Summer will be here before we know it, and kids of all ages will have lots of time on their hands. They could—and certainly should—enjoy the sunshine with family and friends at home, at camp or on vacation, but they might also use some of that time to gain valuable skills and work experience.
We often associate summer jobs with high school and college students, but children in elementary and middle school can take on additional responsibilities during this special season. Whether they accept a paid position, volunteer or simply assist with new or expanded household tasks, young workers will benefit in meaningful and memorable ways.
For example, they may:
- Gain confidence by tackling diverse challenges
- Experiment with entrepreneurship by starting a business
- Avoid the dreaded “summer slide,” especially when putting math, reading and other skills to work in practical settings
- Learn how to save and spend wisely
- Meet new people, including employers, colleagues and customers
- Expand their social circle to include friends who go to different schools and perhaps live in different places
Here are our top five approaches to summer jobs for children and teens based on age group:
Small tasks for small kids
Children in kindergarten through third grade are just starting to understand responsibility, so most of their “jobs” will likely be specific tasks around the house. Whether they complete their “work” independently or serve as valuable assistants, they’ll not only learn but also enjoy contributing, especially when they help someone dear to them like a parent or grandparent.
Some entertaining—and achievable—duties for the youngest workers include watering plants, basic yard work, setting up a lemonade stand and helping with any of many household chores like feeding a pet, setting the table or taking out the garbage.
Bigger jobs for bigger kids
A little older but a lot more capable, children in the fourth through sixth grades can handle a wider range of projects and may be ready to find “employment” outside of the family. Some jobs will require more guidance, but at this age, many young people are eager to show what they can do.
For example, they can serve as mother’s helpers, assisting with little siblings, cousins or neighbors. Those who are more comfortable with “fur babies”—or ones with feathers or scales—can be pet sitters and dog walkers. Washing the car, mowing the lawn and doing other yard work are also good options, especially for kids who love spending time outdoors.
Leveling up to more responsibility
Tweens and young teens may think they can do just about anything, but most states require applicants to be at least 14 years old to get a work permit. Still, seventh and eighth graders have lots of appealing and potentially lucrative options. They can do the same jobs as younger kids—yard work, car washing, etc.—but without a lot of supervision, or any at all. They might also babysit, tutor, provide companionship to senior citizens or explore volunteer activities, such as helping at the local animal shelter, public library or food pantry.
Experience they can take to the bank
High school students are ready for the big leagues—or getting very close—and the possibilities are practically unlimited. They can work as camp counselors, lifeguards or other traditional seasonal roles; find a summer or year-round position in retail, food service or another industry; secure a career-focused internship or volunteer opportunity; start their own venture beyond the lemonade stand or do something else entirely. In every case, they’ll have the opportunity to gain real skills and experience and earn their own money to save and spend.
Post-secondary possibilities
Our high school graduates are off to the races, although they won’t all be racing in the same direction. Some will secure an apprenticeship, join the military or head right into the workforce—all excellent options, but “summer vacation” as they’ve known it will likely be gone. Most college students, on the other hand, get a lengthy break, and this is an ideal time for career exploration, resume-building and networking.
Structured internships are often the goal—and therefore often very competitive—but any job in their field of interest will be beneficial. And those who land at camps, pools and ice cream parlors are still advancing themselves, but they can go even further by incorporating quick career boosters like job shadowing and informational interviews to learn about a particular profession.
