How Kids Can Make Money

Prepare a box or bag to hold your babysitting supplies. Fill it with anything you might need, such as a first aid kit, snacks, and a backup phone charger. You should also bring along items for the kids, like coloring books, glitter glue, toys, and building blocks.

• Choose items based on the children's age. For example, if you're babysitting preschoolers, opt for stuffed animals instead of toys with small parts that could be a choking hazard.
• Your basic first aid kit should include band-aids, hand sanitizer, medical tape, wet wipes, and gloves.

Decide how much to charge. In the U.S., the average babysitting rate is $14 per hour. You can base your rate on your experience and the number of kids you'll be watching. Remember, both you and the child's parents should agree on the price before you start.

• There are babysitting apps that allow parents to pay through their phones, so you won't have to worry about carrying cash.
• Talking about money might feel awkward, but don’t hesitate to propose a fair rate. You deserve to be compensated for your time and effort!

Arrive 15 minutes early to discuss the rules with the child's parents. This extra time is enough to go over house rules, the parents' expectations, and contact information before they leave. Be sure to ask about the child's bedtime, any allergies, and how to handle discipline. Write everything down so you don't forget.

• If you haven't already discussed payment, this is a good time to mention it. Let them know your rate, though you'll typically be paid when they return home.
• Don't be late! Even a minute can make you seem unreliable and irresponsible.

Stay firm if the kids misbehave. It's important to be assertive with the children. If they claim that their parents have allowed them to do something that you know they're not supposed to (such as staying up past bedtime), it's best to follow the parents' rules. This will leave a good impression on the parents, and they’ll likely invite you back again.

• If you're unsure about something, ask. Don't hesitate to call the parents if you're uncertain about anything or if the kids are acting up. Better safe than sorry.
• Never yell at or hit the kids. Instead, calmly remind them of the rules and any consequences if they continue misbehaving.

Take a training course if you're 11 or older. If you're in the U.S., you can find classes at community centers or take online courses on the American Red Cross website. It's also a good idea to get certified in first aid and CPR. Not only will you gain valuable skills, but you'll also be more likely to get babysitting gigs since parents will trust you more.

• Online courses typically cost around $35, while in-person classes are usually about $89.
• If you're under 11 or not confident enough to babysit on your own, you can start by helping with babysitting. You'll watch or play with the kids while their parents are still home.

Sell the items you no longer use. Organize your room and gather all the toys, decorations, and clothes you no longer need or enjoy. Ask your parents for permission and set up a display table in the front yard or entryway of your house. Stick price tags on each item based on their estimated value and original price.

• The best time to sell is on weekend mornings, when most people are out and about shopping for second-hand items.
• Ask your parents and siblings if they have anything they’d like to sell. Having a variety of items will attract more buyers of all ages.
• Be open to negotiating prices. Decide beforehand the lowest acceptable price for each item, and use that as a basis for bargaining with potential buyers.

Sell candy if you have a lot of friends. Who doesn't love sweet, cute chocolate bars? Purchase candy in bulk from wholesalers for a much lower price, then sell individual bars or smaller packages for double the profit.

• For instance, if you buy 12 chocolate bars for 120,000 VND, you are paying 10,000 VND for each bar. You can sell each one for 20,000 VND, making a 120,000 VND profit after deducting your initial investment.
• If you plan to sell candy at school or on the school bus, check the school rules to ensure it’s allowed.
• Have a parent accompany you if you decide to go door-to-door offering candy, ensuring safety at all times.

Set up a lemonade stand on a hot day. You will need a folding table, a sign saying 'Lemonade for Sale!', plastic cups, straws, a large jug for lemonade, ice cubes, and, of course, the lemonade itself. If you set up your stand in your front yard, you can prepare the lemonade in the kitchen and keep it in the fridge to stay cool, then sell it by the cup.

