Summer jobs for kids: safe and age-appropriate options
Short answer
Summer jobs for kids focus on safe, age-appropriate activities that teach work skills and responsibility. For kids under 13, options include babysitting, pet care, or yard work. Older kids (13-16) can explore more formal jobs like retail or food service with parental guidance. Starting small, monitoring progress, and ensuring safety are key.
What summer jobs are suitable for kids under 13?
For kids younger than 13, typical paid jobs are limited by labor laws, but they can still earn money and learn responsibility through informal jobs. Common options include babysitting siblings or neighborhood kids, pet sitting or dog walking, lawn mowing and gardening, or running a lemonade stand or small craft sales.
How to get started:
- Help your child create a simple flyer or social media post advertising their services.
- Discuss safety rules, such as having a trusted adult nearby or only working for known neighbors.
- Set a fair hourly rate or price per task.
- Supervise the first few jobs to ensure safety and professionalism.
How to know if it’s working:
- Your child completes tasks reliably and independently.
- They receive positive feedback from clients or neighbors.
- Your child expresses pride and enjoys their work.
- You see improvement in skills like time management and communication.
These informal jobs build foundational work habits and confidence while keeping things safe and manageable for young children.
What summer jobs can kids age 13 and up do?
Once kids turn 13, more structured work opportunities open, though federal and state laws still limit hours and types of work. Common options include:
- Babysitting with a CPR certificate
- Pet sitting or dog walking
- Yard work, gardening, or car washing
- Working in family businesses
- Assisting at local farms or markets
How to get started:
- Research local laws on youth employment at your state labor department website.
- Encourage your child to take a babysitting or pet care safety course.
- Help them draft a resume or list of services.
- Use neighborhood apps, family connections, or community boards to find clients.
How to know if it’s working:
- Your child balances work and free time well.
- They handle responsibility (showing up on time, completing tasks).
- They develop customer service skills.
- They save or manage their earnings responsibly.
These jobs build independence and work readiness while remaining safe for young teens.
What summer jobs are appropriate for kids 14 and 15?
At 14 and 15, kids may qualify for more formal jobs such as retail or food service, but child labor laws restrict hours and prohibit hazardous roles. Employers often hire teens for cashier, stock clerk, or fast-food worker positions.
How to get started:
- Help your child prepare a simple resume.
- Search local businesses that hire younger teens, such as grocery stores or restaurants.
- Discuss workplace expectations and how to handle common situations.
- Assist with completing job applications and practicing interview questions.
How to know if it’s working:
- Your child receives steady shifts and positive feedback.
- They learn to work as part of a team.
- They gain skills like money handling, customer interaction, and punctuality.
- They balance work with other summer activities without stress.
Working in a formal environment helps teens build a work ethic and social skills.
What summer jobs can kids under 16 do to make money safely?
For kids under 16, jobs that combine earning money with safety and skill development include:
- Running a seasonal yard or garden care service
- Hosting a craft or baked goods stand
- Offering car washing or detailing services
- Pet sitting or dog walking
- Tutoring younger kids in subjects they excel in
How to get started:
- Set clear boundaries on hours and tasks.
- Help your child market their services with flyers or social media.
- Teach basic budgeting and how to handle customer payments.
- Monitor job sites or client interactions for safety.
How to know if it’s working:
- Your child enjoys working and is eager to continue.
- They improve communication and problem-solving skills.
- They manage earnings responsibly.
- They maintain safety and follow agreed rules.
These entrepreneurial jobs encourage creativity and financial literacy.
How can parents support kids starting summer jobs?
Parental support is essential for kids’ success and safety in summer jobs. Support includes:
- Helping research and select age-appropriate jobs.
- Teaching work habits: punctuality, honesty, and communication.
- Supervising or arranging safe transportation.
- Encouraging reflection on job experiences and lessons learned.
- Discussing money management and savings goals.
How to get started:
- Talk with your child about their interests and strengths.
- Review labor laws together.
- Practice job skills like interviews or customer greetings.
- Set up check-ins during the job period.
How to know if it’s working:
- Your child asks for advice and shares work experiences.
- They demonstrate responsibility and improved skills.
- They balance work with rest and recreation.
- They express pride and motivation about their job.
Parental involvement helps kids build confidence and responsibility in their first work experiences.
What safety considerations should parents keep in mind?
Safety is critical when kids work summer jobs. Key considerations include:
- Confirming legal work age and permitted job types.
- Ensuring work locations are safe and supervised, especially outdoors.
- Teaching kids to avoid sharing personal information with strangers.
- Setting clear rules on hours and breaks to prevent exhaustion.
- Monitoring for signs of stress or unsafe conditions.
How to get started:
- Review child labor laws at state and federal websites.
- Discuss emergency contacts and safe behavior.
- Visit work sites if possible.
- Provide a phone and check-in schedule.
How to know if it’s working:
- Your child feels secure and supported.
- They report no unsafe incidents.
- They follow safety instructions consistently.
- You observe no signs of overwork or stress.
A safe work environment helps kids have positive and productive summer job experiences.
How can kids manage earnings and build money skills?
Making money from summer jobs is a great chance for kids to learn financial skills. Encourage them to:
- Set savings goals and budget for spending.
- Open a savings account if possible.
- Track income and expenses in a simple notebook or app.
- Decide on amounts to save, spend, and share (like charity).
How to get started:
- Help your child set specific short- and long-term goals.
- Teach them how to record each payment and purchase.
- Discuss the benefits of saving and delayed gratification.
- Encourage regular review of their money management.
How to know if it’s working:
- Your child keeps a simple money log.
- They save money toward goals.
- They talk confidently about money decisions.
- They avoid impulse spending.
This skill-building sets the foundation for responsible financial habits.
How can kids find summer jobs in their community?
Finding summer jobs often requires active searching and networking. Kids can:
- Ask family, friends, and neighbors about job opportunities.
- Check community bulletin boards, libraries, or local shops.
- Use safe online community groups or apps with parental oversight.
- Visit businesses in person to inquire about openings.
How to get started:
- Role-play how to introduce themselves and ask about jobs.
- Prepare a brief explanation of skills or past experience.
- Help make a list of places to visit or contact.
- Encourage persistence and politeness.
How to know if it’s working:
- Your child secures interviews or job offers.
- They gain confidence approaching adults.
- They learn to follow up professionally.
- They understand rejection is normal and keep trying.
Active job seeking helps kids develop communication and perseverance.
Frequently asked questions
Can kids under 13 legally have paid summer jobs?
Federal laws generally restrict formal employment under age 14, but kids under 13 can do informal jobs like babysitting, pet care, or yard work with parental supervision. Rules vary by state, so check local labor laws for specifics.
What types of jobs can 14- and 15-year-olds do during summer?
Teens aged 14 and 15 can work in retail, food service, or office support, but must follow child labor laws limiting hours and forbidding hazardous tasks. They often take roles like cashier, stock clerk, or dishwasher.
How many hours can kids under 16 work in summer jobs?
Work hour limits depend on age and state law, but generally kids under 16 are limited to a few hours on school days and longer on non-school days, with total weekly hours capped. Check your state’s labor department for details.
How do I help my child balance summer work and free time?
Set clear work schedules that leave plenty of time for rest, play, and family. Encourage your child to communicate if work feels overwhelming. Balance is key to a positive summer job experience.
Are summer internships available for kids under 16?
Summer internships for younger kids are rare and usually unpaid or volunteer positions focused on learning. Look for community programs, camps, or family business opportunities that offer skill-building experiences.