Are you a parent of a 12-year-old looking for ways for your child to earn some extra money? Whether they want to save up for something special or just have some spending money, there are plenty of suitable tasks and activities out there. But finding the right one can be challenging. Keep reading to discover the best activities for 12-year-olds that pay, how to get your child started, and some tips to ensure their success.
Also, we’ll dive into how kids can earn money using the Modak Makers app and how they can use their Visa debit card¹, designed for kids and teens, to receive payments for jobs or allowances without any monthly subscription fees⁴.
Children can start part-time jobs at 13, so 12-year-olds typically have to rely on informal work. This includes assisting their parents or doing small tasks for relatives, friends, and neighbors. Although this might seem discouraging, it doesn’t mean that 12-year-olds can’t find ways to earn money through various odd jobs.
Encouraging your child to participate in chores and activities after school can help them learn skills like responsibility, time management, and money management. Plus, it can be a fun and rewarding experience that gives them a sense of independence. So, what kind of activities are suitable for a 12-year-old?
When looking for a job for your child, it's important to consider what they enjoy doing and what they are capable of. Here are some great options for a 12-year-old kid:
Babysitting is a classic activity for young teens. If your child enjoys spending time with kids and is responsible, this could be a great fit. Make sure they take a babysitting course to learn the basics and get some practice before starting or teach them yourself.
Courses often cover essential skills like child safety, first aid, and how to handle emergencies. Babysitting can be done during evenings and weekends, making it easy to balance with school activities.
If your child loves animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a perfect option. They can offer to take care of pets while their owners are away or take dogs for walks. A fun way for them to spend time with animals and earn money!
Helping neighbors with yard work and gardening can be a great way for your child to earn money, especially in the spring and summer. They can mow lawns, rake leaves, water plants, and more. These tasks are perfect for kids who enjoy being outdoors and don't mind a bit of hard work.
Some people need help keeping their homes clean and tidy. Your child can offer to do chores like vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes, and more. A simple way for them to earn money and help out their neighbors at the same time.
House cleaning can also help your child develop good habits and a strong work ethic. They can start with small tasks and gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain confidence.
Washing cars is another good option for kids. Your child can set up a car wash station in your neighborhood and offer to clean cars for a fee. Make sure they use the right cleaning products and do a thorough job to keep customers happy.This job is ideal for the warmer months and can be a social activity if it involves friends or siblings. Additionally, they can offer packages that include exterior and interior cleaning for extra earnings.
A lemonade stand is a classic summer job that can teach kids the basics of running a small business. They can set up a stand in a busy area and sell refreshing drinks to passersby. This job helps them learn about costs, pricing, customer service, and profit. Plus, it's a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon and meet new people in the neighborhood.
If your child is good at a subject, they can help younger kids or classmates by tutoring them. Students can do tutoring after school or on weekends, and they can find it extremely rewarding. Your child can help others improve their grades while reinforcing their own knowledge. This also enhances their communication and teaching skills.
In the digital age, many young people are finding success with online content creation. If your child likes making videos, writing, or creating art, they can start a YouTube channel, blog, or social media page. They can share their interests, teach others, or simply entertain. Over time, they can monetize their content through ads, sponsorships, or merchandise sales. This activity requires creativity, consistency, and the ability to engage an audience.
While your kid does any of these tasks, with the Modak app, they can earn an extra $255 a year just by walking³. This feature combines perfectly with jobs that require greater physical movement such as walking dogs or doing garden work.
However, this may be a side hustle that any 12-year-old can do while incorporating the healthy habit of walking 5,000 steps a day. Modak’s “Walk to Earn” feature rewards kids with MBX points, which convert to dollars. By reaching daily walking goals, your child can earn up to 70 MBX per week². A sum that impacts a child's savings over time.
The amount of money your child can earn depends on the type of activity and how much time they can dedicate to it. Here are some average earnings for the jobs we've mentioned:
Remember, these are just averages. Your child might earn more or less depending on where you live and the specific activity they do.
Searching for a job for your 12-year-old may present a challenge, but here are some tips to help them get started:
Let your family and friends know that your child is looking for “work”. They might have tasks for them or know someone who does. Word of mouth is a powerful tool!
Help your child make a flyer or business card with their name, age, the services they offer, and their contact information. Distribute them in your neighborhood and always make sure to properly vet any potential 'employers' to ensure the safety of your child.
If you're comfortable with it, use social media to let people know your child is looking for a side hustle. Platforms like Facebook can be a great way to reach a lot of people quickly. Remember, make sure to vet properly any potential "employers" to ensure your child's comfort and safety.
Teach your child to be professional when they find a job. They should arrive on time, do their best work, and be polite and respectful. This will help them build a good reputation and get more activities in the future.
Here are some additional tips to help your child succeed in their job search and make the most of their work:
When they're just starting, encourage them to take on small tasks to build their experience and confidence. As they gain more skills, they can take on bigger and more challenging tasks.
Help your child set specific financial goals for what they want to achieve with their job. This could be saving a certain amount of money or learning a new skill. Having clear goals will keep them motivated and focused.
Balancing school, activities, and other tasks can be challenging. Teach your child to manage their time well so they can do everything they need to without feeling overwhelmed.
When your child starts earning money, it's important to teach them to save and spend wisely. Consider setting up a savings goal for something they truly want. This will help them learn good money management habits that will benefit them in the long run.
While traditional jobs can help kids earn money, modern technology also offers valuable opportunities. At Modak Makers, our app teaches kids essential money management skills and rewards them for completing everyday activities, making learning about finances engaging and fun.
Modak helps teens handle their money wisely by offering a VISA Debit Card¹ with no monthly subscription fees⁴ and 24/7 customer support. The app is designed to be safe and easy for kids to use, with parental oversight. Parents can set up chores, create savings goals, and monitor transactions, while kids learn valuable money management skills.
With the Modak app, kids can earn MBX points by completing challenges, including financial challenges and our "Walk to Earn" feature. By reaching walking goals, children can earn up to 70 MBX⁽²⁾⁽³⁾ per week.
These points can be converted to dollars and added directly to their Modak debit card, giving them real money to spend. This means they can earn up to $255 in a year just by walking!³
If you're looking for a fun and educational way for your child to earn and manage money, the Modak app is a great option. Get started with Modak Makers today and help your child take control of their financial future!
Encouraging them to take initiative and be proactive in seeking opportunities will also be beneficial. By taking these steps, your child will be well on their way to building a strong foundation for their future success. Happy job hunting!
