Chores for Kids to Earn Money | A Parenting Guide
As a parent, one of the most important things to me is to teach the value of money by giving chores for kids to earn money. I want them to understand that money doesn’t grow on trees (even though they are convinced there is an unlimited supply) because let’s be honest, these kids these days have such expensive tastes.
When we were young, we didn’t obsess over the type of phone we wanted; phones weren’t even a thing. The only phone I remember playing with was a toy one, and it sounded like an ice cream truck. So, for this entitled lot, we need to teach them the importance of earning things, or we stand to deal with a generation of slackers. Hence, I’ve come up with a list of chores that kids can do to earn money!
Best Chores For Kids To Make Money
I remember when I was a kid, my parents used to give me a list of pocket money chores every week. It always seemed like such a monumental task at the time, but looking back I can see how it taught me the value of hard work and responsibility.
From cooking (well, I was no chef back then, in fact, I could burn water) to keeping shop (we owned a video store way back when), there were always plenty of chores to keep me busy. And while it was sometimes frustrating to have to give up my free time to do them, I always felt a sense of pride and accomplishment when I completed the tasks on my list.
Pocket money chores are a great way for kids to learn about the value of work, and I’m grateful that my parents taught me that lesson at an early age. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
20 Ways For A Child To Earn Money
Having kids do chores around the house is not only a great way to teach them responsibility, but it can also be a bonding experience (ha-ha, as if). Honestly, in my household, it mostly consists of my tween and teen moaning and groaning the entire time.
Anyway, here are chore ideas that are perfect for kids (well, not my kids, according to them, I am the worst mom ever):
Bonus chore before we start- if they do not like to read because, say for example, they can’t get away from technology, then you may need to pay them to finish a book. The benefits of reading are documented, but I understand that if it comes down to a choice between a book and tech, then we know what our kids are choosing.
1. Vacuuming
Kids love to see the results of their hard work, and vacuuming is a great way to give them a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to teach them about dust and allergies.
2. Dusting
Dusting is another chore that kids can get into. They will love seeing all the dust they’ve collected in their dust clothes.
3. Laundry
Laundry is a great chore for teaching kids about basic hygiene and how to take care of their clothes. It’s also a good opportunity to show them how to sort laundry by color and fabric type.
4. Dishes
Doing dishes or packing away the dishes is one of those chores that most kids dread, but it’s important to teach them how to properly wash and sanitize dishes or pack away the dishes properly. This is also a good time to talk about food safety (ha-ha again, you are lucky if you get this right). This is my daughter’s chore, and she mostly just scowls through the whole process.
5. Cleaning the bathroom
Cleaning the bathroom is a great way to teach kids about germs and why it’s important to keep things clean. Plus, they’ll love seeing the toilet sparkle when they’re done (not really, but I do live in hope).
6. Making their bed
Making their bed is a simple chore (not so simple for my son, who seems to fake making his bed and hopes I don’t notice) that can teach kids about responsibility and pride in their personal space. It’s also a good way to start the day on a positive note.
7. Taking out the trash
Taking out the trash is one chore that most kids don’t mind doing. They’ll love being able to say “I did it!” when they put the trash can out on the curb for pickup.
8. Wiping up spills
Spills happen, but that doesn’t mean someone else has to clean them up. Show your kids how to be proactive by cleaning up spills as soon as they happen. They’ll be proud of themselves for being such good helpers.
9. Sweeping the floor
Sweeping is another simple chore that can really make a difference in how clean your house looks and feels. Kids will love being able to see the progress they’re making as they sweep away all the dirt and dust. This is one (if not the only) task that my teenage daughter enjoys.
10. Yard work
Yard work is a great way for kids to get outside and get some exercise. Yard work can include tasks such as raking leaves, cleaning the pool, or picking up dog poo.
11. Putting away toys
Putting away toys may not seem like much of a chore, but it’s an important life skill. Teaching kids how to neaten up after themselves will help them immensely when they’re older and have to deal with things like bills and taxes!
12. Water plants
Watering plants is a great way to teach kids about the importance of taking care of living things. Show them how different plants need different amounts of water and why it’s important to stick to a watering schedule [1]. My son enjoys growing seeds with his dad so this one is one he doesn’t mind.
13. Clean windows
Cleaning windows can be a fun chore for kids, and they will love seeing how much brighter their world looks after the windows are sparkling clean. Honestly, I usually do this alone as my kids make all sorts of excuses not to help, maybe I should offer more money?
14. Setting the table
Setting the table is a great way to teach kids how to be polite and considerate of others. Plus, they’ll love being able to help out during meal times. This is my son’s chore and he likes it (well, sometimes).
15. Cleaning shoes
Cleaning their shoes helps kids learn about taking care of their possessions and looking their best.
16. Washing the car
This is a fun chore that kids will actually enjoy doing. Show them the right way to wash and wax a car, and they’ll be begging you to let them do it every weekend! Well, again in all honesty, my husband is quite weary about letting just anyone near his car; he is, shall we say, very protective.
