15 Chores for 12 Year Olds to Earn Money

Introduction
Let’s talk about getting your kids to pitch in around the house, teaching them how to manage their own money, and even getting them to buy some of their own stuff with their own money. Yes, it’s possible, and I’m going to show you how you can do it.

What’s the Right Age to Start Doing Chores

What if I told you that you can become a CEO before you even get your driver’s license? We’re talking about young Mavericks with real businesses, like 10-year-old Ryan Kelly, one of the youngest contestants to appear on Shark Tank, who has his own dog treat business called Ryan’s Bakery.

There’s also Mikaila Ulmer, who took the classic lemonade stand to the next level when she founded BeeSweet Lemonade at just 11 years old. These kids are living proof that in the business world, age ain’t nothing but a number.

If you’re a kid with an entrepreneurial spirit and you’re looking to make your own money, here are 15 simple ways to do just that.

Chores for 12 Years Old to earn money

Here are the 15 chores for 12 year olds to earn money easily:

Do Household Chores

Here’s a sneaky way to earn some pocket money. Kids are expected to help around the house, right? This is also the perfect chance to teach a valuable lesson: money is something that has to be earned. Ask your parents nicely if they’re willing to pay you an allowance for folding laundry or dusting furniture. Not only will you work hard for your money, but you’ll also help take a load off mom and dad’s shoulders.

1.   Mow Lawns

Before offering this type of service, make sure you can handle a lawnmower on your own. Ask neighbors if anyone wants their lawn spruced up for a small fee. Remember to ask how they prefer their lawns to be clipped and avoid areas they don’t want mowed.

2.   Rake Leaves

Another yard cleaning service you can offer is raking leaves. Most people hate doing this themselves, so it’s a perfect opportunity for you. Pair it with mowing lawns as a bundle for more cash.

3. Shovel Snow

One of the biggest pains of winter is snow removal. Shoveling can be difficult for kid but it is also a way for kids to make some extra cash. Ask your neighbors, if they accept your offer, shovel the snow and get paid.

“Must try because it works in all areas”

4.   Sell Homemade Crafts

If you have a knack for crafts, turn your creative hobby into a business. Make and sell products like beaded jewelry, wind chimes, bookmarks, and decorations. Tailor your creations to seasons or holidays to boost sales.

5. Selling Snacks at School

At 12 years old, selling snacks or any food item at school can be lucrative opportunity for kids to make a lot of money. First find the most popular food among students/classmates. Go to market buy the winning product in short quantity and then sell your stuff. In this way you can earn money easily.

6.  Taking Care of Pets

Pet owners often need help with tasks like walking dogs, cleaning litter boxes, or feeding pets. This is a great option for kids who love animals. Ensure they understand the responsibilities involved and are comfortable handling the specific needs of each pet.

7.  Babysitting

At 12 years old, many kids are ready to start babysitting for younger children. They can begin by looking after siblings or close family friends to build confidence. Babysitting not only helps them earn money but also teaches responsibility and patience.

8. Running Errands

For families or elderly neighbors, running simple errands like picking up groceries or delivering packages can be incredibly helpful. Ensure kids have a clear understanding of the task and keep safety in mind when handling money or traveling.

9.  Washing Dishes

Daily chores like washing dishes or loading the dishwasher can become a paid task if done consistently. This helps kids develop discipline and time-management skills while contributing to household responsibilities.

10. Assisting with Meal Preparation

Helping with meal preparation, like peeling vegetables or setting the table, is another way for kids to earn money. These chores are practical and provide a sense of contribution to the family.

11.  Laundry Assistance

Folding clothes, sorting laundry, or even operating the washer and dryer are chores that many parents would gladly pay for. This teaches kids how to handle household essentials while earning their keep.

12. Water plants

Watering plants is the best chore for 12 year old kids to earn a lot of money because it don’t require any investment. Just go outside and offer your service to your neighbors. If they accept your offer, start doing your work and get paid.

13. Wash the Car

Car washing is not only a straightforward task for kids but also an engaging activity that teaches responsibility and attention to detail. To get started, make sure kids have the right supplies. Basic tools like a bucket, soft sponges, and microfiber cloths are essential for a safe and efficient wash. Kids can turn car washing into a rewarding way to earn money.

14. Trash Take Out

Offering a trash takeout service can be a great way for a 12-year-old to earn money while developing responsibility and business skills. They can provide this service to neighbors, elderly individuals, or busy families who may struggle to manage their trash schedules. They could charge a small weekly or monthly fee, depending on the neighborhood’s needs and the frequency of service. By being reliable and consistent, they can build trust with their clients and potentially expand their business.

Ways for a Child to Earn Money

Chores for Preschoolers (Ages 4 to 6):

• Put away toys
• Wipe down the table
• Sort laundry
• Fold clothes
• Put dirty clothes in the hamper
• Dust with a child-safe duster
• Unload the silverware from the dishwasher (if you have a dishwasher)

Chores for School Kids (Ages 6 to 10):

• Make their bed
• Set the table
• Clear the table
• Sweep or mop the floor
• Vacuum
• Water houseplants
• Feed pets
• Take out the trash
• Rake leaves

Chores for Tweens and Teens (Ages 11 and Up):

Here are the chores for 11 year olds or above to earn money

• Do laundry
• Mow the lawn (if you have a lawn to mow)
• Wash the Car
• Help prepare meals
• Clean their bathroom
• Walk the dog (or a neighbor’s dog)
• Shovel Snow

Do’s and Don’ts for Kids

• Do inform your parents and ask for their permission first.
• Don’t set unfair rates; be reasonable with pricing.
• Do advertise your products and services.
• Don’t work with strangers; stick to people you and your family know and trust.
• Do smile and thank your customers, even if they don’t buy anything.
• Don’t agree to a job you cannot do; know your skills and limits.
• Do ask for help from friends or parents when necessary.
• Don’t go to dangerous neighborhoods to offer your services.
• Do save your hard-earned money.

