10 Best Jobs For 12-Year-Olds

I’ve been a profession coach for over 20 years, and if there’s something I’ve discovered it’s that a one-size-fits-all approach to task browsing doesn’t work. Whether you are a trainee, an early professional, a seasoned task seeker, or a working moms and dad, The Career Counter has actually personalized, tailored resources and design templates to help you land the job of your dreams!

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My energetic tween just recently asked me, “Mom, can I work?” Given my 20+ years as a career coach, I felt forced to offer an intelligent, educated reaction. But in reality, I didn’t have a clear answer for her. Can a ten-year-old do work besides home chores? I thought to myself. “Uh, let me do some research and get back to you on that,” I stated while rapidly googling the very best jobs for 12-year-olds. By the way, if you’ve got a teen, inspect out the finest tasks for teens.

While I know my daughter is not rather all set to tackle a babysitting or animal sitting job, she absolutely will remain in a couple years. Considered that fact, I decided to sit down and research everything about task chances for tweens. Are you in a similar boat with your kids? If so, keep reading to find out about the very best tasks for 12- year-olds, in addition to basic information concerning labor laws and ensuring the security and protection of your kids as they embark upon their very first job experience.

Before I dive into the finest gigs for tweens, let me very first cover the laws regarding child labor. If you’re not familiar, I’ll give you the basic essence: 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 restricting the variety of hours kids can work, in addition to designating the kinds of jobs children can have. Generally, the minimum age for work is 14, but exceptions exist for jobs like paper shipment, babysitting, and agricultural work, where kids can work from a more youthful age under particular 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 legally work without a license doing things like lawn mowing, offering arts and crafts, and childcare, employment to call just a few. Minors can also work certain farming tasks, if the kid is utilized by a parent or legal guardian who manages, runs, or owns the property.

Children over 14, while legally allowed to work many tasks, face a lot of constraints. However, that’s an entire other topic that I’ll likely cover in a future post!

Okay, now let’s get into the enjoyable stuff. Specifically, here are the very best tasks for 12-year-olds that provide kids a possibility to have a good time, establish a good work principles, discover about themselves, and most notably, stay safe:(need ideas on writing a resume for teenagers? Check out How to Write a Student Resume).

# 1: Babysitting

Let me begin by emphasizing that this list is not meant to be in any specific order. With that stated, I’m going to start by discussing childcare. My extremely own very first job as a 12 years of age was, yup, you thought it, babysitting! It was for a kid who lived next door. And thankfully for me, he was an easy kid to enjoy. Even better, my mommy was home while I babysat which offered me assurance. It was the perfect task for my very first task!

Babysitting, family pet sitting, and even dog walking can be terrific very first jobs for tweens. Besides the obvious advantages of making their own cash, these tasks allow kids to refine communication skills and discover obligation. Also, I have to throw in that it will certainly help if your kid likes kids and animals. If they are not truly into playing with kids and they do not like pets, they probably won’t last long.

My finest advice as both a mommy and a profession coach: encourage your kid to do something they like. My daughter, for example, definitely likes playing with more youthful kids and she adores pet dogs. Like, seriously LOVES them. Maybe even more than she likes me. But I digress. Anway, that’s how I understand she will truly take pleasure in babysitting and family pet sitting. This is not to state that your kid can’t do these jobs if they are not natural caretakers. Taking care of kids and animals is certainly a skill that can be discovered. They just may not enjoy it as much.

Before my daughter takes her first babysitting job, I’m going to guarantee a few things are in location. Top, I desire her to take a child CPR and emergency treatment course. The last thing I desire is for her to be in an emergency circumstance while she is babysitting and not know what to do. Another aspect (and the most important element) for me is security. Before she accepts a babysitting task, I will vet the household and guarantee my child will remain in a safe environment. In reality, her very first jobs will likely be with households we already understand and trust.

# 2: Creative Jobs

If your child has a particular strength and is self-motivated, you can help them look into ways to generate income doing what I call “creative tasks for tweens!”

