount of paper and other metal recycling centers. Paper is something that kids could do very easily. If you receive newspapers or magazines, your child can easily take them and keep them in a safe place until they have enough for redemption.
Not only will this help your children learn the value of the dollar, they will be helping out the environment while doing so.
Lemonade Stand
The TV classic
This may be old fashioned, but it is definitely a great way for children to earn money. Of course, they'll need a bit of your help to start off. You'll have to buy the lemons (or lemon juice) and help them make it. Nonetheless, they will quickly understand the hard work involved in making their first dollar.
Here's how to make it work: Set up a small table (a card table works fine) outside with a couple chairs. Make the lemonade indoors and bring it outside with a few disposable cups. Have your child make the "for sale" sign on a poster board or some cardboard. A good price to start out with is anywhere from $0.25 to $0.50. Even if you think the price is a little high, people across the neighborhood will notice the hard work.
Just be sure to stay outside with them in case something goes wrong.
Chores Around the House and Yard
Allowing your children to get paid for doing chores is a great incentive for them to be involved. You could start giving them a small allowance for doing simple things around the house like picking up after themselves, setting the table, cleaning off the table, feeding pets, keeping their room clean, etc.
As your child gets older, give them more chores. Having them take part in everyday activities is a great way for them to learn responsibilities. If giving them a few bucks each week is what it takes, why not?
Bake Sale
Cookies or cake works great
A bake sale will work about the same as the lemonade stand, the difference will depend on the price and food you choose to help your children with. Cooking is also one of those things that is great to get your children involved in early in their life. It helps them learn the value of what goes through making food. It also helps them take some responsibility in checking the food to be done.
Cookies, small cakes, and brownies work great for this. Just bring the pan outside, have your kids make the sign, and sit with them while people start buying.
What are some other ways for kids to earn money? What comments do you have on the ways I listed? Or, just tell me what you think in general!
