Are you tired of the same old lemonade stand idea? Discover 100 fresh and exciting ways for kids to earn money and learn valuable financial skills.
Finding ways for kids under 13 to make money can be challenging. Online searches often lead to the same tired, outdated suggestions. This list is different.
Not only will your child discover multiple ways they’ll feel comfortable trying to earn some cash, but we’ve also included real-life stories from parents and kids who have successfully used these methods.
Ready to dive in and explore the possibilities? Let’s get started!
Psst: As your child starts earning, it’s a great time to establish clear Money Rules and Boundaries. Explore building your Kid Money System here.
Here’s a breakdown of the main categories for kids to earn money:
- Earning Cash in Your Neighborhood
- Creating and Selling Products
- Finding In-Person Jobs
- Making Money Online
- Earning Through Allowance and Chore Commissions
- Completing At-Home Chore Projects
- Making Their Money Work for Them
Within each of these categories, you’ll find a wealth of creative and practical ideas.
Earn Cash Around the Neighborhood: Local Opportunities for Kids
There are numerous ways for your child to make money right in your own neighborhood, fostering community connections and entrepreneurial spirit.
1. Storm Debris Cleanup for Tips
Severe storms are becoming increasingly frequent, leading to a greater need for cleanup services.
Tara from ArtsyFartsyLife shared a story about her son and his friend who capitalized on this need. After a recent storm, they went door-to-door with heavy-duty trash bags, offering to help neighbors clean up storm debris. They earned an impressive $100 in tips! This highlights the value of being proactive and helpful in your community.
2. Car Detailing Services
Two kids wearing masks and cleaning the inside of a car
Crystal from SimplifyOrlando.com has been employing her tween daughter to detail the family car since she was 12. Now 14, she earns $10 each time she does a thorough detailing job.
Detailing can include tasks like vacuuming the interior, dusting surfaces, cleaning windows inside and out, and wiping down dashboards and consoles. This is a practical skill that is always in demand.
3. Recycling Bottles and Cans for Cash
Three smiling kids carrying a filled recycle bin
Did you know that 10 states have bottle bills? In these states, you can redeem bottles and cans for cash at designated recycling centers. These states are:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Oregon
- Vermont
How much can a child realistically earn? Samantha from SammyApproves, who lives in California, shares how her children profit from recycling.
“Our kids handle all of our recycling – bottles, glass, cans, and cardboard – and they split the earnings. We have separate bins on our back porch for each material. Once a month, they take everything in and usually make about $60, which is $20 for each of our three kids.” This is a great way to teach kids about environmental responsibility and earn money at the same time.
4. Selling Refreshments at the Neighborhood Pool
If you have a community pool nearby, this could be a perfect opportunity. Ice cream trucks are popular, but your child could offer a more affordable and convenient option.
Consider having your child purchase icy treats in bulk, pack them in a cooler with ice, and sell them to pool-goers throughout the day. This is especially effective on hot days.
5. Selling School Spirit Shoe Strings
Bright blue shoes with bright yellow shoelaces
Capitalize on school spirit by selling school-colored shoelaces. Ahead of homecoming events, spirit week, or sporting events (with school permission), your child can buy bulk sets of shoelaces in school colors and sell them at a markup.
This idea can also be adapted for local sports teams or even for major sporting events like the Super Bowl, selling shoelaces in team colors within your neighborhood.
6. Snow Shoveling Services
As winter approaches, snow shoveling is a valuable service. Before the snow falls, your child can proactively reach out to neighbors, ideally with your assistance, to secure 1-3 clients for the winter season.
Help your child clearly define the area to be shoveled for each client and set a price per snowfall. Alternatively, after a significant snowfall, your child could take a shovel and approach trusted neighbors to offer immediate snow shoveling services on the spot.
7. Farmer’s Market Slime Stall
Kids and slime are a popular combination! If there’s a local farmer’s market, consider setting up a slime stall.
Your child can prepare several batches of different slime varieties and sell scoops of slime to market-goers. Depending on the cost of ingredients, you can price scoops at $0.25, $0.50, or $1.00 each.
Here are some slime recipes to get your child started online.