I just recently chatted with a mother friend of mine who stated her child was generating income making hand-written thank you notes. She discussed that her child is working for a friend of theirs who owns her own online store selling handmade items. The shop owner couldn’t stay up to date with the customized thank you cards for her consumers. So, she hired a tween to do it for her. Brilliant!

I simply like this job idea for many reasons. Firstly, it plays to this particular kid’s strengths (whom I understand well since she also happens to be my daughter’s close pal). She has naturally lovely handwriting. Also, it’s uber-flexible. My friend informed me the very best part is her daughter can compose thank you notes from anywhere and compose them at odd hours, whenever she has the time and energy.

Other concepts for jobs like this one: If your kid is artistic and enjoys developing, they could make and sell handmade art or products on Etsy or a comparable site (a grownup will require to produce the account). Does your kid love to compose? What about sending pitches or posts to children’s magazines? I can not think of a better way for a kid to hone composing skills and get confidence!

Is your child more tech savvy than you (do not fret, your secret is safe with me)? What about researching methods to develop these skills like establishing an app or video game?

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

# 3: Mother’s Helper

“Mother’s helper” is another popular task for tweens. This can involve assisting with laundry, making treats, childcare, pet dog walking, and other family tasks. The good aspect of this kind of task is that if your kid is on the more youthful side (like 10 or younger), they can do the task while being supervised by an adult.

Another perk of this task is that you can easily discover a mother or caretaker you already know who requires help. Start by sending out a message to your instant circle of mom pals and/or household to see if anybody needs extra assistance. You can also publish in a local mommy’s group relying on your convenience level with allowing your kid to enter another home. For me personally, if I went this path, I would first talk to the family and ensure the environment is safe and safe and secure. I would also likely accompany my kid the first couple gos to.

# 4: Photographer’s Assistant

Photographer/ Photographer’s Assistant. Does your kid love taking pictures? If so, you might either purchase a digital camera or even better simply begin with your phone electronic camera. Your kid could begin by helping with taking images for family and pals totally free to develop their skills as well as a photography portfolio. There is always a huge requirement for images of special events like birthdays, graduations, and family pictures, employment to call simply a few.

Once your kid becomes more competent and skilled, they can begin charging a minimal cost for their photography while they continue to refine their abilities. Your kid can even establish a standard site eventually to promote their services.

# 5: Blogger or Vlogger

Blogger or Vlogger. I want to start by mentioning that if you kid desires to make some fast cash, this is definitely not the route to go! As a professional blogger, I understand from individual experience it takes time and commitment to build your blog site or vlog and eventually develop an earnings stream.

That stated, I truthfully do not see a significant disadvantage to starting a vlog or blog. Kids can sharpen their writing, oral communication, video editing, and marketing skills, as well as find out the basics of becoming a business owner!

If your kid hasn’t already, I have to warn you that it’s only a matter of time before they ask the unavoidable concern that every tween appears to be asking these days: can I have a YouTube channel?! YouTube does require that your kid be 13 or have adult authorization to develop a channel. It will also depend on you as a parent to identify the specific criteria of keeping your kid safe on YouTube.

Myself and my partner, for example, chose that if we let our kids begin a YouTube channel, we will not enable them to use their genuine name or identity. At least while they are under 13 years of ages. We’ll see what our comfort level will be when they grow older. Every moms and dad undoubtedly has different comfort levels regarding online security for their kids.

Your Future Starts Here

In terms of how to start a blog, all your kid actually requires is choose a blog site topic they are passionate about. That, and ideally something that they wish to share with the world and/or something they can teach individuals about. There are some terrific complimentary platforms that allow you to quickly produce a blog site like Wix or Ionos. I know that Wix does require users to be a minimum of 13 years old to produce a website.

Once your kid has an established blog or vlog, they can also market it in the future their high school or college resume and even in the college application procedure. Employers are always looking for skills like self-motivation, imagination, drive, and aspiration!

