Teaching children the value and rewards of hard work and earning their own money is an integral part of helping them to develop into responsible adults. Through this, they gain self-esteem, learn the real value of a dollar, and develop better saving and spending habits.

Share the list of jobs below with your pre-teens or teens for a variety of ways they can cash in this summer – and potentially even into the school year. 

The grass is always greener – Soak up the sun, get fit, and make spare cash than mowing lawns. Create fliers, and be sure to mention that you live in the neighborhood. Determine your fees based upon yard size, but try to keep the rates below the cost of professional services. Also, don't forget to include your phone number. Then, deliver the fliers to the homes in your neighborhood. You can lodge them between doorknobs or tuck them under doormats. Just don't place anything in mailboxes because it's illegal.

Young entrepreneur – Make the most of your neighbors' garage sales by setting up a refreshment stand in your front yard during their sales times. You'll need a small table and a handmade sign such as, "Cookies and Lemonade - 50 cents each." Set out a pitcher of lemonade or punch, disposable cups, and wrapped cookies. At the end of the sale, total your profits. If you have friends helping you, make sure to divide the profits evenly.

Too old for toys and games? – If so, clean out those you’ve outgrown, and hold a sale. Make a cardboard or wooden sign to attract neighborhood children and passersby. Then, place blankets in your front yard, and spread out your goods. Keep your prices reasonable. Don’t forget to put out a “25-cent box” filled with odds and ends that you sell for a quarter each.

Child care – Are you old enough to stay home alone? If so, you may be ready to babysit for other children. Spread the word through family, friends, and neighbors. Once you've gained experience, post fliers on the library, grocery, or laundromat bulletin boards. When babysitting, play games, and do activities with the children. Avoid talking on the phone or watching TV. Parents love sitters who keep their little ones busy. Also, don't forget to clean up and wash dirty dishes.

A little dirt never hurt – Garage cleaning is a big chore, especially for seniors, or anyone who just doesn't have the time. Offer your services to relatives and neighbors. When you get a job, be thorough. Move everything into the driveway or yard before you begin. Remove cobwebs with a broom. Sweep ledges and the garage floor. Then, hose the garage concrete (with permission) to loosen ground-in dirt. When it’s dry, neatly arrange everything back into the garage.

Fence finishing – Wood fencing requires ongoing maintenance. Offer to help your neighbors spruce up their yards by painting or staining their fences. The homeowner should supply the paint or stain and the necessary tools. Be sure to follow their directions. Also, take your time and do a careful job.

Window washing – Offering your services for this dreaded task is sure to be a success. If you get the job, make sure your parents know the homeowner and approve of you going inside. Clean the interiors of all windows, including doors. Also, don't forget to open the windows and clean the ledges and tracks. Offer to do exterior windows if you're tall enough to reach them without a ladder. Ask permission to hose them down to remove loose dirt. Then wash and dry them by hand.

Weeds away – Are weeds taking over your neighbors' flowerbeds? Offer to get them back into shape. Before you get started, find out which are plants versus flowers that haven't yet bloomed. When in doubt, ask before you pull them. Wear gloves to protect your hands, and hose the ground lightly to loosen roots. Pull weeds from rock beds, shrubbery, and cement cracks. Then dispose of them properly.

Dollars for duds– Have you hit another growth spurt? Ask your parents if you can consign your clothing that no longer fits. Search online for local consignment shops by using "resale," "used clothing," or "consignment" in your search terms. Find out the shops' policies. Then get your clothing ready. Wash and de-wrinkle, then hang or fold them neatly. Don't forget shoes, jackets, and pajamas, too.

Errands for seniors – Are there handicapped, disabled, or older persons in your neighborhood who could use a hand? Offer to run errands within walking or biking distance. Attach a basket to your bike, or carry a backpack for easy transporting. If you have your driver’s license, offer to do more distant runs.

Who’s walking who? – If you're looking for a new summer pal, why not make it man's best friend? Pass out fliers to offer your pet-walking services. Never run a dog unless the owner agrees. If the dog starts panting or doesn't want to run, never push it. Dogs can quickly overheat, which can kill them.

Make it shine – Round up your friends, and get ready for some cold, wet fun. Hold a car wash in your driveway or in a parking lot with permission from the property owner. Make a large, colorful "Car Wash" sign. Include your cost, setting it at no more than your local car wash charges. Have your supplies handy: a bucket of soapy water, rags or sponge, a hose, and plenty of dry towels.

News courier – Hop on your bike or blades, and spread the news—that is, deliver the news. Apply for a route with your local newspaper, or add your name to the waiting list. Place newspapers either in a newspaper box or on the front porch to make sure they’ll remain dry.

A volunteer vacation – Summer camps are always in need of volunteers. Contact those you’d like to attend, and ask how you can take part. You’ll need to know the age requirements, duties involved, and what activities you’ll be able to participate in. Summer camp staff and volunteers generally are not paid. However, the experience and the week away from home may be well worth it.

Old McDonald had a farm - You don’t have to be raised on a farm to make a good farmhand. Visit area farms, and offer your help. Work may include laboring in fields, to feeding and caring for livestock.

At your service – Offer home cleaning services to your neighbors. Plan to do the following tasks, unless other arrangements are made: dusting furniture and window ledges; vacuuming carpet and stairs; sweeping and mopping tile, linoleum, and wooden floors; scouring sinks, bathtubs, and toilets; shaking out rugs; vacuuming upholstered furniture; and making beds. Ask if straightening up is expected. Also, find out which cleaning products (supplied by the homeowner) to use on fixtures, appliances, and furniture to prevent damage.

Nurturer of nature – If you’re a nature lover, don’t forget about your local parks. Possible positions may include assisting with planned activities and events, maintaining park grounds, and tending ticket booths. Call area parks to find out what jobs they offer and how to apply. 

Tips for business success

Follow these tips for your safety and to increase your chances of getting more business and excellent referrals.

· Get your parents’ permission before accepting any job, and make sure they know where you’ll be.

· Dress for the type of job, and wear old clothes if the work could harm them.

· Discuss payment in advance to avoid disputes or hard feelings.

· Do your best. This will help you earn respect from your customers and make you feel good about yourself. It will also likely affect whether you are hired again and can use that person as a reference for future jobs.

· If you make a mistake, don’t ignore it or try to cover it up. Inform your employer, offer your apologies, and ask what can be done to remedy it. Your honesty will likely make your employer overlook the error.

· Be on time. Call right away if you'll be late or can't make it.