I remember the excitement when I started earning my own money at 12. I did things like mowing lawns and babysitting my siblings. It made me feel independent and responsible.
Today, there are many ways for preteens to make money and learn new skills. We’ll look at 20 side hustle ideas that fit well with school and other activities. You can try online surveys, pet sitting, or lawn care to earn extra cash.
Key Takeaways
- Side hustles can help 12-year-olds develop new skills, gain financial literacy, and earn substantial income.
- There are many age-appropriate side hustle ideas for 12-year-olds, including babysitting, yard work, and online surveys.
- Engaging in side hustles can teach 12-year-olds the value of hard work, entrepreneurship, and money management.
- Proper guidance and supervision from parents or guardians is essential for 12-year-olds starting a side hustle.
- Exploring side hustles can help 12-year-olds discover their interests and passions, setting them up for future success.
Introduction to Side Hustles for Preteens
Side hustles are a great way for 12-year-olds to make extra money and learn important skills. They keep their main focus on being full-time students. These jobs or ventures teach young teens about financial literacy and the value of hard work.
Why Side Hustles are Beneficial for Young Teens
Starting a side hustle at 12 has many benefits for young teens. It helps them develop practical skills like managing money, being responsible, and being an entrepreneur. These skills are important for the future.
By earning their own money, 12-year-olds feel more independent. They learn the value of their hard work.
The Importance of Financial Literacy at an Early Age
Learning about money early can help 12-year-olds manage their finances later. Side hustles are a good way to start learning about money. They teach young teens about budgeting, saving, and investing.
This knowledge helps them make smart money choices and avoid common mistakes as they get older.
“Earning your own money at a young age teaches valuable lessons about the value of hard work and financial responsibility.” – John Doe, Financial Advisor
Side hustles let 12-year-olds earn extra income and gain practical life skills. These skills are useful for the future. Whether it’s babysitting, tutoring, or selling crafts, these activities help young teens build a strong financial foundation.
Babysitting: A Classic Side Hustle for 12 Year Olds
Babysitting is a great way for 12-year-olds to make extra money. They often start by watching their younger siblings and then help neighbors too. To be a great babysitter at 12, remember these key tips.
Tips for Successful Babysitting
- Prioritize safety by following all recommended guidelines and establishing clear rules for the children.
- Engage the kids in fun, age-appropriate activities to keep them entertained and supervised.
- Maintain open communication with the parents, updating them on their children’s well-being and any concerns that arise.
- Demonstrate responsibility, maturity, and a genuine care for the children in your charge.
Getting Certified in Babysitting and Child Care
12-year-olds can get certified in babysitting and childcare through groups like the American Red Cross. This boosts their skills and makes them stand out to families looking for child care jobs for 12 year olds.
With the right training and certification, 12-year-olds can become skilled, trusted babysitters. They can offer a valuable service to families in their area. Babysitting can be a profitable side hustle for 12 year olds, paying $10 to $20 per hour. This depends on the number and age of the kids.
Online Surveys and Rewards Apps
For 12-year-olds looking for easy ways to make extra cash, online surveys and rewards apps are a good choice. Sites like Survey Junkie, FreeCash, and Swagbucks let teens 13 and up do surveys and get rewards. They can make $5-$18 an hour.
Online surveys for 12 year olds and paid surveys for minors are flexible ways for preteens to earn money. By doing short surveys, 12-year-olds can get rewards like gift cards or cash. Rewards apps for kids to make money help kids learn how to earn online and understand money early.
- Swagbucks is for teens 13 and up, offering a $10 sign-up bonus.
- Branded Surveys lets people 13 or older sign up with a parent’s okay, giving a 100-point bonus.
- FreeCash is for people 13 years and older.
These online surveys for 12 year olds and rewards apps for kids to make money offer many survey chances and different ways to earn. They’re an easy and flexible way for preteens to start learning about money and making extra cash.
“Online surveys and rewards apps are a fantastic way for 12-year-olds to earn extra money and develop financial literacy. The flexible, easy-to-use platforms make it simple for preteens to get started earning cash during their free time.” – Financial Expert, Jane Doe
Selling Crafts and Handmade Items on Etsy
12-year-old entrepreneurs can turn their art into a side hustle by selling on Etsy. Etsy lets kids as young as 13 open their own shops. They can sell things like paintings, jewelry, custom t-shirts, and home decor.
Setting Up an Etsy Shop as a Minor
To start, 12-year-olds need an Etsy account with a parent’s help. They pick a shop name, take great photos, and set prices. Etsy takes a $0.20 listing fee and a 6.5% sale fee. Kids under 13 can’t use Etsy, but 13-18 year-olds can with their parents’ okay.
Crafting Ideas for 12 Year Olds to Sell
- Greeting cards
- Crochet animals
- Custom t-shirts
- Handmade accessories
The craft industry is booming, worth $40 billion in 2020 and growing 5% a year. Many small business owners started young, and 72% first sold to friends and family. By joining this market, 12-year-olds can make money and learn about business and money.
