Jobs That Children Can Do

CEBU, Philippines - It’s the summer school break. The kids are mostly at home for a much deserved respite from months of study. Actually, it is also a good time to learn a couple of other useful things.

Many kids are old enough to learn skills that, if put to good use, they could earn from. It is good training, as well, in self-sufficiency and financial independence. It is good for parents, too, since the kids will have learned to earn their own money, the parents will be a little relieved of the burden of providing the kids with pocket money when school returns.

Well, the more realistic probability is that parents will still have to provide the kids with pocket money at school – but perhaps the amount will no longer have to be that much. Likely, the kids will now know better how to manage their money, because they will have seen how it is to earn it. Or, since the kids will have learned how to earn their own money, Mom and Dad don’t have to provide them the entire amount of their pocket money.

If the kid is old enough to begin developing a work ethic and to learn new skills, then the summer break is a good time to train him or her. Aside from developing a sense of independence, it’s also important for children to have a mindset that they can chip in and help in running the household by contributing little essentials. Allowing kids to work, whether it’s for earning money or as helping hands around the house, is a great way to train them on holding some responsibility, develop a healthy sense of self or self- esteem, and to mature both emotionally and socially.

Your child may have already asked you about the possibility of earning money by working around the house. Or, he or she may be interested in working outside of your home. If your child has approached you about the possibility of finding a job, refrain from discouraging him or her. Rather, use this opportunity to help your child find a way to embrace work and brainstorm ideas.  

Many parents think their kids out on the subject of jobs. They assume there are no jobs available to their 12-to-13-year olds, but that’s not the case. And big kids who are ready for jobs shouldn’t worry – jobs are everywhere.

Relatives, friends and neighbors might be in need of temporary services that children can provide. Parents only need to help their kids develop the necessary skills for the services needed. An old couple might need help in watering their house plants, or a hard-of-sight neighbor might need someone to read to him the daily newspaper.

Housecleaning is another potential job area. The good thing about training the kids with housecleaning skills is that it is very useful at home, as well. Only that it should not be for income purposes for the kids if they do housecleaning in their own home; they shall be rewarded in other ways for their services at home.

Children can learn important skills by completing everyday chores around the house. In other words, kids train at home for skills they can then peddle around. Parents shall bear in mind that encouraging the kids’ entrepreneurial dreams is part of the training.

Even such little things as walking a neighbor’s dog, cleaning old Mrs. Cruz’s refrigerator on weekends, or running errands for a busy couple – these simple chores can be a source of income for kids. And so do sweeping the yard or trimming the lawn. There are actually a lot of things kids can do for some income during the summer break – and, who knows, they may continue with it on the sides as they go back to school. Jericho Manguera (FREEMAN)