My dc want to earn more money. Suggestions?

[Sue G in PA]

My dc want to earn more money this summer. They don't get an allowance right now but do have a variety of household jobs to choose from that do pay. They want to earn more than what's available so I told them to brainstrom ideas for earning money. What do your dc do to earn money? I'm really at a loss for ideas. My ds10 is too young to cut grass for anyone except us...the liability is too great since he's so young. Dd11 is too young to babysit for anyone...except younger sibs when I'm in the house but otherwise occupied. Last summer she fed a neighbor's cat, watered plants and got mail while they were on vacation. This year they found someone else :( (it was a big slap in the face b/c dd really did a good job for them last year). So, any ideas? I just can't afford to be the sole provider of income opportunities for them. They have big savings goals for things they want, but at this rate it will take them years to earn it!

[LoriM]

While they may be too young to do jobs independently, they are not too young to be paid helpers. I often have more yardwork than I can manage alone. Do you have a church e-list that you can email and offer their services for raking, mulching, watering, planting, weeding, etc? Things that DON'T involve the mower? And as far as indoor chores, if the quality of your children's help is worth money (grin), then dusting, vacuuming, bathroom cleaning, mopping, baseboards, etc. are all chores my daughers were doing by the time they were 10.

Setting up for yard sales and monitoring them?
Sweeping walks/drives?
Walking pets?

I think the best thing would be to make small flyers or business cards, and walk with them around your own neighborhood (to places you would allow them to work without your supervision, and that you trust the supervision of the adults who would employ them), or distribute to your friends at church or your dh's work. "Known" employers are the best sort for young workers.

Lori

[Sue G in PA]

Those are great suggestions. I do think they are capable of doing quality work for other people (notice I said OTHER people! :glare:). Being a paid helper is a great idea. Yard work, weeding, watering gardens, etc. are great suggestions. Any more? Anybody? :)

[nakitty]

dog walking...my dd has been trying to start a 'dog walking business'...but has thus far been unsuccessful...kinda heartbreaking for her really...there are a lot of dogs in our neighborhood but most people just walk their own...our weather has been perfect lately so no one is looking to pass the buck....LOL

[Jen in NY]

Is going to try making "Laura Ingalls" dresses for the farmer's market here. Every year since my kids were small we have loaned ours out - the local school has "Pioneer Days," and also take the 4th grade on a trip to a "pioneer school." One thing that might make this a money maker for her is that there is a small store here that sells donated craft items and fabric as a fundraiser for senior rides. We can buy the fabric for a dress for under $6.

This is the first year my 13yodd has made real money... she works as a mother's helper for a neighbor for 4 hours a week, she babysits regularly for another neighbor, and she has started giving piano lessons to 6 and 7 yos. I think my 11yo wants in on a little of the cash action, KWIM?

Is there anything your dc can make and sell?

[Leat]

We planted extra tomatoes and bell peppers in our garden this year. All of my kids are helping to keep things watered and weeded. When the plants start to produce they will put up a sign and hopefully sell what they helped to grow.

Leat

[newbie]

Do any of you live in San Diego, I have four acres, with two feet of weeds. Its so sad. Right now husband health compromised, so could use extra help, hint ...hint.

Jet

[AmyinPA]

although she's proved and mature so it depends on the kid. But I don't think 11 is too young to be a mommy's helper. My dd will be 10 next month and next year she'll be advertising her services as a mommy's helper. Like your dd, mine has lots of experience playing with little children, changing diapers, making simple meals, and cleaning. I think a mommy's helper gets paid between 2 and 4 dollars.

[Stacey in MA]

$5 to wash the car. He had to do a good job - wash, rinse, dry, etc. - so there were no water spots. He did a decent job, but needs to work on being more detailed. Also, it's a minivan, so he skipped the top, and it was very dirty! We'll work on it....I do expect him to take 30-60 minutes doing it. He only took about 15-20. All in time!

HTH and GL! - Stacey in MA

[Linda]

Considering your venting post on the curriculum board, I'd start by telling them that there will be no opportunities to make money if the attitude toward academics doesn't see a BIG improvement ASAP. Maybe that will help?

[Natalieclare]

My 3 oldest kids get paid $17.50 a week to spend an hour scooping up poop on an alpaca farm. Sometimes all three work and other times, only two of them do the job, so the actual weekly pay per kid varies. It's easy, striaghtforward work--the job was such a boon for my 11yos with severe attention issues. There is nooooo way he could operate a mower, not even for a couple of years yet, though both girls were mowing by his age.

Anyway, horse stables often hire kids to muck stalls--that might be another option.

Sometimes jobs entailing physical labor actually spur kids on in their academics, especially as they realize they might not like to spend their whole lives doing grunt labor!

[Sue G in PA]

Considering your venting post on the curriculum board, I'd start by telling them that there will be no opportunities to make money if the attitude toward academics doesn't see a BIG improvement ASAP. Maybe that will help?

Excellent point! I do think we will have a "chat" tomorrow. :)

[Claire in NM]

If they have any toys or clothes they have out grown, maybe you could sell them at a yard sale. That way you can keep an eye on them since they are still young.

My dd also sold cupcakes when we had our yard sale.

Claire in NM