“On average, Etsy sellers spend around 15-20 hours per week on their online shops, reflecting the dedication and hard work required to build a successful selling crafts online as a minor business.”
Tutoring and Teaching Younger Students
For 12-year-olds who do well in school, tutoring or teaching younger kids can be a great way to earn extra money. Sites like Cambly and PalFish let teens teach English online. Udemy is another place where 12-year-olds can sell their own courses.
You can also find in-person tutoring jobs in math, science, or languages by talking to people in your area.
Tutoring is not just about making money. It also helps 12-year-olds get better at teaching and talking to others. They can learn a lot from doing virtual or in-person lessons. This way, they can show off their teaching skills.
Tips for Successful Tutoring
- Find out what you’re best at in school and teach that to younger kids.
- Look into online tutoring sites and see what they need to start.
- Make your lessons fun and interesting with good plans and materials.
- Be positive and supportive to help your students do their best.
- Keep getting better at teaching by asking for feedback and trying new things.
By using their school skills, 12-year-olds can find great tutoring jobs for 12 year olds and teaching side hustles for preteens. These jobs pay and also help them learn skills for later on. Online tutoring for minors is a good choice for young people who want to start their own business.
“Tutoring not only provides income but also helps 12-year-olds develop important teaching and communication skills.”
side hustles for 12 year olds
When 12-year-olds start side hustles, they need to know the legal rules. Each state has its own rules about what work kids can do. Parents should check their local laws to make sure their child’s side hustle is okay.
Legal Considerations for Minors Starting a Side Hustle
Even with legal limits, starting a side hustle at 12 can teach a lot. It helps kids learn important skills like solving problems, managing time, and handling money. Running a small business young can give them a boost for their future careers.
Developing Entrepreneurial Skills at a Young Age
12-year-olds can learn many entrepreneurial skills from side hustles, such as:
- Problem-solving: Finding and fixing problems in their small business.
- Time management: Keeping up with school, activities, and their side job.
- Financial literacy: Getting the hang of budgeting, pricing, and managing money.
- Communication: Talking to customers, clients, or friends in a professional way.
- Creativity: Coming up with unique products, services, or marketing ideas.
These skills help 12-year-olds get ahead and set the stage for future success in business.
Starting a side hustle at 12 comes with its challenges, like understanding the law and building business skills. But the rewards are big. With the right support, 12-year-olds can follow their dreams, make some money, and develop skills for the business world.
Yard Work and Lawn Care Services
12-year-olds who want to make some extra money can look into yard work jobs for 12 year olds and lawn care services for preteens. They can do tasks like mowing lawns, weeding, raking leaves, and shoveling snow safely. They just need the right supervision and training.
Safety Tips for Operating Lawn Equipment
Yard work and lawn care services can be a great way for 12-year-olds to earn money. But, it’s important to focus on safety guidelines for 12 year olds using lawn equipment. Here are some key tips:
- Always wear protective gear like gloves, sturdy shoes, and eye protection when using lawn equipment.
- Make sure you can handle the equipment’s weight and size.
- Read and follow the equipment’s instructions closely. Never try to change or skip safety features.
- Work with a responsible adult who can help guide and watch over you.
- Know what’s around you and clear the area of any debris before starting work.
By sticking to these safety rules and working with a trusted adult, 12-year-olds can learn and earn from yard work. This side job can be both rewarding and beneficial for young entrepreneurs.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
For 12-year-olds who love animals, pet sitting and dog walking are great side jobs. Sites like Rover let teens 13 and up make profiles and find pet owners needing help. 12-year-olds can do things like walk dogs, sit for pets overnight, and even groom pets. This job pays and teaches them about taking care of animals.
Traditional jobs for 11-year-olds include pet sitting, a job for kids interested in animal care. On Rover, pet sitting pays about $19.43 an hour. Prices for sitting and walking pets can be between $15 and $30. Vee Weir, a 12-year-old entrepreneur, made over $6,000 last year from pet sitting and walking dogs. She hopes to earn $10,000 this year.
- Offer daily dog walks, overnight pet sitting, and basic pet grooming
- Earn an average of $19.43 per hour for pet sitting on Rover
- Rates for pet sitting and dog walking typically range from $15 to $30 per visit
- Gain valuable experience in animal handling and responsibility
Starting a pet sitting or dog walking side job is a smart move for 12-year-olds. It helps them make money, learn business skills, and grow their love for animals. By using platforms like Rover and being known for good service, young entrepreneurs can meet the growing need for pet care. They get to enjoy the benefits of their efforts.
Content Creation and Social Media Management
In today’s digital world, 12-year-olds can make money by using their social media skills. They can manage social media for local businesses, make YouTube videos, or build a brand on Instagram. Even though kids under 13 can’t have their own social media accounts, 12-year-olds can create content with help from their parents.
Building an Online Presence Responsibly
Having an online presence early on teaches 12-year-olds about branding, marketing, and using social media wisely. YouTube is a huge site with over 2 billion users every month. This gives young creators a big chance to share their talents and make money.
Managing social media or running a personal brand also teaches important skills. These include communication, problem-solving, and coding for online stores. This can really help 12-year-olds grow by giving them valuable skills.
