1 10 Best Jobs For 12 Year Olds
Angel Ackley edited this page 6 months ago


I have actually been a career coach for over 20 years, and if there's one thing I've learned it's that a one-size-fits-all approach to task searching does not work. Whether you are a trainee, an early expert, a skilled job applicant, or a working moms and dad, The Career Counter has tailored, tailored resources and templates to help you land the task of your dreams!

Sign up for our Newsletter

Stay up to date on the newest profession and home organization posts, news, and ideas

How Can We Help?

Resume Writing


Resume Templates


DIY Resources


Home Organization Planners



You may also like



Career Products Hand Crafted by a Licensed Professional Resume Writer

Professional Career Coaches with Decades of Experience

My energetic tween recently asked me, "Mom, can I work?" Given my 20+ years as a career coach, I felt obliged to offer a smart, knowledgeable action. But in reality, I didn't have a clear answer for her. Can a ten-year-old do work besides family tasks? I believed to myself. "Uh, let me do some research and get back to you on that," I said while rapidly googling the very best tasks for 12-year-olds. By the way, if you've got a teenager, take a look at the best jobs for teenagers.

While I know my daughter is not quite ready to take on a childcare or pet sitting task, she absolutely will be in a couple years. Given that fact, I chose to take a seat and research everything about task chances for tweens. Are you in a comparable boat with your kids? If so, keep reading to learn more about the finest jobs for 12- year-olds, as well as basic information relating to labor laws and guaranteeing the safety and security of your kids as they launch their first job experience.

Before I dive into the best gigs for tweens, let me very first cover the laws concerning kid labor. If you're not familiar, I'll offer you the basic gist: On the federal level, child labor laws are set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets the minimum age requirements for child employment, including limiting the variety of hours kids can work, in addition to designating the kinds of tasks children can have. Generally, the minimum age for work is 14, but exceptions exist for jobs like paper delivery, childcare, and agricultural work, where kids can work from a younger age under specific conditions.

Each state may likewise have its own laws, which can be stricter than federal laws. In California, for instance, the legal working age is 14 years of ages. However, kids under 14 and even under 12 can lawfully work without a permit doing things like lawn mowing, offering arts and crafts, and childcare, to call simply a few. Minors can also work specific farming tasks, if the kid is employed by a moms and dad or legal guardian who controls, runs, or owns the residential or commercial property.

Children over 14, while legally allowed to work numerous tasks, deal with a lot of restrictions. However, that's an entire other topic that I'll likely cover in a future post!

Okay, now let's enter the enjoyable things. Specifically, here are the very best tasks for 12-year-olds that offer kids an opportunity to have a good time, establish a great principles, learn more about themselves, and most notably, remain safe:(require ideas on composing a resume for teenagers? Have a look at How to Write a Trainee Resume).

# 1: Babysitting

Let me start by stressing that this list is not implied to be in any specific order. With that stated, I'm going to start by composing about babysitting. My very own very first task as a 12 year old was, yup, you guessed it, babysitting! It was for a kid who lived next door. And luckily for me, he was an easy kid to enjoy. Even much better, my mommy was home while I babysat which gave me assurance. It was the best job for my very first job!

Babysitting, animal sitting, and even dog walking can be great very first tasks for tweens. Besides the obvious benefits of earning their own money, these jobs enable kids to refine communication abilities and learn obligation. Also, I need to toss in that it will absolutely help if your kid likes kids and family pets. If they are not really into playing with kids and they do not like pet dogs, they probably won't last long.

My best suggestions as both a mother and a profession coach: motivate your kid to do something they like. My child, for example, definitely likes playing with more youthful kids and she loves canines. Like, seriously LOVES them. Maybe even more than she enjoys me. But I digress. Anway, that's how I understand she will actually take pleasure in babysitting and animal sitting. This is not to say that your kid can't do these jobs if they are not natural caretakers. Caring for kids and animals is certainly a skill that can be found out. They simply might not enjoy it as much.

Before my daughter takes her first childcare job, I'm going to ensure a few things are in place. Top, I want her to take a kid CPR and emergency treatment course. The last thing I want is for her to be in an emergency scenario while she is babysitting and not know what to do. Another element (and the most essential aspect) for me is safety. Before she accepts a babysitting task, I will veterinarian the family and guarantee my child will remain in a safe environment. In fact, her very first jobs will likely be with families we already understand and trust.

