10-year-old son wants to earn money, Any ideas? (babysitter, baby, parents) - Children, problems, school, daycare, behavior, age, teenagers, infants - City-Data Forum

jtjmom · 07-30-2012, 04:36 PM

We have had this discussion for a year now. He is frustrated because he is too young for a "real job." He's kind of small for his age, so mowing isn't really an option, because he's not tall enough/strong enough to use the mower yet. You need a permit to have a lemonade stand or even a garage sale here, so that's not really feasible. I was told you have to be 14 to even have a paper route now. He really wants to pet sit, but I have no idea how to get him into that, or if it's even realistic. We are in a major metropolitan area, and there are companies here that do that. He will be able to shovel snow in the winter (I hope). Until then, does anyone have any ideas or experiences? I'd be happy to help him get something off the ground, and I know it would be really good for him, I just have no clue where to start!

Thanks!

~D

lovesMountains · 07-30-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtjmom

We have had this discussion for a year now. He is frustrated because he is too young for a "real job." He's kind of small for his age, so mowing isn't really an option, because he's not tall enough/strong enough to use the mower yet. You need a permit to have a lemonade stand or even a garage sale here, so that's not really feasible. I was told you have to be 14 to even have a paper route now. He really wants to pet sit, but I have no idea how to get him into that, or if it's even realistic. We are in a major metropolitan area, and there are companies here that do that. He will be able to shovel snow in the winter (I hope). Until then, does anyone have any ideas or experiences? I'd be happy to help him get something off the ground, and I know it would be really good for him, I just have no clue where to start!

Thanks!

~D

Dog walking and pet sitting

At that age when my son wanted a job, we made up flyers advertising his services and put them out around the neighborhood. We also put one up on the bulletin board at church.

Of course, I had to be involved for his safety, but that was very doable. Once a few neighbors caught on that he wanted this kind of job people called him repeatedly

Ivorytickler · 07-30-2012, 05:02 PM

It's summertime. Find neighbors with gardens he can weed. Can he manage a lawn mower? If so, mowing lawns is another one. If you're not worried about him climbing a ladder, check out which neighbors need their gutters cleaned next time it rains.

In the fall there's leaf raking and in the winter, snow shoveling. This is years ago but my step son used to out earn me on snow days. He was out the door at the crack of dawn and we didn't see him until it was bed time.

Dog walking is a really good suggestion.

jtjmom · 07-30-2012, 05:07 PM

I forgot about leaves, that's another great one! We'll print out some flyers and see if we can get him some petsitting business. Thanks so much. Knew I could count on my CDers for ideas!

DewDropInn · 07-30-2012, 06:12 PM

How is he with other kids? Has he got any talent? I've known two young entrepreneurs who made real folding money. One put on magic shows at birthday parties. He was Dr. Decepto. He started out with card tricks and worked his way up from there. The second got together with a friend and started a business doing crafts with kids. They charged a set amount for a 2 hour work shop in her parents' garage.

I also knew a kid who bought candy and gum and re-sold it (at tremendously inflated prices) out of a briefcase in school. We all made fun of him for carrying a briefcase around. He's now richer than Rockefeller and probably snickers at us when we drive by his rather palatial house at the beach.

Lucidkitty · 07-30-2012, 06:31 PM

permit for a lemonade stand or garage sale? good lord this stupid country.

phonelady61 · 07-30-2012, 06:55 PM

Yep I would go with weeding and maybe take him around to some neighbors houses and introduce yourself and him and get indez cards and decorate them with say pictures of weeds anybody can draw a weed and figure out a reasonable rate for pulling the weeds . maybe watering some neighbors houseplants or the plants outside . something along those lines good luck I know it is hard having the kids that young and they want to work .

CMMom · 07-30-2012, 06:58 PM

This may be more of a "girl" thing, but he could be a "mother's helper." Not a babysitter who stays alone with kids, but someone who entertains young kids while Mom works at home, does chores, makes phone calls, etc... I've had one for my kids a few times when I really needed to get some things done, and my kids thought it was AWESOME!

NY Annie · 07-30-2012, 07:12 PM

I used to pay my own kids to do extra chores - like the weeding, giving the dogs a bath (my kids had a great time!), washing the car. Once I knew they were doing our jobs correctly, I allowed them to offer their services to the neighbors so long as I approved of the time and the amount. We lived in a small neighborhood of fewer than 40 houses and we all knew everyone else, so it was safe.

I agree with those who say print up flyers and have the people call YOU. Hire yourself as "secretary" for your son so you know the people he is working for - and you can screen them and also make sure he really gets paid what he should get paid.

lkb0714 · 07-30-2012, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

Dog walking and pet sitting

At that age when my son wanted a job, we made up flyers advertising his services and put them out around the neighborhood. We also put one up on the bulletin board at church.

Of course, I had to be involved for his safety, but that was very doable. Once a few neighbors caught on that he wanted this kind of job people called him repeatedly

Thats a bad idea.

If while in your sons care the dog/animal gets hurt, or even worse hurts someone else YOU are liable. This is why most pet sitters/walkers are bonded now.