Homemade Jobs For The Littlest Kids

April 12, 2009 by Amy Clark

Of course, for very young children, the jobs they can do are home-based. So here are some ideas to help you get your little ones started.

Lemonade Stand

This is the ideal job for the youngest entrepreneurs. Keys to success? A hot day and a good location – maybe near neighborhood events like yard sales. You can suggest unique offerings to increase sales, such as sparkling water, fresh squeezed lemons and fruit garnishes like watermelon and pineapple slices.

This is the perfect opportunity to increase math skills. How many cups of lemonade were sold? How much profit was made?

Supplies:

  • Drink mix or lemons; water, sugar
  • Lemon juicer
  • Pitcher and cups
  • Ice in a cooler
  • Paper towels or wipes
  • Table and chair(s)
  • Signage materials
  • Money holder with small bills and change

Household Chores

Young children like to help around the house. Assign age-appropriate tasks, be patient, keep your expectations low and let kids have fun. Establish a fee or reward system for each task, such as 25¢ for each load of folded laundry. Make sure that your cleaning products are safe for kids.

Supplies:

  • Child-safe cleaners
  • Rags and towels

Toddlers can:

  • Pick up toys and books
  • Carry laundry to the laundry room
  • Dust with a clean diaper or an old sock on their hand

Preschoolers can:

  • Set and clear the table
  • Sort socks
  • Help prepare food
  • Help put away groceries

Children ages 6-8 can:

  • Fold and put away laundry
  • Vacuum and mop
  • Take out the trash

Have you started your kids on the road to responsibility at home? What motivates them?

Amy Clark

Amy Allen Clark has been the driving force behind MomAdvice since 2004. In addition to running a successful community for women and running after her two kids, she has appeared on The Early Show, and in Parents magazine, Redbook, Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food, MSN Money and The New York Times.