How to Find Ways for Kids to Earn Money

Unless your child is over the age of 14, she can't work at a "real" paying job, such as a retail associate or food service assistant, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's YouthRules! website. The American Academy of Pediatrics, on its HealthyChildren.org website, notes that as kids grow into grade schoolers, they develop the responsibility level to help out with chores around the house. That said, you can find household ways for your child to earn money, paying him a pre-set fee for carrying out cleaning and organizational tasks. Additionally, you can find ways for your older child or tween to earn money -- such as babysitting -- that don't violate child labor laws.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose chores or "jobs" that are age appropriate for your child. Preschoolers and older toddlers can put their toys away or pair up clean socks, kindergarten-aged kids can make their beds, grade schoolers can do simple yard work such as raking leaves, middle school students can change bed sheets or vacuum and teens can do almost anything that an adult would do around the house.

    • 2

      Decide on tasks or jobs that you actually need someone to do. Avoid simply paying your child to re-do the work that you've already done, such as re-folding he clean laundry that you took care of while he was at school.

    • 3

      Ask for your child's input. Let him tell you what he wants to do or have him brainstorm ways to make money.

    • 4

      Clearly detail the tasks or chores that you expect your little one to perform. Tell your child what his job is and what he must do to earn money. For example, tell him that he must take out all of the garbage every week in order to earn five dollars. Tie this to consequences for not doing his "job," such as not getting paid.

    • 5

      Talk to your friends, family and neighbors, asking them if they have a job for your child to do. Ask close friends and relatives if your older child can babysit their little ones, act as a mother's helper, rake leaves, weed their gardens or help out with housework.

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