Your Future Starts Here

# 2: Creative Jobs

If your child has a particular strength and is self-motivated, you can assist them check out ways to generate income doing what I call "creative tasks for tweens!"

I recently talked with a mama buddy of mine who stated her child was making money making hand-written thank you notes. She discussed that her daughter is working for a good friend of theirs who owns her own online store selling handmade items. The store owner could not keep up with the individualized thank you cards for her consumers. So, she employed a tween to do it for her. Brilliant!

I just love this task concept for numerous reasons. First of all, it plays to this particular kid's strengths (whom I know well due to the fact that she likewise occurs to be my child's buddy). She has naturally gorgeous handwriting. Also, it's uber-flexible. My good friend informed me the very best part is her daughter can write thank you notes from anywhere and write them at odd hours, whenever she has the time and energy.

Other ideas for jobs like this one: If your kid is creative and enjoys producing, they could make and offer handcrafted art or products on Etsy or a comparable website (an adult will need to develop the account). Does your kid love to compose? What about submitting pitches or articles to kids's publications? I can not believe of a better way for a child to refine composing skills and acquire self-confidence!

Is your child more tech savvy than you (don't fret, your trick is safe with me)? What about researching ways to develop these skills like developing an app or video game?

Is your kid a natural-born performer? What about looking into theatre or television acting and even voice-overs? These types of tasks do not have age restrictions and can be a terrific way to enable your child to sharpen their performing and singing skills while also making some cash.

# 3: Mother's Helper

"Mother's helper" is another popular job for tweens. This can involve assisting with laundry, making snacks, babysitting, canine walking, and other family tasks. The nice aspect of this type of job is that if your kid is on the younger side (like 10 or more youthful), they can do the job while being monitored by an adult.

Another perk of this job is that you can easily discover a mama or caretaker you currently know who requires assistance. Start by sending a message to your immediate circle of mama good friends and/or family to see if anyone requires additional help. You can also post in a regional mom's group relying on your comfort level with permitting your child to enter another home. For me personally, if I went this path, I would initially talk to the household and make certain the environment is safe and employment safe. I would likewise likely accompany my kid the first couple sees.

# 4: Photographer's Assistant

Photographer/ Photographer's Assistant. Does your child love taking images? If so, you could either invest in a digital electronic camera or even better simply start with your phone video camera. Your kid could begin by helping with taking photos for household and friends totally free to establish their abilities in addition to a photography portfolio. There is constantly a huge need for images of special occasions like birthdays, graduations, and household images, employment to name simply a few.

Once your kid becomes more skilled and employment knowledgeable, they can start charging a minimal rate for their photography while they continue to hone their skills. Your kid can even establish a fundamental website eventually to promote their services.

# 5: Blogger or Vlogger

Blogger or Vlogger. I desire to begin by mentioning that if you kid wishes to make some fast cash, this is definitely not the route to go! As an expert blogger, I understand from personal experience it takes time and devotion to build your blog site or vlog and eventually develop an income stream.

That stated, I honestly don't see a significant downside to beginning a vlog or blog. Kids can develop their writing, oral communication, video editing, and marketing skills, as well as discover the fundamentals of becoming an entrepreneur!

If your kid hasn't already, I have to alert you that it's just a matter of time before they ask the unavoidable concern that every tween seems to be asking these days: can I have a YouTube channel?! YouTube does require that your kid be 13 or have adult authorization to create a channel. It will also be up to you as a moms and dad to identify the specific criteria of keeping your kid safe on YouTube.

Myself and my partner, for instance, decided that if we let our kids begin a YouTube channel, we will not allow them to use their real name or identity. At least while they are under 13 years old. We'll see what our comfort level will be when they age. Every parent clearly has various comfort levels regarding online safety for their children.

In regards to how to start a blog, all your kid really needs is select a blog topic they are enthusiastic about. That, and preferably something that they want to show the world and/or something they can teach people about. There are some terrific totally free platforms that permit you to quickly develop a blog site like Wix or Ionos. I know that Wix does need users to be at least 13 years old to produce a site.

Once your child has an established blog site or vlog, they can likewise market it later on their high school or college resume or even in the college application procedure. Employers are constantly searching for abilities like self-motivation, imagination, drive, and ambition!

# 6: Landscaping Helper

Landscaping helper. This can involve things like raking leaves, pulling weeds, shoveling snow, and other odd jobs. If your kiddo is active and loves being outside, this may well be the job for them! My idea is to make a flyer and go around to your next-door neighbors with your child, to see if anybody may need some landscaping help. As they grow older and become more responsible, your kid can branch off and expand their services.

