Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore the concept of earning their own money. They have more time to come up with ideas, to plan what they need to do, and they can give their venture plenty of energy and focus. The world is full of opportunities and never has it been more important to share this idea with our children than today. With constant messages about the negative things going on in the world, it is even more critical that parents provide positive messages so children feel hope and optimism about the future.
As with any venture, it is critical for our kids to ask good questions before setting out. Determining what the needs are in the “market” around them and what they enjoy doing are good places to start.
You can use the list below to begin and then have your children add to it. This makes for a fun discussion and can help narrow down their interests. Have them circle their top five choices and think about the “why” behind their choices. This may help them think of more ideas and it’s a fun way of going through the critical decision-making process.
Summer 2022 Entrepreneurial Ventures
Author a book
Babysit/host a story hour
Bake – cupcakes, cookies, pretzels
Breed pets or fish and sell to pet stores or individuals
Buy snacks in bulk and sell individually
Care for pets
Clean pools
Collect returnable bottles for the fee
Design brochures/logos/web pages
Host a circus, concert or social –sell food and drinks
Kids sports referee – soccer, hockey, baseball
Landscape – weed, mow, rake. Hire a team and earn a portion of their pay
Lemonade Stand
Make (or decorate) and sell products – themed gift baskets, jams, dressings, soaps, clothes, bracelets, quick stickers, headbands, purses, wallets, pens, jewelry, cards, furniture
Organize – closets, garages
Organize – parties, and special events
Paint – artistic creations
Paint faces/nails –at the farmer’s market, fair, lemonade stand, yard sale, birthday parties
Photographer/Videographer – special occasions, sports games
Teach music, fitness
Tutor a subject
Wash Cars
What are some fun ways your kids have earned money over the summer holidays?