As a kid, making money can be exciting, fulfilling and empowering. It can teach them the value of hard work, financial responsibility and savings. While traditional jobs may not be an option, kids can still explore various fun and easy ways to earn money. Here are some tips on how to make money for kids ages 9-12:
Fundraising through crowdfunding
Crowdfunding has gained popularity as an efficient and effective way to raise money. It allows individuals or groups to seek financial support for a cause, business or project through online platforms. Kids can seek funding for their passion projects, charity drives, art creations or inventions.
The crowdfunding process involves developing a pitch video or text, setting a funding goal, offering incentives to backers and promoting the campaign on social media or email. Websites like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, Indiegogo or Crowdfunder UK are popular for crowdfunding campaigns. Encourage your child to plan well, make a persuasive pitch and deliver on their promises to their backers.
Selling handmade crafts or services
Kids can turn their creativity into cash by making handmade crafts or offering services like dog walking, gardening, car washing or babysitting. They can sell their goods or services to friends, family or neighbors. Kids can also set up a stall or shop at a local market, fair or event. This can help them develop communication, sales and customer service skills.
To make their crafts or services stand out, kids can focus on quality, uniqueness or customization. They can also use social media or online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, Redbubble or Fiverr to reach a wider audience. However, ensure that the products or services comply with relevant laws, regulations and safety standards.
Participating in online surveys or reviews
Kids can earn money by sharing their opinions on various products or services through online surveys or reviews. Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Opinion Outpost or Toluna offer rewards or cash for surveys or reviews. Kids can create their profiles, complete their surveys and accumulate points or cash. The surveys may ask for personal information, so be sure to review the privacy policy and supervise your child’s activities.
Another option is to participate in paid online focus groups or user testing for new apps or websites. Websites like UserTesting, TryMyUI or Respondent pay for feedback and insights on usability or user experience. This can help kids develop analytical, critical thinking and communication skills.
Investing in stocks or mutual funds
Kids can learn about the world of investing and grow their money through stocks or mutual funds. Encourage your child to do their research, read books or articles, and seek advice from a financial advisor or a parent. They can start with small amounts and slowly build their portfolio. Websites like Stockpile, Stash or Robinhood offer kid-friendly investment platforms.
Investing can teach kids about risk management, diversification, compound interest and long-term planning. However, it’s important to note that the stock market can be volatile and investments can fluctuate in value. Make sure to monitor the investments periodically and have discussions with your child about the ups and downs.
Making YouTube videos
Kids can also create their own YouTube channels and monetize their videos through ads or sponsorships. They can focus on their interests or hobbies, such as gaming, cooking, dancing or science experiments. Encourage your child to plan their content, develop their skills, engage with their audience and follow YouTube’s community guidelines.
To monetize their videos, YouTube requires the channel to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. Kids can also partner with companies or brands that align with their niche or values. However, ensure that the content is appropriate, lawful and respects others’ intellectual property.
Completing odd jobs for neighbors or relatives
Kids can offer to do odd jobs for neighbors or relatives, such as cleaning gutters, organizing garages or washing cars. This can help them develop a network, build trust and establish a reputation. They can negotiate their rates or offer to work for free initially to build their portfolio.
However, ensure that the jobs are age-appropriate, safe and legal. Kids should also communicate with their clients effectively, show professionalism and complete the tasks on time.
Organizing a garage sale or lemonade stand
Kids can also earn money by organizing a garage sale or lemonade stand. They can gather items they no longer need, such as toys, clothes, books or electronics, and sell them at a reasonable price. They can also offer lemonade, cookies or snacks to attract customers.
These activities can teach kids about entrepreneurship, marketing, pricing and money management. They can also develop grit, resilience and problem-solving skills by handling unexpected situations, such as bad weather or low sales.
Performing in talent shows or competitions
Kids can showcase their talents and earn money by participating in talent shows or competitions. They can sing, dance, act, play an instrument or do magic tricks. These events can be organized by schools, community centers or local organizations.
Kids may need to prepare thoroughly, rehearse their performance, dress appropriately and perform with confidence. They may also have to pay an entry fee or compete with other talented kids. However, participating in these events can boost their self-esteem, creativity and stage presence.
Starting a blog or podcast
Kids can also start their own blog or podcast and share their thoughts, ideas or stories on various topics, like sports, fashion or technology. They can use free blogging platforms like WordPress, Wix or Squarespace, or podcasting platforms like Anchor, Buzzsprout or Podbean. They can also monetize their content through ads, sponsorships or affiliate marketing.
