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How to make money as a 12-year-old: Creative ideas for earning

Here's how your almost teen can make money, so your child can start learning how the outside world works

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how to make money as a 12 year old child walking dog
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Kids hit an age where they want to make a little extra money. They want to be able to buy a video game, get that toy you always say no to, or want to start saving for big purchases in the future. While most states won’t let kids work until they are around 16 years old (some states do go as young as 13), there are plenty of ways children as young as 12 can figure out a way to make money legally and ethically. Here is how to make money as a 12-year-old so your child can become more independent, gain confidence — and buy their own hot chocolate on occasion.

Why your 12-year-old should have a job

Teenage girl holding baby sibling.
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  • A job can teach life skills
  • Your child will have extra money for those “want” items
  • Your child will feel more independent and confident

Don’t think 12 years old is too young to have a job. While they might not be able to have a part-time job at someplace like Target, there are plenty of legit ways for your child to make extra money. Not only will having a job give your child a sense of independence, but it will also increase their self-confidence, teach them valuable life skills, make them feel more grown up, include them more in the world around them, and give them a greater sense of purpose.

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It wouldn’t hurt for them to have a bit of their own money every time they ask for another “want” item. Having a job for items they want to buy will help teach them money management skills and will lead to them discovering the “want” versus “need” difference you have been working on teaching them about. It would be nice for them to be able to buy themselves a Roblox gift card every once in a while.

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How to make money as a 12-year-old the easy way

Teen girl gardening.
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Yard work

From raking leaves and pulling weeds to mowing and shoveling snow, there are a variety of ways your child can offer yard services to make money. If you live in a neighborhood, have your kid go around the block or just on your street to see what they can do.

Babysitting

This is another one of the first ways kids usually make money. You could ask parents while waiting in the drop-off or pick-up line, have your child ask teachers of the younger kids to spread the word for them, or see if there are any neighborhood families that need a babysitter.

Pet sitter or pet walker

Finding someone to walk your dog for a day or feed your cat for a weekend away is sometimes harder than you would think. Depending on the size of the child versus the pet, being a dog walker or a cat sitter is a great way for your child to make money. Being around animals will also help improve your child’s mental health, so it’s a win-win.

Cleaning

From washing the car and helping with light housework to offering to take an elderly neighbor’s trash cans back and forth on trash day, a 12-year-old can earn money by doing light cleaning tasks. You have the materials they’d need around your home anyway, so their start-up costs wouldn’t be expensive.

Selling artwork or homemade goods

It’s so easy to sell your art or other handmade goods online now. If your child is artsy or creative, set them up with an Etsy or other account and let them sell their unique pieces. Artwork, 3D printed items, jewelry, photography, or knitted goods all do well. Look for local craft fairs and events to see if you could get your child a table to sell their items that way.

Tutoring

A 12-year-old could tutor kids in younger grades before or after school for extra money. If your child gets remarkable grades in a certain subject, see if there is a younger grade or student they could tutor. To make it easier, your child could ask the teachers to match them up with someone.

Family business help

If your family owns a business, you can technically hire your 12-year-old to work for you. You can find easy jobs for them to do, set their pay, and allow them to earn money that way, as long as the parents own the business.

If your child can’t get a job

Tweens picking up trash outside.
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Volunteering or mentoring

  • Volunteer to pick up trash and litter
  • Plant a communal garden for your neighborhood
  • Clean up graveyards and cemeteries
  • Mentor younger students

How to make money as a 12-year-old isn’t too hard, but if your child cannot find a job or has tried a few and nothing is clicking, get them to volunteer or mentor younger kids. This will give them an idea of what they like and don’t like, and it might help steer them toward what job they want to do. Your child will still get all those other benefits from volunteering — just without the money. Having some life experience will feel good no matter what, and they will have something to put on an application when they are ready.

Preteens want more responsibility, freedom — and money to buy those things you tell them you will buy later. Your child will gain self-confidence and self-respect at their first job, and it’s a way for them to start figuring out how the world works. Check your local state laws, make sure your child has all of the knowledge to be safe while doing the job, and then enjoy watching your tween turn into an even more responsible young adult.

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Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle Beardsley
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