# 7: Lemonade Salesperson

Lemonade stand. Of course, I need to point out the lemonade stand! I do not understand that I would consider this as a real "job" as much as a way to make occasional cash throughout the summer season. But this is a great very first task for a more youthful kiddo who is feeling motivated to make a little cash and test out their sales and entrepreneurial abilities!

# 8: Help in Family Business

Family company. If you are the sole owner of a dining establishment or other kind of household business, your 12-year-old kid can work in many capacities as long as they aren't thought about hazardous or hazardous. You likewise need to make certain to abide by your state's kid labor laws regarding the variety of hours and times of days that you child can lawfully work.

That said, this can be a great very first work experience for a child. Discovering the household service first-hand will establish self-confidence, work principles, and will also permit your kid to learn more about themselves and their strengths and interests concerning the work world.

# 9: Plant Sitter

Plant sitter. This task is exceptional for kids who have an interest in and who love to find out about gardening and plants. Watering plants for neighbors on holiday is likewise an excellent method to make earnings while finding out about the essentials of growing plants, veggies, fruits, and flowers!

# 10: Season Job

Seasonal job. Completing my top ten jobs for 12-year-olds are seasonal tasks. These tasks can include covering presents during the holidays and even assisting with celebration preparation. If there's one thing that I know most mommies would like is a holiday helper or perhaps a birthday celebration helper. Am I right ?!

This time of the year, while definitely fantastic, can also be tiring for parents. Between getting presents, covering presents, decorating the home, and all the other little things, it's a lot. Your kid, depending upon their interests and strengths, could offer their services to good friends and neighbors during the holiday.

In Conclusion

As you can see, these ten tasks for 12-year-olds offer wonderful opportunities to explore their interests, develop self-esteem, and cultivate a strong work ethic. Encouraging your child to attempt a job at this young age can be a valuable steppingstone towards their future success.

- What are some popular tasks for 12 year olds?

The most popular jobs for 12 year olds include babysitting, pet sitting, backyard work, canine walking, and mom's helper.

While 12 years of age are not legally permitted to operate in more standard functions like those at junk food restaurants, they can work in a private home setting doing the above pointed out jobs.

- Are there any limitations or limitations on tasks for 12 years of age?

Yes, there are some limitations and constraints on tasks for 12 year olds. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets standards for the kinds of jobs and number of hours that young workers can undertake. For example, 12 years of age typically can not work in hazardous professions or throughout school hours. It is very important to contact your regional and state laws, in addition to acquire any essential permits or consents.

- How can 12 year olds find job opportunities?

Here are a few methods for 12 years of age to discover task opportunities:

  • Ask family and good friends: Let your friends and family understand that you're looking for work. They might have connections or understand somebody who requires assist with odd jobs.
  • Local businesses: Visit local stores, dining establishments, or recreation center and inquire if they have any part-time job openings for young workers.
  • Online platforms: Some websites and apps specifically cater to linking young employees with task chances. Look for trustworthy platforms that comply with labor laws and guidelines.

    Remember to always prioritize your security and wellness when considering task chances, and seek advice from your parents or guardians before pursuing any work.






    Lee Cristina Beaser

    MS, CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer). Lee brings over 20 years of know-how in directing people towards career success. During her period at San Jose State University, she helped countless trainees compose engaging resumes to land their very first tasks and internships. More just recently, Lee founded The Career Counter, employment a platform committed to providing task seekers with tools and services customized to their special fields and profession goals.



    Comment navigation

    - Hermione Eldridge

    7 days ago Reply

    I am 12 years I have actually always had a lot of love for animals and I was wanting to have a summer task so I was thinking I might be a dogsitter also I am trying to find a task near me 6 days ago Reply

    Hello Hermione!

    Beat way to get a job is through word of mouth (tell loved ones you are searching for pet sitting tasks). Make some leaflets and put them up around your area. Be relentless! The first job may be hard to find, however if you do a great job you will get recommendations.

    Best of luck to you!


    Kayla Thomas

    I was questioning the number of tasks I can do cause I child sit chickens free of charge and I have a crochet club however i have not done is recently, so I was thinking of babysitting however I am uncertain about it.


    - Lee Beaser

    Hi Kayla,

    Thanks for [employment](https://www.smfsimple.com/ultimateportaldemo/index.php?action=profile