8. Selling Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafting
Believe it or not, empty toilet paper rolls are in demand for crafting projects. Your child can ask neighbors to save their empty rolls. Collect them regularly – perhaps once a month.
Then, help your child create listings on eBay, Gumtree, or local Facebook Marketplace groups to sell lots of toilet paper rolls. Crafters and teachers often seek these out. While not a get-rich-quick scheme, “sold” listings on these platforms show lots selling for anywhere from $2.99 to $19.99 for 200 rolls.
9. Sneaker Restoration and Customization
Sneaker culture is huge. If your child is detail-oriented and artistic, sneaker restoration and customization could be a niche.
They can learn techniques for restoring sneakers by practicing on thrift store finds. Once skilled, they can offer services to restore or clean dirty sneakers and market these services to “Sneaker Heads” in the community.
Check out online videos for sneaker restoration tutorials. There are resources available online on how to start a sneaker repair and customization business.
10. Bike Riding Lessons for Young Children
Some parents are eager to teach their children to ride a bike, while others would prefer to hire someone. If your child is patient and good with younger kids, offering bike riding lessons is a great service.
Advertise lessons within your neighborhood or community groups.
11. Neighborhood Pool Helper
Parents with multiple young children can find it challenging to manage them all at a busy pool, even with lifeguards present.
Your child could offer to be a “pool helper,” assisting parents by keeping an eye on younger children who are swimming or entertaining those who prefer to stay out of the water. This provides peace of mind for parents.
12. Donation Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service
Many people want to donate to charities like Goodwill but struggle to find the time to drop items off. Your child can offer a donation pick-up and drop-off service.
Coordinate with neighbors to schedule a pick-up day and time. They can leave donation bags on their porches with payment, or your child can knock to collect payment upon pick-up.
13. Scrap Metal Collection
Scrap metal can be recycled for cash. With your truck and supervision, your child can offer to collect scrap metal from neighbors.
There are online articles detailing how to scrap metal for extra cash and where to find local scrap yards.
14. Costume Character Appearances
For younger children’s birthday parties, costume character appearances are always a hit. Your child can rent costumes of popular characters and offer to make appearances at parties.
Promote this service to parents in your neighborhood or through local community groups.
15. Easter Egg Hunt Setup Assistant
Local organizations often host large annual Easter egg hunts. Inquire if they need assistance and are willing to hire a child for a few hours to help set up for the event.
Tasks could include hiding eggs, setting up decorations, or assisting with registration.
16. Sitter for Book Clubs or Study Groups
Adults often participate in book clubs, Bible studies, or other evening groups. Your child can offer babysitting services at the meeting location, allowing parents to attend meetings while knowing their children are nearby and supervised. They could team up with a friend or two if a larger group of children needs supervision.
Create and Sell: Kid-Made Products for Profit
Does your child’s school host an entrepreneur fair or classroom Market Day? These events, along with farmer’s markets and neighborhood sales, are perfect venues for selling kid-made products.
1. Frozen Cookie Dough Business
Ella started a successful frozen cookie dough business with free local delivery.
She bakes cookie dough in batches weekly, then flash-freezes individual cookie dough balls. She created flyers and a Google Form for easy ordering. She even offers a subscription service: a half dozen frozen cookie dough balls for $16 per month, or a dozen for $32. This is a great example of a scalable kid-run business.
2. Customized Toy Sales on eBay
Painted action figure toy against a kitchen backdrop
Anna shared how her son earns between $1200 and $1500 annually by selling toys on eBay.
He sources toys from his own collection, friends’ old toys (splitting profits with friends), and thrift stores. He also customizes toys, especially Star Wars figures, by repainting or modifying them. He also buys undervalued toys on eBay, fixes them up (sanding, painting, patching), and resells them. He occasionally sells 3D-printed parts, but this is less frequent.
3. Custom Decorated Cookies
4th of July themed sugar cookies in a box
Bethany’s 14-year-old daughter took cookie decorating classes through her homeschool co-op and has been selling custom cookies since June, earning good money.
