Are there some neighborhood blogs he could post on, kind of a 12 year old jack of all trades? I saw someone looking for a sports "tutor" of sorts for her kids once on a list serve so you never know what the neighbors need help with. Could he do any homework help/tutoring with younger kids?
And let me just say, good for your son for his work ethic!! Really, I think teaching kids how to just honest to goodness work has been lost on a lot of parents. I know academics and tons of activities are important (but really we over do in this area), but nothing will serve your kids better as adults than just knowing how to be independent, earn a living and never being too good or too proud to do any job if that what it takes. Your son sounds like a good kid!!

Are there some neighborhood blogs he could post on, kind of a 12 year old jack of all trades? I saw someone looking for a sports "tutor" of sorts for her kids once on a list serve so you never know what the neighbors need help with. Could he do any homework help/tutoring with younger kids?
And let me just say, good for your son for his work ethic!! Really, I think teaching kids how to just honest to goodness work has been lost on a lot of parents. I know academics and tons of activities are important (but really we over do in this area), but nothing will serve your kids better as adults than just knowing how to be independent, earn a living and never being too good or too proud to do any job if that what it takes. Your son sounds like a good kid!!

At 12 I was babysitting.

14 is the minimum age for a "real" job, and I think at 14 the maximum hours you can work is 20; 30 at 15; 40 at 16. And yes, you need a form signed by your parents.

I did the DC Summer Youth Employment Program at 14, which is still around. Good way to get your first "real" job.

http://does.dc.gov/service/summer-youth-employment-program

How about starting a business making customized pizzas on Friday night? And sell them to neighbors and friends for family Friday night pizza. I know someone who was into cooking and made specialized pizzas for his co-workers. They often said he should have turned that into a business rather than doing it as a favor or gift.

I think this is awesome of your son!

Has he attended summer camps in the past? Does he play a sport?

OP here. We're in DC but could travel to VA. Looks like we'll have to wait at least a couple of years. This is great feedback. Thanks.

Anonymous wrote:I think 14 is old enough to bag at some grocery stores. Some places might let you volunteer or be a counselor's aid at 12-13. Keep asking around.

He definitely doesn't have to wait until he's 16.

In VA, he can get an official work permit at age 14 from his school, which a parent needs to sign.
http://www.doli.virginia.gov/laborlaw/laborlaw_childworkpermits1.html

Mowing lawns?

I think 14 is old enough to bag at some grocery stores. Some places might let you volunteer or be a counselor's aid at 12-13. Keep asking around.

He definitely doesn't have to wait until he's 16.

Also - maybe a CIT at a camp? I think you need to pay but it is an great way to gain formal experience.

OP here. Family helper is a good idea and one we haven't thought of. He loves being outside, loves caring for plants and animals. So he's watered gardens for neighbors on vacations, walked dogs, taken care of pets on vacation. FOr his school he does community service work picking up litter in parks. He'll sees staff picking up litter at a theme park and asks, "Why can't I get a job doing that?" The answer is, I think, you have to be at least 16 or so.

Ooh, soliciting the neighbors sounds like a great idea! We are amazed at how few kids in our neighborhood advertise for odd jobs and babysitting! Can't find them... We'd love to have an afternoon helper, someone who pulls weeds or rakes leaves!

Is he good with kids? If I had a 3-6 son, I'd love to hire a big brother type, as a "family helper".

What kind of stuff is he good at?

Seems these days you have to be 16 to have a real job. Wonder if there are different age limits for DC, MD, VA. (I started much earlier when I lived in small town midwest, but rules were different there and then, I think.) In the meantime, he'll solicit the neighbors for odd jobs. Just wonder what the entry point (age and otherwise) is for a kid that wants a real job?