Most states have stringent rules about how old kids must be to work for a business. This age is often between 14 and 16 years, depending on the state and the type of job. But many children are eager to begin working and making money before they are old enough to join the regular workforce. Although there are fewer options, many children have the opportunity to start their own small business as a means of making money either seasonally or throughout the year.
Mowing Lawns
Mowing lawns for neighbors is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to make money during the summer. Any child who is strong enough to push a lawnmower can try to sell his neighbors on doing the work for a small fee, and can use those he's already mowed for as references. If a child proves to be an effective mower, he could make a good amount of money over the summer--according to kidsmoney.org, many children earn between $10 and $20 per lawn. The site also recommends kids start low in terms of how much they charge and increase their fees as they become more skilled and add clients.
Babysitting
Babysitting can be a good source of income for children entering their teenage years--as they become more responsible, they can be tasked with taking care of other kids for short periods of time. Because success as a babysitter depends on the trust and comfort level of parents, it's wise for kids to wait until they are older and more mature--few parents will hire a nine- or 10-year-old for babysitting. According to kidsmoney.org, wages for babysitting can vary widely depending on age and on the number of children being watched. A survey on the website revealed 52 percent of babysitters let the parents determine the wages while 43 percent set their own rates. Six percent of children set their babysitting rates in other ways.
Shoveling Snow
The winter months can be a difficult time for children to find work, but shoveling snow is a job many homeowners don't want to do themselves. A child can advertise his snow shoveling service by putting fliers on doors or by going door to door after a snowfall and offering to clear driveways and sidewalks. Kidsmoney.org suggests kids can earn anywhere from $3 to $10 per driveway, depending on the size of the drive and the amount of snow. It's helpful, and more convenient for the homeowner, if the child has his own shovel and perhaps an ice scraper.
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