She charges between $18 and $24 per dozen, with extra charges for gluten-free, natural dye, or individually wrapped cookies. The cost to make a dozen is about $4-$5 (more for gluten-free). Butter and meringue powder are the most expensive ingredients, which they now buy in bulk to reduce costs.
Initially selling to friends on Facebook, she is now getting a logo designed for a dedicated Facebook page to expand her reach. She plans to add cake pops and cupcakes to her offerings, having also taken a cake decorating course. Her 4th of July special sold 15 dozen cookies!
4. Holiday Gift-Shopping Babysitting
During the holiday season, parents need time to shop without their kids. Offering holiday gift-shopping babysitting can be a popular service.
Parents can drop off their children for a few hours while your child provides a fun and safe environment for them to play and be entertained.
5. Roblox Item Creation and Sales
For kids who love Roblox, creating and selling Roblox items can be a lucrative online venture. This requires a premium Roblox account.
Using Roblox Studio, your child can design and create items, then sell them for Robux, the Roblox currency. Online video tutorials provide step-by-step instructions on how to create and sell items on Roblox.
6. Writing Contests with Cash Prizes
Boy writing to enter into a writing competition with a cash prize
If your child enjoys writing, writing contests are a fantastic way to earn money and gain recognition.
Numerous writing contests are available for kids of different ages and writing styles online. Search for age-appropriate writing competitions with cash prizes.
7. Homemade Bath Salts with Garden Petals
Karen’s children maintain their own garden beds within the family garden. In exchange for their work, they can use garden resources to create products to sell.
One successful product is bath salts made with flower petals from their garden. They sell 100g bags of bath salts for $4, making a profit of about $2.50 per bag. These products sell well at farmer’s markets and on local community Facebook buy-sell pages. They offer free bicycle delivery in their neighborhood and assisted delivery within a 15-minute drive.
Karen attributes their success to several factors: the large senior population in their community, the novelty of kids offering these products, high product quality, and excellent customer service including bicycle delivery and good manners.
8. Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Karen’s kids also create and sell pressed flower bookmarks, utilizing flowers from their garden.
The bookmarks cost about 25 cents each for paper (watercolor paper cut to size), and they use general watercolor paints (cost not allocated). They sell each bookmark for $3, representing a significant profit margin.
To fund supplies, they receive “seed money” as part of their allowance. When starting a new venture, they must first repay their seed money, and then they can use the remaining profits as they wish. Each week, they receive $3 allowance: $1 for seed money, $1 for spending, and $1 for savings, usually towards a Lego kit.
9. Custom Notepads
With a simple notepad kit, your child can create custom notepads using papers of their choice.
Online tutorials, including Canva tutorials, show how to design custom notepads. Canva is a free graphic design platform.
10. Dog Shampoo Bars
Dog owners love to pamper their pets. Homemade dog shampoo bars are a thoughtful and marketable product.
[A recipe for homemade dog shampoo bars is available online. Note that this recipe uses lye, requiring adult supervision.] These bars offer a healthier alternative to commercial dog shampoos.
11. Drone Rental Services
Tween boy holding a drone outdoors
This innovative idea comes from a 9-year-old. Enthusiastic about his drone, he considered putting on a drone show (though hasn’t yet pursued it).
A more immediately feasible idea is renting out his drone to others in the neighborhood who might want to use it for fun or aerial photography. This taps into the growing popularity of drones.
12. Foot-Long Cookie Bars
Inspired by Subway’s footlong cookie, your child can create and sell foot-long cookie bars.
[A cookie bar recipe is readily available online, adaptable for a 9” x 13” pan, which is approximately foot-long lengthwise. Chocolate chip variations are popular.] After baking and cooling, cut the cookie bar into foot-long strips and package them individually in lunch bags or parchment paper.
13. Homemade Dog Treats at the Dog Park
Dog parks are a prime location to sell homemade dog treats. Bake a batch of dog treats, print out recipe cards for interested customers, and package them attractively.
[Numerous dog treat recipes are available online. Start with simple, popular recipes.] Set up a small table near a local dog park to sell these treats to dog owners.
