A few weeks ago as I was getting my daughter ready for bed there was a knock at the door. It was two kids, about 14 asking to mow our lawn. My husband was already planning to do it the next day so I thanked them and gave my apologies.
They looked totally defeated. They obviously hadn’t had any luck and had been lugging their lawnmower all over the neighbourhood looking for someone to help. My husband felt bad, went outside and asked their price. For $15 they would cut both the front and back yard, $20 and they would add in the whippersnipper. We did it.
Did we need to, absolutely not, we’re both able-bodied and can mow our own lawn but these kids were looking to earn some cash of their own and we wanted to help.
The summer can be a great opportunity for kids of all ages to earn some extra money. What they use the money for will vary but there are many opportunities for kids to have a little hustle of their own with their free time. Here are a few ideas to help your kids start-up a little side-gig:
Lawn mowing: This is an easy one but start in neighbourhood where there is a knowing aging population, a group who would benefit from the help the most. Make simple flyers and hand them out. The biggest downside is how weather dependant it is.
Yard Sale: My sister and I used to do this all the time. We would gather items and ask our mom to help pick stuff out for us to sell. We’d make a few signs the morning of and hope for the best. We’ve also rented tables for $10 at flea markets to sell. This isn’t usually consistent income but helps unload stuff and make a lump-sum of cash.
Yard Cleaning: This is something I searched online for the year we moved into our house. After we demolished an old shed on our property I contemplated hiring someone, ideally a cheap young high school kid, for a few hours to help clean the area up and prep it for a garden, only problem was that I couldn’t find anyone! There is always yard work that is needed and that people need and want help with.
Clean poop: Sounds gross but someone has to do it. There are companies dedicated to cleaning the dog poop from your property especially in the spring when the snow melts but it really is a task that needs to be maintained. If your kid is eager enough they could probably make a decent income for the upfront cost of good gloves, a mask, some buckets/bags and a rake.
Dog Walk/Pet Sit: People travel in the summer and the pets sometimes need a place to stay or for someone to check up on them. If your teen is attentive enough, and good with animals, it might be a lucrative summer career that can stretch beyond the summer months.
Until kids are of the legal working age it can be hard to earn income of their own. With a little effort and determination they may have luck in one of these areas to help them earn some money to put towards their own wants and needs.
Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn’t soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter.