• If you’re setting up the stand away from home, prepare the lemonade ahead of time and store it in a cooler placed under the table.
• Charge extra if customers want more ice or a straw (more ingredients, higher cost!)
• Although you could sell bottled lemonade, you won't make as much money as you would selling fresh lemonade. People are willing to pay more for freshly squeezed lemonade they can’t find in stores.
• Offering snacks like cookies or pretzels alongside your lemonade is a great way to boost your sales.

Sell baked goods if you enjoy baking. Choose an easy recipe for making large batches of classic treats like chocolate chip cookies, soft chocolate cake, or vanilla cupcakes. Once baked, portion them out and package them in pretty wrapping like gift bags with ribbons. Set up a booth in your front yard or at a street corner to attract more customers.

• Food safety is crucial when selling homemade baked goods. Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling food, and ensure you use fresh, quality ingredients.
• Check with your local authorities to find out if you need any special permits to sell baked goods.
• You can either use premade baking mixes or prepare everything from scratch. Another option is to specialize in unique treats, such as gluten-free or vegan baked goods, to make your offerings stand out.

Grow plants, herbs, or vegetables to sell if you're a green thumb. If your parents give you a small patch of garden space, you can grow easy-to-care-for crops like lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumbers. If you're planting in pots, opt for plants that don't take up too much space or need too much sunlight. Harvest the crops when they’re ready and package them for sale.

• If you're interested in flowers or herbs, you could also consider selling potted plants that buyers can continue to enjoy for years.
• Herbs like basil, oregano, and chives thrive indoors. Other plants suitable for indoor growth include succulents, ferns, and spider plants.
• Most vegetables should be planted in March or April for a summer harvest. If you're unsure, look up specific planting advice online or ask at a local nursery.

Create and sell handmade crafts if you're passionate about creativity. Turn your hobby into a business. Whether it’s handmade candles, friendship bracelets, or charming greeting cards, you can sell your creations at craft fairs, farmers' markets, or online via Etsy Store. Price each item based on material costs and the time you spent crafting them.

• The more time and expensive materials you use, the higher the price should be.
• If you are 13 years or older, you can open an online store on Etsy. If you are under 18, parental permission is required. If you're younger than 11, have your parents set up the store for you.
• Some arts and crafts stores or small shops might purchase handmade items. See if any local stores are interested in your creative works.

Mow lawns in the summer if you're able to operate a lawnmower safely. A 12-year-old can use a push mower, but to drive a riding mower, you need to be at least 16. Before mowing, ask your neighbors how short they'd like the grass cut, which areas of the lawn need attention, and if they have any special requests (e.g., avoid cutting too close to flower beds).

• In the US, you can charge $30 – $50 per lawn, depending on its size. Check out the going rate in your area.
• Mow only when the weather is clear and safe, ensuring the conditions are favorable for the task.
• Always wear closed-toed shoes and safety glasses to protect your eyes from grass clippings or debris.
• If there are young children or pets in the yard, make sure the owners keep them inside while you're mowing for their safety.

Rake fallen leaves in the fall if you live in an area with many deciduous trees. Grab a rake, some large trash bags, and start offering your service door-to-door. Ask your neighbors which parts of their lawn need raking and where they'd like the leaves disposed of (e.g., leaf collection area or a wooded area behind the house). Rake the leaves into a large pile, then stuff them into trash bags and tie them securely.

• Avoid raking leaves right after it rains, as wet leaves are much heavier and harder to rake. Wait for the ground to dry before starting.
• If you're taking the leaves to a disposal site without using trash bags, consider using a large wheeled bin to make it easier to move the leaves around.

Shovel snow from driveways and sidewalks in the winter if you live in a snowy region. Choose a lightweight but sturdy shovel with a non-stick blade. Shovel strategically, either by starting from the top and working your way down or by shoveling across the path. Push the snow to the side and only scoop it up when necessary to avoid tiring yourself too quickly.

• Charge between $10-$20 depending on the size of the driveway and whether you need to clear the sidewalk as well.
• When shoveling, always bend your knees rather than your back to protect your spine.
• Dress warmly as you’ll be working outside for hours. Wear a thick coat, waterproof gloves, a hat or earmuffs, and sturdy snow boots to prevent slipping on ice.