# 6: Landscaping Helper

Landscaping assistant. This can involve things like raking leaves, pulling weeds, shoveling snow, and other tasks. If your kiddo is active and enjoys being outside, this may well be the task for them! My idea is to make a flyer and walk around to your next-door neighbors with your child, to see if anyone may require some landscaping help. As they grow older and end up being more responsible, your kid can branch off and expand their services.

# 7: Lemonade Salesperson

Lemonade stand. Of course, I have to mention the lemonade stand! I do not understand that I would consider this as an actual “job” as much as a method to make occasional cash during the summer. But this is a fantastic first task for a younger kiddo who is feeling motivated to make a little money 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 type of family organization, your 12-year-old child can operate in numerous capacities as long as they aren’t thought about dangerous or hazardous. You likewise require to make sure to abide by your state’s kid labor laws relating to the variety of hours and times of days that you child can legally work.

That stated, this can be a terrific very first work experience for a child. Finding out about the household business first-hand will establish self-confidence, work principles, and will also permit your child to discover about themselves and their strengths and interests regarding the work world.

# 9: Plant Sitter

Plant caretaker. This job is outstanding for kids who have an interest in and who love to find out about gardening and plants. Watering plants for neighbors on trip is likewise an excellent way to earn income while learning more about the essentials of growing plants, veggies, fruits, and flowers!

# 10: Season Job

Seasonal task. Rounding out my top 10 tasks for 12-year-olds are seasonal jobs. These jobs can consist of covering presents during the holidays or perhaps helping out with party planning. If there’s one thing that I know most mamas would like is a holiday assistant and even a birthday party assistant. Am I right ?!

This time of the year, while definitely terrific, can likewise be tiring for moms and dads. Between getting presents, covering presents, embellishing your house, and all the other little stuff, it’s a lot. Your kid, relying on their interests and strengths, could use their services to friends and next-door neighbors throughout the holiday.

In Conclusion

As you can see, these 10 jobs for 12-year-olds provide wonderful opportunities to explore their interests, develop confidence, and cultivate a strong work principles. Encouraging your kid to attempt a job at this young age can be a valuable steppingstone towards their future success.

– What are some popular jobs for 12 years of age?

The most popular jobs for 12 year olds consist of babysitting, animal sitting, backyard work, canine walking, and mother’s helper.

While 12 year olds are not lawfully allowed to work in more standard roles like those at junk food dining establishments, they can work in a private home setting doing the above discussed tasks.

– Exist any limitations or limitations on tasks for 12 year olds?

Yes, there are some constraints and limitations on jobs for 12 year olds. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets guidelines for the kinds of tasks and number of hours that young employees can undertake. For instance, employment 12 years of age generally can not work in harmful professions or during school hours. It is essential to talk to your local and state laws, as well as acquire any required authorizations or consents.

– How can 12 year olds discover task opportunities?

Here are a few methods for 12 years of age to discover task opportunities:
– Ask friends and family: Let your friends and family understand that you’re searching for work. They may have connections or understand someone who needs aid with tasks.
– Local services: Visit regional stores, dining establishments, or recreation center and inquire if they have any part-time task openings for young employees.
– Online platforms: Some websites and apps particularly deal with linking young employees with job chances. Try to find reliable platforms that comply with labor laws and guidelines.

Remember to constantly prioritize your safety and well-being when thinking about job chances, and talk to your moms and dads or guardians before pursuing any work.

Lee Cristina Beaser

MS, CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer).
Lee brings over 2 years of know-how in directing individuals towards profession success. During her tenure at San Jose State University, she helped countless students write compelling resumes to land their very first jobs and internships. More recently, Lee established The Career Counter, a platform dedicated to providing job candidates with tools and services customized to their unique fields and profession goals.

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– Hermione Eldridge

21 hours ago Reply

I am 12 years I have actually always had a great deal of love for animals and I was wanting to have a summertime job so I was believing I might be a dogsitter likewise I am looking for employment a task close to me -Kayla Thomas
I was wondering

how numerous tasks I can do cause I child sit chickens free of charge and I have a crochet club but i haven’t done is recently, so I was thinking about babysitting but I am not exactly sure about it.

