For parents, summer is often a dreaded season because it means trying to find ways to keep kids busy for three long months. And if your children aren’t going to summer camp, and your family has no vacation plans, you can only come up with so many ideas before your brain gets overloaded (and you run out of wine).
But fear not- there are several ways to keep your kids busy this summer that they will love because they can turn those hours of fun into hard-earned cash. That’s right- encourage your children to take up a summer job. They’ll learn about money management, gain a strong work ethic and feel grown up just like mom and dad. Here are 7 summer job ideas to talk to your mini entrepreneur about.
source: creamy style
1. Start a Lemonade Stand
This idea is a no-brainer. Children selling lemonade is like the sun coming up each morning. It’s a part of life. It’s a rite of passage. It’s something that’s been around for decades and continues to be popular. Summer without lemonade is just not acceptable. Your kids can make some good money with this gig.
You’ve got to check out the amazing lemonade stand that the family from Creamy Style made. It’s too cute!
2. Offer Pet Care Services
Whether it’s walking dogs, taking care of pets for friends who are out of town, or offering poop scooping services, your child will love being around their four legged friends this summer. This is a great idea for parents who don’t want their children to have pets of their own, but still want their children to experience animal bonding another way.
source: understood.org
3. Collect Mail
If your neighbors are going to be out of town, your child can easily collect their mail while they are away. This will teach them organizational skills and responsibility, because they’ll need to keep the mail in a safe place. Plus, children love seeing what the mailman brings each day, so this will give them something to look forward to each morning. If only they knew that most of those envelopes have bills inside…
This job is especially good for children who have learning & attention issues. Learn more about ways to address these topics at understood.org.
source: The Macs
4. Do Yard Work
Raking leaves, pulling weeds and sweeping front porches are a few of the services your child could offer in the way of yard work. Many people need these things done, but are too busy, or just don’t want to do them. This job will help your child understand the importance of caring for their yard.
If you live on a farm or are part of a Christian family, head over to The Mac family blog for a dose of faith-filled family ideas and inspiration.
source: Babble Dabble Do
5. Sell Handmade Creations
If you have crafty kids, they can make money from their creations. They can set up a stand outside of the house, or sell their items at a craft fair or yard sale. Seeing how their work makes them money will keep them motivated, so they will continue to create. This will build confidence in them and also give them a taste of what it’s like to be a business person. If you’ve ever seen Shark Tank, you know that some kids end up starting businesses before they even know how to drive!
Check out Babble Dabble Do for great art & science project ideas for kids.
source: Gardener’s Path
6. Water Plants
Even if they only water the plants in their own backyard, kids can start working on their green thumb this summer. Watering plants can be a time-consuming task, and many neighbors would happily pay a business-minded kid to get the job done. What’s great about this idea is that kids can watch their work “grow,” which will give them a sense of accomplishment.
Learn all about setting up a garden for your children that they can water all summer long by visiting Gardener’s Path.
source: Fun-A-Day
7. Wash Cars
Kids who love water will enjoy offering their services as a car washer in the summer. Not only is it a way for them to make money, it will help them cool off on those hot summer days. Plus, if more than one child works together, you know they’re going to have a water fight! Hey, sometimes fun is messy, and that’s ok!
Find more fun and meaningful ideas for kids at Fun-A-Day.
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Leena Kollar
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