14. Gourmet S’mores Kits for Campers
Camping grounds are ideal locations to sell gourmet s’mores kits. Assemble kits with high-quality marshmallows, graham crackers, gourmet chocolate, and roasting sticks.
Your child can set up a stand at a local campground on weekend mornings, or partner with the campground to display and sell the kits, sharing the profits.
15. Smartphone Background and Lock Screen Designs
Many kids, tweens, and teens have smartphones. If your child is creative, they can design custom background and lock screen images for smartphones.
[Online examples of phone background designs are available for inspiration.] They can create a variety of designs and sell them online or through social media. Include printed instructions for installing the images on different phone types, like iPhones.
16. Reusable Straw Charms
Reusable straws are increasingly common. Your child can make and sell cute reusable straw charms to personalize these straws.
[Instructions for making reusable straw charms can be found online, often using beads and wire.] These are inexpensive to make and can be sold at craft fairs or school events.
17. 3D Printed Toys
Neon green and pink 3D printer at a library
Libraries and maker spaces often offer free or low-cost access to 3D printers. Your child can design and print toys to sell.
Two large 3D prints – a submarine and a fighter jet
One parent shared that their child creates toys using the library’s 3D printer and successfully sells them. This minimizes production costs and maximizes profit.
18. First Aid Car Kits
[Instructions for creating affordable DIY First Aid Car Kits using Dollar Tree supplies are available online.] Your child can assemble these kits and sell them for a profit at local events or online.
These kits are practical and appeal to a wide range of customers.
19. Custom Stickers
Stickers are always popular, especially with kids and teens. Your child can design and create stickers that appeal to this demographic.
[Online tutorials, including Shopify guides, provide detailed instructions on how to make and sell stickers, from design to printing and marketing.] They can sell these stickers online, at school, or at craft fairs.
20. Metal Detector Rental
Tween boy holding a metal detector in a field
Metal detectors are fascinating for kids and tweens. If your child has some savings, investing in a metal detector to rent out to neighborhood kids is a unique idea.
This allows other children to enjoy treasure hunting without the expense of buying their own metal detector.
21. Doggie Adventure Outings
Instead of basic dog walking, offer “dog adventure outings.” Many dog owners are busy and appreciate enriching experiences for their pets.
Doggie adventures can include trail walks, playtime at the dog park, or even dog-friendly workout sessions, lasting 45 minutes to an hour. This is a premium dog-walking service.
22. Screen Protector Replacement Service
Replacing screen protectors can be tricky, and professional services can be expensive. Your child can learn to expertly replace screen protectors and offer this service at a lower price point.
Source screen protectors in bulk from affordable retailers and offer replacement services for $10-$15, significantly less than professional services.
23. Event Cleanup Services
Cleaning up after parties or events is often a task people dislike. If your child is responsible and detail-oriented, they can offer event cleanup services.
This could include trash pickup, dishwashing, sweeping, and general tidying after neighborhood parties or events.
24. Hot Chocolate Glitter Kits
Create edible chocolate gems, and package them as part of hot chocolate glitter kits.
[Recipes for edible chocolate gems are available online.] Combine these gems with gourmet hot cocoa mix and marshmallows for a festive and appealing kit, perfect for gifts or winter treats.
25. Glitter Hot Cocoa Bombs
[Recipes for DIY Glitter Hot Cocoa Bombs are readily available online.] These are visually appealing and fun to make and sell.
Edible glitter adds a special touch to hot cocoa bombs. Package them attractively for sale at markets or holiday events. If your child is interested in chocolate-based businesses, explore online resources for kid-friendly chocolate business projects.
26. Thrift Store Blind Date Books
Visit thrift stores to find gently used adult books. Cover them to create “Blind Date Books,” a popular concept where the book’s genre or themes are hinted at without revealing the title.
Set up a table at craft fairs, church events, or other venues where adults gather, and offer Blind Date Books as a fun way to discover new reads.
27. Mood Ring Surprise Eggs
Kids love surprises and mood rings! Purchase mood rings in bulk and create dinosaur eggs around them.
[Online tutorials demonstrate how to make dinosaur eggs using plaster or paper mache.] Place a mood ring inside each egg and sell them as surprise eggs that kids can excavate to discover the mood ring inside.