Hi Kayla,

Thanks for connecting:-RRB-. Sounds like you love animals. You might try to make some earnings by providing pet-sitting services (you currently have experience, so now you can charge for your services and you can use your existing company as a reference to get you more tasks). Keep doing the crochet club! Sounds like a wonderful pastime. You never understand … eventually hobbies can develop into earnings too.

Susy

Hello, do you think I can work at a library I really like books and I can provide excellent suggestions for books and I feel like even kid libraries would be good. What do you believe?

2 weeks ago Reply

Hey there! I love that you have actually found something you like and you wish to try to get a job involved with books. First thing I would suggest doing is asking family and friends if anybody has connections to any libraries or bookstores in your location. You can likewise visit your public library and ask about tasks. There may be an age requirement. If there is and you are not old enough for a task, you can inquire about volunteering. This is a great method to learn more about working in a library. When you do get old enough, you’ll be ready for a paying job!

Jayla Lancaster

Can I babysit I’m 12 years of ages

3 weeks ago Reply

Hello Jayla! Yes you can babysit if you are 12 years old. That’s actually a great age to begin doing this type of job. Start by contacting friends and family and letting them understand employment you have an interest in a childcare job. Once you start gettings ome experience sitting for individuals you understand, they will tell other people they understand about how amazing you are and you’ll get recommendations!:-RRB-:-RRB- Elena Victoria Hey
Mrs. Beaser

How can I get task

? I have in babysitting, looking after a pet dog, and I could most likely tutor somebody, however my older sister constantly gets those jobs and she will not let me have one; also I make sure people would rather have a 16-year-old v. a 12-year-old. Do you have any recommendations?

1 month ago Reply

Hello fantastic concern thank you for employment reaching out! Try not to get too stuck on your age. If you do not believe in your abilities nobody else will either (there are great deals of 12-year-olds who are more accountable than 16-year-olds!:-RRB- How about examining to see if your parents or caretakers have any friends with more youthful kids or family pets? If a household already knows you and knows your moms and dads, there is currently some trust there and they will be most likely to want to hire you. You could also make some leaflets promoting your services and walk around your street (with a parent or guardian) and ask if anybody requires help walking their canine. Start with people you already know. After they employ you and you do an aamzing task, you can utilize these individuals as recommendations for other tasks.

Don’t quit! Keep trying and you will get a terrific job soon!

Oakleigh

Do you believe helping my mother in her hair beauty parlor would be okay? If not I might pick up childcare. I have actually got experience, specifically with 5 younger brother or sisters.

Hello and thank you for your concern! I believe helping in your mommy’s hairdresser would be a fantastic first task. However, you and your mother have to consult the labor laws in your state to make sure you are lawfully allowed to work there. Many states enable kids to work in the household company, however there are constraints (like variety of hours you can work, type of work you can do, etc).

Babysitting is always a fantastic choice too. With 5 more youthful brother or sisters, I bet you would be a pro!:-RRB- Dimpho

So this is my first time however considering that I already pet my pets, I believe I might be a pet caretaker, am just readily available in Eastern Cape hope I will get this task cause.I desire I might animal sit a pet dog cause I love pet dogs thanks.

2 months ago Reply

Since you already have canines you can absolutely use that experience to get a job as a pet walker. Start by asking your family, pals, and neighbors (i.e. people who already understand you). After you get some experience, you can utilize them as referrals to get more tasks. Good luck!

Graeson

Can I do lawn work cuss I’m 12

3 months ago Reply

Hi Graeson! Yes you can do yard work. Start by providing your services to neightbors and individuals you know. Once they hire you and trust you, they will likely inform their buddies and you can get more organization.

Ellie

Can I do the babysitter club since I’m 12

– Lee Beaser

4 months ago Reply

Hello Ellie, babysitting is a terrific job for 12-year olds! I’m uncertain which babysitter club you are describing, however you can certainly babysit at 12!

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