My oldest son, who is 12-1/2, is a budding entrepreneur.  When it snows, he’s out knocking on doors throughout our neighborhood, looking for shoveling jobs.  In the spring, he delivers flyers door to door, looking for mowing jobs.

After a big snowstorm, he can make $20-40 in a day.  But those are hit-and-miss.  He’d really like to mow on a regular basis in the spring and summer, but he hasn’t had anyone take him up on that yet.

Last week, he learned that some friends of his go to a farmer’s market every Friday in their town and sell soft drinks and water.  They make about $40-50 each time, which is a pretty good income for pre-teens.

Their example inspired him to find more ways to earn money.  We checked out our local farmer’s market, but they’re booked solid on their busiest shopping day, which is Saturday, and they don’t allow vendors that just sell soda pop and water.  So, we’re back to square one.

How should we begin to think about and research potential money-making ideas for kids?  I think the process should be the same as that for adults.  We’ll start by taking a good look at his dreams, passions, interests, and the things he’s good at.  Then we’ll narrow it down from there by looking at those things that fit his goals and our family’s values and lifestyle.  And we’ll narrow it further by focusing on those things that will earn the most money for the effort.

If we’re successful in helping him find a business that is meaningful for him, we’ll be setting him up with skills and experiences that will serve him well throughout his entire life.

How do you feed your kids’ passions for making money?  Do you have any ideas of great jobs for kids and teens?  Please share them!