Today’s blog is for Kathy Moreno who is struggling to take care of her 14 year old nephew.

I know it can be hard to ask the children in our lives to make sacrifices and to help out when times are tough and money is tight. But I think it can actually be good for them to pitch in and contribute to both their own and the family’s financial needs, within reason, of course. Here are some healthy reasons to encourage children (over the age of 12) to find ways to help out financially:

1.  It will empower them to know they can actually make money on their own.

2. It encourages them to be creative with their gifts and talents.

3. It will increase their self-esteem.

4. It will provide them with valuable life experience.

5. It will keep them from feeling victimized by their circumstances.

6. It will teach them to understand the meaning and value of money.

7. It is life-changing to learn that if you truly want something, you have the capacity
to find ways to earn and create it for yourself.

Now, all this being said, children under the age of 14 are generally not permitted to work a “real” job and work should never interfere with a child’s education. But there are things any young person can do after school to make money. Here’s a few ideas to encourage your kids
to consider as possible work opportunities:

1. Take a babysitting course online or at your local community center. Create a flyer and post it and email it to all your parents friends, etc. Babysitters make $8 -$10 an hour.

2. Create your own lawn mowing service – make a flyer and pass it out. If you don’t have your own lawn mower, just use theirs.

3. Go to local shop owners in your area and offer your services as a window washer. The cleaner their windows are, the better their customers can see their goods.

4. If you’re artisitic, offer to paint window ads in storefronts.

5. If you’re very good in school, become a paid tutor. This can pay very well!

6. If you’re 16 or older, get an after-school job or work on week-ends. Always apply in person,
dressed nicely, have a great attitude and be personable. It’s okay to let people know you’re trying to work to help out your family. People will respect you for it.

It’s important to know that there is no shame in needing to work when you’re young. I can tell you from my own personal experience that there’s nothing more empowering than learning that you can in fact, create your own reality.

As parents and guardians, when our children know this, we can rest assured that they will be always be okay in the world.

Peace and Blessings!