17. Looking after pets
Teach your kids to take responsibility for feeding, brushing, and loving their pets. Our rascal, beloved German Shepherds are called Grumpy and Percy
18. Organizing closets
Helping them organize the clothes in their closet will help teach them the importance of tidiness and organization. Plus, they’ll have more room to store new items!
19. Doing odd jobs for neighbors
Doing odd jobs for neighbors is a great way for kids to make some extra money. Examples of these tasks may include mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or shoveling snow. Not only are these activities good exercise and great learning opportunities, but they also teach children about responsibility and the value of hard work
20. Making meals
Cooking is a fantastic way to teach kids about nutrition and food safety. Plus, they’ll love being able to show off their culinary skills when dinner time comes around! This is the one thing my kids sometimes (and I mean sometimes) actually enjoy so long as they get to eat it after.
Daily Chores For Kids To Earn Money
In these modern times of rearing our kids, we face challenges of these years unlike any other generation, as we face insurmountable 21st-century influences. However, teaching valuable lessons remains so if you’re looking for ways to help your child make some money to teach them responsibility and independence, here are a few ideas:
Age-appropriate chores for earning pocket money
Chores for Preschoolers (Ages 4 to 6):
- Put away toys
- Wipe down the table
- Sort laundry
- Fold clothes
- Put dirty clothes in the hamper
- Dust with a child-safe duster
- Unload the silverware from the dishwasher (if you have a dishwasher)
Chores for Elementary School Kids (Ages 6 to 10):
- Make their bed
- Set the table
- Clear the table
- Take out the trash
- Sweep or mop the floor
- Vacuum
- Water houseplants
- Feed pets
Money-earning chores for teenagers or tweens (Ages 11 and Up):
- Do laundry
- Help prepare meals or prepare meals
- Clean the bathroom
- Mow the lawn (if you have a lawn to mow)
- Walk the dog (or a neighbor’s dog)
- Wash the dishes/load the dishwasher, and clean the kitchen
- Clean their own bedrooms(from top to bottom)
Selling Items To Make Money For Kids
Crafty Creations:
- Baked Goods: Freshly baked cookies, muffins, or bread from a kid’s recipe can be a delicious treat.
- Decorated Goods: Painted rocks, flower pots, picture frames, or tote bags are great canvases for a kid’s artistic expression.
- Jewelry: Friendship bracelets, beaded key chains, or simple necklaces made from string and charms are easy to craft and popular.
- Greeting Cards: Handmade cards for birthdays, holidays, or blank notecards are a thoughtful and customizable option.
- Bath Products: Fizzing bath bombs, sugar scrubs, or lip balms can be made with kid-friendly recipes and natural ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, sugar, and essential oils.
Simple Recipe:
Bath bomb
-Wisk 1 cup baking soda, ½ cup citric soda, ½ cup Epsom salt and ½ cup corn-starch.
-In another bowl mix 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1tsp water, 15 drops of your favourite essential oils and your favourite food colouring.
-carefully add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, slowly mix two together and try not to make it fizz too much.
-mixture should be able to make shapes kind of like wet sand.
– put in mold (maybe hide a surprise in the centre ) then let it set for 24 hours.
- Stationery: Bookmarks or decorative magnets made from felt, paper or recycled materials can be both beautiful and useful.
- Baked Goods: Freshly baked cookies, muffins, or bread from a kid’s recipe can be a delicious treat. (Below is a short of one of my favourite recipes:)
From the Garden:
- Fresh Produce: Depending on the season and what grows well in your area, kids can sell vegetables, herbs, or even seedlings they’ve nurtured.
- Potpourri: Dried flowers, herbs, and spices arranged in decorative containers create a lovely and fragrant home accessory.
- Herb Kits: If you have a variety of herbs, create small starter kits with pots, soil, and herb seeds for aspiring gardeners.
As a mom I’ve discovered that to kids, chores are elective … but *money* is motivational. Ask my teens to clean their room and suddenly they’re “busy.” Mention selling old stuff or making stuff for cash and—boom—entrepreneurial spirit unlocked. From decluttering forgotten gadgets to flipping snacks and crafts, selling things turns teens into problem-solvers, negotiators, and surprisingly responsible humans. Turns out, when they earn their own money, they value it way more than my long lectures ever could.
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Before I let you go….
So, there you have it! A (hopefully) not-too-exhausting list of ways your little money-hungry monsters… I mean, adorable offspring… can earn some cash. Remember, this whole chore-for-pay thing is a win-win. You get a (slightly) cleaner house, and they get a taste of financial independence. Raising money-savvy kids doesn’t have to be all business. In fact, it can (and should) be a fun affair and family bonding experience! However, be warned: once your kids discover the joy of having their own cash, things might get a little…interesting.
Conclusion
Prepare for strategic “forgotten chores” conveniently remembered right before allowance day. Brace yourself for elaborate “business proposals” involving questionable pet-sitting services for the goldfish (pro tip: goldfish don’t need sitters).
But hey, at least they’ll be learning valuable life lessons, right? Like, the importance of a clean room (debatable), the power of negotiation (highly likely) so Everybody wins! What are some creative ways you’ve helped your kids make and save money?