“Creating a business before high school graduation can provide an advantage on college and job applications.”
It’s important to be careful online, but managing social media and creating content can be a great way for preteens to earn and learn. These activities can be both fun and educational for young entrepreneurs.
Refereeing Sports Games and Events
For 12-year-olds who love sports, refereeing can be a great way to earn extra money. They can make $20-$30 per game by officiating in youth leagues like soccer, basketball, and baseball. This job lets them stay involved in sports and get paid for it.
Being a referee teaches important skills like enforcing rules, solving conflicts, and making decisions. Referees can earn about $70 for high school soccer games and the same for basketball. Officiating adult slow-pitch softball can bring in $30 per game, with the chance to work 4-6 games a week. This can lead to around $1,600 over the summer.
Refereeing in different sports seasons can bring in up to $5,000 a year. Some groups require high school officials to join an association related to the sport they work in. Working in adult leagues can offer a chance for easy, high-paying work.
| Sport | Referee Pay per Game | Potential Earnings per Week | Potential Earnings per Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School Soccer | $70 | N/A | N/A |
| High School Basketball | $70 | N/A | N/A |
| Adult Slow-Pitch Softball | $30 | $120 – $180 | $1,600 |
Refereeing can be tough but also teaches valuable skills like handling conflicts and making decisions. With many sports leagues needing referees, skilled 12-year-olds can find lots of chances to make money as youth sports referees.
“Because refs are in such short supply, many teams are usually just so happy that someone — anyone at all — has showed up to officiate their game.”
Freelance Writing and Blogging
For 12-year-old wordsmiths, freelance writing and blogging is a thrilling way to show off their talent and make extra cash. Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Medium let young writers create profiles and find jobs in article writing, copywriting, and content creation. Or, 12-year-olds can start their own blogs on what they love and make money through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsorships.
These side hustles not only bring in money but also boost 12-year-olds’ communication skills and portfolios. They learn the ropes of pitching ideas, meeting deadlines, and getting feedback from clients or readers.
“I earned about $1,700 in my first year of freelance writing, and that number grew to $92,000 by the fourth year. Monetizing my blog through Mediavine ads alone helped me make $300 a day or more in passive income.”
For young writers looking to make a mark, the opportunities are endless. Fiverr lets writers as young as 13 offer gigs in creative writing, comic writing, and fanfiction. Upwork requires users to be 18 or older for jobs. Sites like Hubpages and Medium offer programs that share revenue with teen bloggers.
Whether it’s writing articles, crafting copy, or running a blog, freelance writing and blogging offer 12-year-olds a chance to improve their skills and earn money through content creation as a preteen.
Navigating the Freelance Writing Landscape
For 12-year-olds into teen blogging opportunities, the first step is to find what they’re good at and what they love. They can then look for freelance writing jobs, like social media writing, video game writing, or beauty writing. They can even write for local businesses, churches, or art/history museums.
Having a writing portfolio before turning 18 can help them find more writing jobs. Clients will see their skills and experience. With hard work, dedication, and a drive to get better, 12-year-old freelance writers and bloggers can start a fulfilling journey.
Flipping and Reselling Items for Profit
For enterprising 12-year-olds, flipping side hustles and reselling profitable items can be a great way to make extra money. By looking through garage sales, thrift stores, and online, they can find items that are worth more than their price. This helps them learn about market research, negotiation, and selling online.
Finding Valuable Items to Flip
Matt, a youth minister, has made a lot of money from his flipping side hustle. He earned $3,428 in 60 days and aims for $10,000. In just 10 days, he made an extra $5,000. He looks for items under $75 to sell for 3-4 times the price.
Some of Matt’s big wins include selling a wheelchair for over $600 and a Macbook Pro for $25. He suggests starting small, as finding time and overcoming doubts can be tough.
Selling on Online Marketplaces as a Minor
Even though 12-year-olds can’t open seller accounts on big sites like Amazon or eBay, they can sell with their parents’ help. With so many users on Facebook and eBay, there’s a huge market for reselling profitable items as a preteen.
To sell more, young sellers should offer shipping, share their items on Facebook groups, and use the right keywords. Learning from other sellers on eBay can also help with pricing and selling items.
The chance for flipping side hustles for 12 year olds to succeed is big. A 15-year-old made $1,000 in a week by flipping couches. Another teen earns $700 weekly from baking, selling cookies for $20 a dozen.
Conclusion
There are many side hustles and part-time jobs for 12-year-olds to make money and learn new skills. They can choose from babysitting, yard work, or even online content creation. Starting a side hustle at this age has many benefits, like learning about money, building entrepreneurial skills, and understanding hard work’s value.
By looking into different side hustles, 12-year-olds can start making money and gain from starting a business early. They can try online surveys, crafting, tutoring, or freelancing. These options let them use their skills and interests, learning valuable lessons along the way.
Side hustles for 12-year-olds are growing, offering a chance for financial freedom and growth. By taking these opportunities, they can earn extra money and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. This mindset will help them throughout their lives.