First, a caveat for parents: Remember that your child always needs to use caution dealing with strangers. Your kids should only set up “shop” outside if you are monitoring them or if you are confident about whom they will be serving. If your kids are working in neighbors’ homes, they should only be inside if you know the neighbors and are sure that your kids are safe. And of course, the younger your kids are, the more you’ll probably have to stay with them while they do their “work.” As they get older, they can take on more and more responsibilities on their own.
With that said, let the work begin:
Set up a stand: Kids love sitting behind a counter selling things, and if lemonade is too predictable, let them try something different. Can they make their favorite cookies or brownies? Popsicles? Fresh fruit (especially fun if they grew it or picked it themselves)? If they set up a stand along the way to a parade, concert, or event where there will be lots of people, they could sell bottled water, candy bars, bags of popcorn, or even energy bars.
Mow the lawn: Everyone needs yard work done, and most grownups dread it. If your kids are willing and able, let them advertise their services for lawn-mowing, weeding, raking, planting, or any other yard services. They can make fliers and drop them in neighbors’ mailboxes. If they can get a commitment for a weekly gig, it’s a great way for them to practice regular responsibilities.
Sit for a pet (or a house): During vacation season, many families go away and leave their small pets behind. If your kids love pets, let them advertise their services as pet-sitters for fish, cats, dogs, gerbils, hamsters, turtles, and more. They can also do double-duty as house-sitters, bringing the mail and newspapers inside, watering the plants, and checking in on the house.
Help a mom: Kids who are between the ages of seven and ten are probably too young to babysit without an adult around, but they can definitely provide entertainment for a three- or four-year-old while the mom gets stuff done around the house. Let them work as mothers’ helpers who can read to younger kids or help them with drawing or crafts projects while the mom does all of the house projects she’s been putting off for months.
Be a tech wizard: Older kids (and some younger ones too) often know more about computers than grownups. Let them advertise their services as computer gurus or trouble-shooters for families (and older couples) in the neighborhood. Most older kids also have the know-how to help set up new electronics like DVD players and video game consoles.
Offer a service: Kids who love being on the go might consider going setting up an errand-running service, a breakfast/coffee delivery service (depending on how close the local coffee shop is), or an organizing service to help clear the clutter from neighbors’ attics and basements. On a warm day, kids also love to offer car-wash services (because work is more fun when it involves lots of water and soap bubbles).
Most of the time, kids have their own plans with what they want to do with their money. But some kids go into business to raise money for a cause. If your kids are dedicated to a special cause or charity, let them raise money and donate the proceeds. (Check out Alex’s Lemonade Stand for an opportunity for kids to raise money for pediatric cancer research.) Working on behalf of someone else will help them with two great lessons: sharpening their business skills and giving something back. Plus, it will keep them busy and happy – what more could you want?
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