28. Polished Rocks
[Rock tumblers are available for purchase online.] If your child enjoys geology or collecting rocks, they can use a rock tumbler to polish rocks and sell them in sets.
Polished rocks are attractive and can be sold at craft fairs, rock and gem shows, or online.
29. AI-Created Children’s Book on Amazon
7-year-old Devon holding up his self-published book and smiling
Chrissy from CentralMassandMore shared how her 7-year-old son wrote and illustrated a book using AI. He then published and sold it on Amazon.
The entire process, from concept to publication, took about two weeks. Chrissy assisted with formatting the book PDF in Canva and setting up the Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) backend, explaining the process to her son.
He has earned around $300 in two years from online sales and also sells author copies at local events, such as 5K races or lemonade stands, learning valuable business lessons, including profit margins.
In Real Life (IRL) Kid Jobs: Stepping into the Workforce
Ready for your child to experience a more structured work environment? Explore these “real-world” job opportunities suitable for kids.
Consider starting with an Earn Your First $50 Challenge, complete with a free printable to track progress.
1. Working on a Local Farm
Boy watering plants at a plant nursery
Farms often need extra help, especially during peak seasons like hay-making or harvest time.
Contact local farms, orchards, nurseries, or even equestrian centers to inquire about seasonal or part-time work opportunities for kids. Tasks could include weeding, harvesting, plant care, or animal care (like mucking stalls).
2. Orchard Work
Agricultural jobs, including orchard work, are often permissible for children under 16, provided the work is non-hazardous, parental permission is granted, and it doesn’t interfere with school hours.
[Research child labor laws related to agriculture for specific regulations in your area.] Orchards might need help with fruit picking, sorting, or other tasks during harvest season.
3. Working in Your Family Business
Girl smiling, working at a computer for her mother
If you own a business, hiring your child can be a win-win situation, potentially offering tax benefits while providing your child with valuable work experience.
[Consult with a tax professional and research the rules regarding hiring your child in your business. Online resources and videos explain how to legally and beneficially hire your child.]
4. Mother’s Helper at Holiday Parties
Preteen boy creating a gingerbread house with younger kids at a holiday party
During holiday parties, parents often need extra hands to supervise and entertain children. Your child can offer services as a mother’s helper at holiday gatherings.
This could involve playing games with younger children, supervising activities, or simply keeping kids engaged and entertained so adults can relax.
5. Hair Braiding at Sleepovers
If your child is skilled at hair braiding, they can offer braiding services at children’s sleepover parties.
Parents hosting sleepovers might hire your child for an hour or two to braid hair for the party guests, adding a fun and pampering activity to the event.
6. Doggie Doo-Doo Cleanup Service
Not a glamorous job, but definitely one in demand! Doggie doo-doo cleanup is a service many adults would gladly pay someone else to do.
This service can be marketed to busy dog owners, pregnant women, or families who simply prefer not to handle this task. Cat litter box cleaning can be added to the services offered.
7. Concession Stand Worker
Local events like sports games, fairs, and festivals often require concession stand workers.
Contact your local Chamber of Commerce to learn about upcoming events in your area. Reach out to vendors to see if they need help with tasks like operating the cash register, taking orders, assembling food, or delivering orders.
8. Junior Referee Official
For kids interested in sports, becoming a junior referee official is a possibility in some sports organizations.
[Research specific sports organizations like the US Judo Federation or US Youth Soccer for age requirements and training programs for junior referees.] Depending on the sport and organization, kids as young as 10 may be eligible to referee at local and regional events.
9. Face Painting Artist
Preteen face painting a young child’s face
Face painting is always popular at parties, fairs, and festivals.
[Online resources and articles detail how to become a face painter, including materials, pricing, and permits. Learn from the experience of a 12-year-old face painting business owner.] Practice face painting skills and offer services at local events.
10. Vending Machine Operator and Owner
Three candy vending machines
Owning and operating a vending machine is a more substantial entrepreneurial venture for kids.