How to Get 12 Year Old to Do Chores

The key to getting kids to do chores is clear communication, consistent follow-through, and a balance of consequences and rewards. As a parent, you have the power to set the rules and teach lessons that will last a lifetime.

Setting Clear Expectations

• Chore Demonstrations: Parents demonstrated tasks in specific areas, such as cleaning the living room.
• Age-Appropriate Tasks: Each child was assigned chores they were capable of doing.

For example:

• Cleaning the living room involved picking up toys, removing clothes, and ensuring there was no visible clutter.
• Dusting involved wiping surfaces, such as door jambs, which our dad inspected by running his fingers over them.

Punishments and Rewards

• Punishments were chore-related, such as washing cloth diapers, picking rocks from the garden, or assisting with kitchen duties.
• Punishments were determined by rolling a die, adding a gamified element.
• Positive reinforcement included small rewards for consistently meeting expectations.

Why you should NOT pay children to do chores

According to a Survey

Only about 28% of parents asked their children to do regular chores. Another study found that 82% of adults reported having regular chores when they were children, but only 28% of them said they asked their own kids to do the same. In a different survey, about 70% of children said they don’t have regular chores.

Research shows that children who don’t have regular chores are less likely to develop a sense of responsibility and struggle with time management and organization later in life.

Why You Should Not Pay Your Children to Do Chores

Today, I’m talking about why you should not pay your children to do chores.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But if I don’t pay my kids to do chores, how will they learn the value of money?” Let me tell you why that logic is flawed.

In times past, when most families lived on farms, doing chores was not an option—it was a way of life. However, a recent study shows that in today’s world, most American kids aren’t expected to do much housework. There are many theories for this, from technology to overindulged children.

1. Creates an Unhealthy Dynamic
Paying your kids to do chores creates an unhealthy dynamic. They start to view chores as a way to earn money rather than as a responsibility they have as members of the household. This can lead to them negotiating for higher pay, slacking off when they feel they aren’t being compensated enough, or even refusing to do chores altogether.

2. Expense to Parents
Paying your kids to do chores can be expensive. If you have multiple kids and a long list of chores that need to be done, you could end up shelling out a lot of cash.

3. Hinders Development
Paying your kids to do chores can hinder their development. Children need to learn how to be responsible and contribute to the household without expecting monetary compensation.

Conclusion

By assigning chores to your children, you’re teaching them valuable life skills such as responsibility and hard work. Do not hesitate to involve your kids in household chores, even if it means sacrificing a perfectly clean house. In the long run, it will pay off with your children achieving important milestones in their lives.

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FAQs

Why you should NOT pay children to do chores?

Only about 28% of parents asked their children to do regular chores. Another study found that 82% of adults reported having regular chores when they were children, but only 28% of them said they asked their own kids to do the same. In a different survey, about 70% of children said they don’t have regular chores.

Research shows that children who don’t have regular chores are less likely to develop a sense of responsibility and struggle with time management and organization later in life.

How to get 12 year old to do chores?

The key to getting kids to do chores is clear communication, consistent follow-through, and a balance of consequences and rewards. As a parent, you have the power to set the rules and teach lessons that will last a lifetime.

Setting Clear Expectations

• Chore Demonstrations: Parents demonstrated tasks in specific areas, such as cleaning the living room.
• Age-Appropriate Tasks: Each child was assigned chores they were capable of doing.

For example:

• Cleaning the living room involved picking up toys, removing clothes, and ensuring there was no visible clutter.
• Dusting involved wiping surfaces, such as door jambs, which our dad inspected by running his fingers over them.

What’s the right age to start doing chores?

There’s no specific age to start doing chores, When I was 10 years old, I decided to start my first business—a lemonade stand. I grabbed lemons, water, ice, and sugar to make a pitcher of lemonade. Well, to be honest, my mom made it, but it was still my first venture. I set up a table at the curb and sold lemonade. By the end of the day, I had made $50. I even did this a few more times with friends in fifth grade. While the money was great, the fun of running a lemonade stand with friends made it a memorable experience.

How to earn money in school?

At 12 years old, selling snacks or any food item at school can be lucrative opportunity for kids to make a lot of money. First find the most popular food among students/classmates. Go to market buy the winning product in short quantity and then sell your stuff. In this way you can earn money easily.

What’s the sneaky way to earn pocket money?

Here’s a sneaky way to earn some pocket money. Kids are expected to help around the house, right? This is also the perfect chance to teach a valuable lesson: money is something that has to be earned. Ask your parents nicely if they’re willing to pay you an allowance for folding laundry or dusting furniture. Not only will you work hard for your money, but you’ll also help take a load off mom and dad’s shoulders.

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