Jobs for 13-Year-Olds

Your young teen wants money for a school dance or that new video game, but you're tired of shelling out cash every other weekend when you've got bills to pay. He or she is old enough, in your opinion, to start making money independent of you, but there's that pesky thing called the law. How can you teach your teen the value of money when he or she is underage?

Neighborhood Jobs
Look around your community. There are always things that your basic thirteen-year-old can do to generate a few dollars for the next big trend in fashion or entertainment. Who needs help in the neighborhood? What needs to be done? Whether it's something regular, seasonal, or a one-time deal, you should be able to find plenty of opportunities.

Who to Look For
The elderly are always in need of assistance, whether it's gardening, pulling weeds, dusting furniture, or even just taking out the trash. This provides a perfect environment for younger teens to learn service and also to appreciate the value of a dollar when it's something they've earned on their own. Many senior citizens would love to have a beautiful yard or a spotless kitchen, but simply don't have the health or energy to complete such tasks. Likewise, many a widowed grandmother might really enjoy the company of a youth and appreciate the extra hands to help her while she's making jam or canning vegetables, and be willing to pay for it.

Also, think of friends or neighbors you have that go out of town frequently, who have pets. Do they need someone to feed the dogs while they're gone? Or change the cat's litter box? Or clean the fish tank? Would they pay your son or daughter to do these chores in their absence? And, you might consider neighbors with pets who would enjoy a break from walking the dog and be willing to delegate the responsibility on a weekly or even a daily basis.

Typical Jobs
Consider the classics, like mowing lawns or babysitting. Or, help your teen organize a car wash or a bake sale if their need for money is based on a school field trip or an educational summer camp. Many parents even pay their children to do chores in their own home-though be aware this can present problems of inadvertent lenience-to motivate them to help out around the house. A thirteen-year-old is a built-in babysitter for you as well, if you have younger children, so don't be afraid to take advantage of that when you want a night out.

Finally, think of things that your teen might not be able to do on their own, but for which they can do most of the work while you assist. For example, a paper route will help train your child to get up early, and even though you'd have to do the driving (unless they have a bike and the route isn't too long) your support for their effort will prove just how important it is to work and be a productive member of society.