[Information on purchasing used vending machines and lower-cost candy vending machines designed for kids is available online.] One 12-year-old, Adrian, saved $1500 to buy a used vending machine, stocked it with snacks and drinks, and placed it in his father’s workplace waiting room. This teaches valuable lessons about business location, inventory management, and customer preferences.
11. Mother’s Helper (In-Home Assistance)
A Mother’s Helper provides in-home assistance to mothers, helping with a variety of tasks while the mother is present.
Tasks can include folding laundry, entertaining children, light cleaning, running errands, or assisting with household tasks. This is a flexible and helpful service for busy parents.
12. Distant Family Business Employment
If you don’t own a business, but relatives do, inquire if they could hire your child for part-time work.
This could be a great opportunity for your child to gain work experience in a supportive environment, even if it’s in a different location.
13. Farm Stand Worker
Farm stands are common in rural and suburban areas, particularly during harvest seasons.
Inquire at local farm stands about part-time employment opportunities for kids. Tasks might include assisting customers, stocking produce, handling cash, or helping with setup and cleanup.
14. Farmer’s Market Setup and Takedown Assistant
Farmer’s market vendors often need help setting up their stalls before the market opens and taking them down after it closes.
Offer your child’s services to farmer’s market vendors for setup and takedown assistance. This is typically early morning or late afternoon work, perfect for before or after school hours.
Online Kid Cash-Earning Opportunities & Jobs: Digital Income Streams
Online earning opportunities for young children are limited due to legal and safety considerations, but some legitimate options exist, particularly for older kids and teens.
Note that many online platforms use PayPal for payouts, and a PayPal account requires being 18 years of age or older. Explore options for parental PayPal accounts or alternative payment methods.
1. Testbirds (Software Testing and Bug Finding)
Testbirds offers a unique opportunity for kids of any age (with parental consent) to get paid for testing software and identifying bugs.
Testers earn between €1-5 (approximately $1-$5 USD) per bug found. Training and familiarization tests are available through their “Bird School” platform. Payouts are in Euros but can be received in USD via PayPal.
2. PlayTestCloud (Video Game Testing)
PlayTestCloud allows kids to earn money by playing and testing video games – a dream job for many!
Parents can add their child to their profile to receive playtests suitable for children. A 15-minute playtest is estimated to pay around $9. A qualification test is required upon signup to familiarize testers with the platform.
3. Enroll App (Website Usability Testing)
Enroll App is for kids aged 13 and older, offering opportunities to test website usability on smartphones, desktops, or tablets.
Usability tests are short, ranging from 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes, and pay between $0.10 and $1.50 each. Payouts are via PayPal with a minimum cashout of $1.
4. Mistplay (Android Game Playing for Rewards)
Mistplay, an Android-only platform, pays users aged 13 and older for playing video games.
Users choose games from a curated list, play for designated periods, and earn units. Units can be redeemed for gift cards from various retailers, including prepaid Visa, Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation.
5. Swagbucks (Online Tasks for Rewards)
Swagbucks is open to users aged 13 and older and offers multiple ways to earn rewards, including online searches, surveys, watching videos, and taking polls.
Surveys are often the highest-paying and quickest way to accumulate Swagbucks. Rewards can be redeemed for PayPal deposits, Visa gift cards, or merchant-specific gift cards. 2200 Swagbucks can be exchanged for a $25 gift card, and cashouts start at 450 Swagbucks ($5 gift card value).
6. Slice the Pie (Reviewing Music and Fashion)
Slice the Pie pays users aged 13 and older to write reviews of new songs, fashion items, accessories, and commercials before public release.
Pay varies from $0.01 to $0.20 per review, depending on review quality and demand. Payouts are through PayPal, with a minimum withdrawal of $10.
7. BandLab (Selling Beats Online)
BandLab is a freemium music creation platform where kids aged 13 and older can create and sell their own music beats.
BandLab currently allows creators to keep 100% of their earnings – a significant advantage compared to traditional music industry models. Parental consent is required for users under 18.
8. Fiverr Voice Over Gigs
Boy doing a voice over into a microphone with a headset on
Fiverr is a freelance platform where people hire others for various services, including voice overs. Kids can offer voice-over services for scripts, announcements, and other audio projects.