Chăm sóc vườn tược cho hàng xóm vào mùa xuân. Bạn có thể giúp họ nhổ cỏ, trồng hoa, tưới cây hoặc đắp lớp phủ vườn. Người ta thường làm vườn vào đầu tháng ba, vì vậy bạn cần quảng cáo dịch vụ vào cuối tháng hai hoặc đầu tháng ba. Đây cũng là một cơ hội tuyệt vời để ra ngoài và học cách làm vườn.

• Với công việc làm cỏ, trồng cây và đắp lớp phủ vườn, bạn hãy tính tiền theo giờ. Ví dụ, bạn có thể lấy 100 ngàn cho mỗi giờ làm, và nếu dành ra 3 tiếng đắp lớp phủ vườn vào sáng chủ nhật thì bạn sẽ có 300 ngàn.
• Tưới cây không phài là công việc tính theo giờ, vì vậy bạn nên lấy thù lao dựa trên số lượng cây cối và tần suất tưới.

Phụ giúp việc nhà nếu bạn thích lau dọn. Nếu đã được bố mẹ cho tiền tiêu vặt khi làm việc nhà, bạn hãy nghĩ xem có thể kiếm thêm ít tiền bằng cách làm thêm việc không. Bạn có thể ngỏ ý giặt quần áo, làm vệ sinh phòng tắm hoặc hút bụi toàn bộ thảm trong nhà. Bạn cũng nên cho hàng xóm biết mình có thể nhận giúp việc nhà.

• Các ông bà cụ hàng xóm gặp khó khăn khi làm việc nhà sẽ thích dịch vụ của bạn.
• Đừng mong chờ được bố mẹ trả tiền cho các nhiệm vụ bạn phải làm như giữ sạch phòng riêng của bạn hoặc dọn dẹp bếp sau khi bạn sử dụng.

Trông nhà giúp hàng xóm nếu họ đi nghỉ. Bạn sẽ tưới cây, đổ rác, kiểm tra thùng thư và coi sóc những việc khác. Có thể họ sẽ nhờ bạn ghé nhà họ mỗi ngày một hoặc hai lần, thậm chí ngủ lại ban đêm để cho nhà không có vẻ như vắng chủ và phóng chống trộm đột nhập. Bạn hãy tuân theo quy định và hướng dẫn của chủ nhà, và luôn nhớ khóa cửa chắc chắn khi bạn rời khỏi nhà họ.

• Nếu phải ngủ lại ban đêm, bạn hãy rủ anh chị hoặc bố mẹ đến ngủ cùng.
• Đề nghị người hàng xóm viết ra các chỉ dẫn quan trọng để phòng khi bạn quên mất, kèm theo đó là thông tin liên lạc để bạn có thể thông báo cho họ trong trường hợp khẩn cấp hoặc nếu bạn muốn hỏi điều gì đó.
• Tôn trọng nhà của hàng xóm. Họ tin tưởng bạn và giao nhiệm vụ quan trọng cho bạn, thế nên bạn đừng phá vỡ lòng tin đó bằng cách rủ bạn bè đến nhà họ chơi, ăn thức ăn và dùng đồ đạc của họ, trừ khi họ đồng ý cho bạn làm như vậy.

Dẫn chó đi dạo nếu bạn yêu quý động vật. Hỏi nhà hàng xóm xem họ có cần người dắt chó ra ngoài không. Đến đúng giờ mỗi ngày, đem thêm dây xích chó, chai nước, bát ăn của chó, túi đựng chất thải của chó để dự phòng khi cần. Dắt chó đi dạo trong thời gian chủ nhà yêu cầu và tính tiền dựa trên thời lượng làm việc và kinh nghiệm của bạn.