To build their audience, kids can use social media, SEO, email marketing or collaborations with other bloggers or podcasters. They can also seek feedback, interact with their listeners and improve their skills. However, ensure that the content is respectful, factual and original.
Teaching skills or tutoring
Kids can also teach skills they are good at or tutor younger kids in their neighborhood or school. They can teach coding, photography, drawing, crafting or a foreign language. They can also help younger kids with homework or test preparation.
Teaching or tutoring can help kids enhance their leadership, teaching, communication and empathy skills. They can also earn money while doing something they enjoy. However, ensure that the lessons are age-appropriate, accurate and effective. Kids should also respect the privacy and safety of their students.
Creating and selling eBooks or courses
Kids can also create and sell eBooks or online courses on topics they are knowledgeable or passionate about. They can write a story, a recipe book, a how-to guide or a course on mindfulness or creativity. They can sell their products on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Udemy, Teachable or Skillshare.
To create quality products, kids can research their niche, plan their content, edit their work and design their book covers or graphics. They can also use social proof, reviews or free samples to attract potential buyers. However, ensure that the content is original, useful and ethical.
Offering pet care or dog walking services
Kids can offer pet care or dog walking services to busy or traveling pet owners in their neighborhood or online. They can walk dogs, feed pets, groom animals or pick up pet waste. They can also offer to babysit or entertain pets at their homes or in their clients’ homes.
Pet care or dog walking can help kids develop a love for animals, a sense of responsibility and safety awareness. They can also earn tips or recurring business through satisfied clients. However, ensure that the services are safe, reliable and respectful of the pets’ needs and behavior.
Reviewing and promoting products or services on social media
Kids can also review and promote products or services they love or use on social media platforms. They can post a picture or video of themselves with the product or service, write a review or recommend it to their followers. Companies or brands may offer free products or compensation for positive reviews or referrals.
However, kids should disclose their relationship with the company or brand, be honest and authentic in their reviews, and avoid promoting products or services that are unsafe, inappropriate or harmful. They should also respect the terms and conditions of social media platforms, such as minimum age requirements and advertising policies.
Vlogging or live streaming on social media
Kids can also vlog or live stream their daily life or their adventures on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram or TikTok. They can share their hobbies, travel, fashion or challenges with their followers. They can earn money through ads, sponsorships or merchandise sales.
To attract viewers, kids can focus on their unique personality, creativity, humor or authenticity. They can also collaborate with other creators or participate in viral trends or challenges. However, ensure that the content is respectful, lawful and age-appropriate. Supervise your child’s activities and protect their privacy.
Conclusion
Kids ages 9-12 have several fun and easy ways to earn money while learning important life skills. From fundraising through crowdfunding to vlogging on social media, kids can explore their creativity, knowledge or passion and turn them into cash. Encourage your child to choose the activity that suits their interests, strengths and goals, and supervise their activities to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
FAQs about Making Money for Kids Ages 9-12
- 1. What are the best ways for kids to make money? Some of the best ways for kids to make money include crowdfunding, selling handmade crafts or services, participating in online surveys or reviews, investing in stocks or mutual funds, making YouTube videos, and completing odd jobs for neighbors or relatives.
- 2. What are the risks and benefits of investing in stocks or mutual funds? The benefits of investing in stocks or mutual funds include potential growth of your money, diversification of your portfolio, and learning about financial markets. The risks include volatility and fluctuations in the market, loss of principal and dividends, and exposure to scams or fraud. Kids should do their research, seek advice from experts, and start small.
- 3. What should kids consider before starting a blog or podcast? Kids should consider their niche or topic, target audience, type of content, platform, format, promotion strategy and monetization options. They should also research the legal, ethical and copyright issues related to blogging or podcasting, and ensure that the content is respectful, original and useful.
- 4. How can kids ensure that their online activities are safe and secure? Kids should follow some basic online safety tips, such as protecting their personal information, using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links or downloads, and reporting cyberbullying or harassment. Parents or guardians can also use parental controls, monitor their children’s online activities and have open and honest conversations about online risks and benefits.
References:
- How to make money as a kid: 49 ideas – https://www.listenmoneymatters.com/how-to-make-money-as-kid/
- How kids can start a business at a young age – https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-kids-can-start-a-business-at-a-young-age-4161475
- 10 ways for kids to make money – https://www.thespruce.com/ways-for-kids-to-make-money-3542506
- Investing basics for teens – https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investment-products/mutual-funds-and-exchange-traded
- YouTube monetization guide – https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/earn-money.html