Parents can set up Fiverr gigs for their children to offer kid voice-over services. Examples of successful kid voice-over gigs on Fiverr are readily available for reference.
Making Money Work for Them: Investing and Saving
Don’t forget the power of compound interest! Teach your children how to make their earned money generate even more money through savings and investments.
Opening a high-yield savings account is a great first step. Online high-yield savings accounts often offer significantly higher interest rates (around 4.5% currently) compared to traditional banks (1-1.5%).
Allowance and Chore Commissions: Earning at Home
Allowance and chore commissions are foundational for teaching kids about earning, spending, and saving money.
Establishing a clear Kid Money System is crucial. Within this system, there’s room for kids to earn extra cash through initiative and negotiation.
1. Negotiating a Pay Raise
Encourage your child to develop negotiation skills by practicing asking for a raise in their allowance.
This teaches them how to advocate for themselves and understand the concept of negotiating compensation for their responsibilities.
2. Sibling Chore Services
If siblings have chores they dislike or are too busy to complete, your child can offer to take over those chores for a fee, paid by the sibling.
This fosters sibling collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking, turning chores into mini-business opportunities.
3. Chore Auctions (Sibling Chore Takeover)
When a sibling fails to complete their assigned chores, consider making those chores available for other siblings to “bid” on and complete for extra pay, potentially using the non-compliant sibling’s allowance funds.
This incentivizes responsibility and creates opportunities for proactive siblings to earn more.
4. Asking for Extra Chore Projects
Beyond regular chores, your child can proactively ask for extra chore projects around the house to earn additional income.
This encourages initiative and allows them to earn more by taking on more responsibilities.
At-Home Chore Projects: Beyond Regular Tasks
Distinguish between regular chore tasks and more involved chore projects. Chore projects are multi-step, more complex tasks that warrant extra compensation.
Here are chore project ideas:
- Deep clean and vacuum the family car interior
- Reorganize and declutter the family command center
- Organize all sports equipment in the garage
- Organize the family hall closet (decluttering, sorting)
- Clean out the chicken coop/house (if applicable)
- Thoroughly scrub baseboards throughout the house
- Organize and stack the wood pile neatly
- Match and sort a large pile of mismatched socks
- Deep clean the chicken coop (more intensive than regular cleaning)
- Scrub dried food buildup off kitchen cabinets
- Clean and refresh the fish tank (water change, cleaning decorations)
- Check for and remove expired food items from the pantry
- Reorganize and optimize garage storage for sports gear
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize kitchen trash and recycling bins
- Organize and categorize family board games and puzzles
- Dust and wipe down all window sills throughout the house
- Hose down and scrub the garage door exterior
- Empty, defrost, and clean the freezer interior
- Remove, clean, and reorganize spices in the spice rack
- Dust and clean all artificial plants and greenery in the house
- Scrub and clean outdoor patio furniture
- Organize and declutter the craft room or craft area
- Scrub and clean exterior surfaces of front and back doors
- Disinfect and clean toys for younger siblings
- Gather, test, and organize pens and markers, discarding non-working ones
- Wipe down and clean exterior surfaces of closet doors
- Declutter and reorganize the bulletin board, removing outdated items
- Organize and neatly refold items in the linens closet
These chore projects are more substantial than daily tasks like setting the table or taking out the trash, justifying extra payment.
Alternatively, consider Joanne’s grandson’s approach: he created a chore list linked to earning Robux (Roblox currency). Chores include clearing the table, sweeping after meals, tidying the living room, putting away clothes, and being on time for breakfast. He can earn up to 100 Robux daily through chores, finding this reward system more motivating than traditional allowance.
Remember, the decision of what to pay for and how much is entirely up to you and your family’s financial values and goals. These are suggestions to inspire creative approaches to kid-based earning.
Amanda L. Grossman
Chief Creator at Money Prodigy
Amanda L. Grossman is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) and the founder of Money Prodigy, dedicated to empowering kids with financial literacy. Her work has been featured on numerous financial platforms. Amanda is also the founder and CEO of Frugal Confessions, LLC.
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