ways for 11-year-old to earn money
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Anonymous
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My son gets a small allowance, but has an increasingly expensive hobby of taking apart, rebuilding, and building electronics and computers. I don't care to fund this any longer as it just keeps eating into our family budget and he's used up most of his birthday and Christmas gift money received from family.
We live in a very busy area, in an apartment building. So, not someplace he can mow lawns or walk dogs...typical things he could try to do in a more relaxed neighborhood. He's watered plants and earned a little bit when neighbors travel, but that's not often. Any suggestions? |
Anonymous
| Hes almost old enough for babysitting and def old enough for mother's helper. Like play with toddlers while parents make dinner. |
Anonymous
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He could offer to do basic mother’s helper sorts of things. He seems like a responsible kid, so maybe a neighbor would want him to just play with a younger kid while the parent cooks dinner or gets something done. It wouldn’t be babysitting per se—he’s young for that—but just helping out.
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Anonymous
Haha, we both posted at the same time! |
Anonymous
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Easiest might be extra chores from you.
Is there anything you outsource that you could pay him to do instead? Or would be willing to pay to have done because you are too busy? Cleaning, laundry, meal prep, errands, etc? |
Anonymous
| If your apartment building allows pets there might still be a need for dog walking. Maybe there are residents that need help with weekly chores like taking the trash out of the building or bringing groceries up to their apartment. |
Anonymous
He already does lots of chores, but not with a price tag attached. If that weren't the case, this would work but I sure don't want to change the current dynamic 
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Anonymous
Thank you! |
Anonymous
I have chores my kids do for free because they live here, and chores I pay for. They understand the difference but I can see not wanting to disrupt a system that's working! |
Anonymous
| He could be paid to be a friendly visitor to elderly folks/rent a grandkid. There might be couples where one is well and one is ill. Make it clear he isn't a caregiver or aide, but he could come over and play board games, chat, engage in hobbies, etc. It's better as volunteer work for things like honor society, but he could try it as a business as long as he doesn't charge much and knows he must not accept extra gifts from them. |
Anonymous
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What chores do you all have for your 11 year old? paid and unpaid -- looking for ideas
sorry to hijack, OP |
Anonymous
| Or, try the buy nothing group for free parts. |
Anonymous
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My 11 year old, who sometimes walks the neighbor's dog for a little money, is fully capable of giving violin lessons, since she's been playing for years, and plays/teaches well. But she hasn't pulled the trigger at this time. She belongs to an online gaming community where she writes short stories and produces digital art on commission for members, BUT it's not for real money - just game money to pay for stuff in the game. However, it's excellent practice. |
Anonymous
I have a 10yo. She has to empty the dishwasher because I hate doing it. Probably every 2 or 3 days. Feed the dogs and let them out twice a week. Bring in the trash can and recycling. Set the table for dinner which is really just putting out placemats. Things I don’t consider chores but she has to do, make her bed every day, clothes in hsmper, feed her fish. |
Anonymous
My 11 year old’s regular chores (not paid) are: fold and put away her laundry; make her bed; pick up her stuff from her room and the playroom before the cleaning people come every other week; wipe down the table after breakfast and dinner; put her clothes that she wants washed in the laundry. Things I pay for: washing the insides of windows/glass doors; sweeping the kitchen, dining areas, and front entry; putting sunscreen on her sibling at camp; weeding the flower beds/front walk. |