• Lưu lại thời gian biểu trong điện thoại hoặc ghi trên lịch để theo dõi chú chó nào bạn sẽ dẫn đi dạo vào thời gian nào.
• Bạn nên dành thời gian chơi với chó trước khi dắt nó đi dạo lần đầu để bạn và chú chó làm quen nhau. Hỏi người hàng xóm xem bạn có thể chơi với chú chó trong sân sau khoảng một tiếng trước ngày đầu tiên làm việc không.
• Biết giới hạn của mình. Có thể bạn cảm thấy e ngại khi ở bên cạnh một số giống chó như pit bull hoặc những con chó có tính hung hăng. Hãy từ chối nếu bạn cảm thấy không tự tin dù có được trả thù lao cao.

Take care of your neighbor's pets while they are away. Watching pets is like babysitting, but here you're looking after animals. If you love animals, let your neighbors know you can help take care of their pets when they are out of town. Always respect the homeowner's rules and ask if you're unsure about the pet care responsibilities.

• Meet the homeowner before they leave to discuss the specific tasks you'll perform and the payment they will offer.
• Charge based on time, number of pets, and the tasks involved in caring for them.
• For example, feeding fish once a day would cost less than walking a dog twice daily and administering insulin injections.
• Make sure to record contact details like the homeowner's phone number and the vet’s contact info, in case of emergencies.

Tutor young children in subjects you excel at if you enjoy teaching. Think about what subject you're strongest in or what area you know best. You could help friends or younger kids get a good start before the new school year. Spread flyers around your neighborhood or local schools advertising the subjects you offer, your rates, and available services.

• Charge by the hour or per lesson. Make sure your fees match the effectiveness of your teaching and the effort you put in.
• For instance, if you're helping a child with algebra using flashcards, your fee would be lower than when you're guiding them through an essay assignment.
• Prepare for each tutoring session by reviewing materials, buying textbooks or workbooks, and asking your student what they’re learning in school or what areas they find difficult.

If you're good with your hands, offer to paint nails for friends and earn a little extra money. All you need are a few bottles of nail polish and some creativity to set up your own "nail salon". Charge more for artistic nail designs, glitter, or gemstone embellishments. Offer discounts for clients who get both their hands and feet done. For example, if a manicure costs 100,000 VND and a pedicure costs 120,000 VND, you might charge 200,000 VND for both to encourage people to get both done.

• Watch tutorial videos online to learn how to create floral patterns, swirling designs, or star shapes on nails.
• Trim nails, massage hands with cuticle cream, or remove old polish to earn a little more money.

Become a paper delivery person if there is a route available in your area. You can contact local newspapers to check if there are routes in your neighborhood. Every morning, you'll collect papers and cycle to each house to deliver them, or you can ask your parents for a ride. Most papers need to be delivered early, around 5 a.m., so you'll have to be ready to wake up at the crack of dawn.

• In the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for a newspaper delivery person is $11.48 per hour.
• If you don’t want to work every day, you can team up with two or three friends and take turns.
• Many successful individuals, including Walt Disney, Warren Buffett, and Tom Cruise, started their careers delivering newspapers.

Take recyclable materials to a recycling center if they buy them. Many recycling centers will pay you a small fee per kilogram. You can go around your neighborhood collecting items like bottles, cans, old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and milk cartons, and then ask your parents to take you to the nearest recycling center in exchange for cash.

• Some recycling centers require you to prepare the items before bringing them in, such as rinsing cans or removing bottle caps. Make sure to call ahead and ask about their rules.
• To know which plastic items can be recycled, look for the recycling symbol (three arrows forming a triangle) on the bottom or back of packaging. If the number inside the triangle is 1 or 2, that material is recyclable. If it’s 3, 6, or 7, it can’t be recycled. If the number is 4 or 5, ask the recycling center.

• Avoid dangerous neighborhoods and untrustworthy neighbors.
• Be cautious when interacting with strangers. Some strangers may try to enter your house or invite you into theirs. Never accept such offers, and always be accompanied by your parents when around unfamiliar people.
• Ensure that any tasks you take on have your parents' approval.
• Never take things that aren't yours and try to sell them. Remember, stealing is illegal and can lead to serious trouble.