10 Best Jobs For 12-Year-Olds

I have actually been a career coach for over twenty years, and if there’s something I’ve learned it’s that a one-size-fits-all method to job browsing doesn’t work. Whether you are a student, an early expert, a seasoned job hunter, or a working moms and dad, The Career Counter has actually tailored, tailored resources and design templates to help you land the task of your dreams!

Register for our Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest career and home organization posts, news, and pointers

How Can We Help?

Resume Writing

Resume Templates

DIY Resources

Home Organization Planners

You might also like

Career Products Hand Crafted by a Certified Professional Resume Writer

Professional Career Coaches with Decades of Experience

My energetic tween just recently asked me, « Mom, can I work? » Given my 20+ years as a career coach, I felt obliged to provide a smart, educated reaction. But in reality, I didn’t have a clear response for her. Can a ten-year-old do work besides family tasks? I believed to myself. « Uh, let me do some research study and return to you on that, » I said while quickly googling the finest tasks for 12-year-olds. By the method, if you’ve got a teenager, inspect out the very best tasks for teens.

While I know my child is not quite prepared to deal with a babysitting or pet sitting job, she certainly will be in a couple years. Given that reality, I chose to sit down and research everything about task opportunities for tweens. Are you in a similar boat with your kids? If so, keep reading to find out about the best tasks for 12- year-olds, as well as general information concerning labor laws and ensuring the safety and protection of your kids as they launch their very first job experience.

Before I dive into the very best gigs for tweens, let me first cover the laws relating to kid labor. If you’re not familiar, I’ll provide 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, consisting of limiting the variety of hours kids can work, as well as designating the types of jobs children can have. Generally, the minimum age for employment is 14, but exceptions exist for tasks like paper delivery, childcare, and agricultural work, where children can work from a younger age under specific conditions.

Each state may also have its own laws, which can be stricter than federal laws. In California, for example, the legal working age is 14 years of ages. However, kids under 14 and even under 12 can lawfully work without an authorization doing things like lawn mowing, selling arts and crafts, and childcare, to name just a couple of. Minors can likewise work particular agricultural jobs, if the kid is utilized by a moms and dad or legal guardian who controls, runs, or owns the home.

Children over 14, while legally allowed to work lots of jobs, face a lot of restrictions. However, that’s an entire other subject that I’ll likely cover in a future post!

Okay, now let’s enter into the enjoyable stuff. Specifically, here are the very best tasks for 12-year-olds that provide kids an opportunity to have a good time, develop a great work ethic, find out about themselves, and most importantly, stay safe:(need tips on writing a resume for teens? Check out How to Write a Student Resume).

# 1: Babysitting

Let me start by highlighting that this list is not suggested to be in any specific order. With that stated, I’m going to start by discussing babysitting. My really own first task as a 12 year old was, yup, you thought it, babysitting! It was for a kid who lived next door. And luckily for me, he was a simple kid to enjoy. Even better, my mommy was home while I babysat which provided me comfort. It was the ideal job for my first job!

Babysitting, family pet sitting, and even pet walking can be excellent first tasks for tweens. Besides the apparent perks of making their own cash, these jobs permit kids to hone communication abilities and find out obligation. Also, I need to include that it will absolutely help if your child likes kids and animals. If they are not truly into playing with kids and they don’t like pet dogs, they probably won’t last very long.

My best recommendations as both a mommy and a career coach: encourage your kid to do something they like. My daughter, for example, absolutely loves having fun with more youthful kids and she adores canines. Like, referall.us seriously LOVES them. Maybe even more than she likes me. But I digress. Anway, that’s how I know she will actually enjoy babysitting and pet sitting. This is not to state that your kid can’t do these jobs if they are not natural caretakers. Caring for kids and animals is definitely a skill that can be found out. They just may not enjoy it as much.

Before my daughter takes her very first childcare job, I’m going to make sure a few things remain in place. Top, I want her to take a child CPR and very first aid course. The last thing I want is for her to be in an emergency situation while she is babysitting and not understand what to do. Another element (and the most crucial element) for me is security. Before she accepts a babysitting task, I will vet the household and ensure my daughter will remain in a safe environment. In truth, her first tasks will likely be with households we currently understand and trust.

# 2: Creative Jobs

If your kid has a specific strength and is self-motivated, you can help them check out ways to generate income doing what I call « imaginative tasks for tweens! »

I just recently talked with a mama friend of mine who said her daughter was making money making hand-written thank you notes. She explained that her daughter is working for a buddy of theirs who owns her own online shop selling handmade items. The shop owner couldn’t stay up to date with the tailored thank you cards for her consumers. So, she employed a tween to do it for her. Brilliant!

I simply like this job idea for a lot of factors. First of all, it plays to this particular child’s strengths (whom I know well since she likewise occurs to be my daughter’s buddy). She has naturally lovely handwriting. Also, it’s uber-flexible. My buddy told me the finest 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 ideas for jobs like this one: If your kid is artistic and enjoys developing, they could make and offer handmade art or items on Etsy or a similar 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 think of a better way for a kid to refine composing abilities and acquire confidence!

Is your child more tech savvy than you (do not fret, your secret is safe with me)? What about investigating ways to establish these abilities like establishing an app or video game?

Is your child a natural-born performer? What about looking into theatre or tv performing or even commentaries? These kinds of tasks do not have age restrictions and can be a wonderful method to allow your kid to hone their performing and singing skills while also making some cash.

# 3: Mother’s Helper

« Mother’s assistant » is another popular job for tweens. This can include assisting with laundry, making snacks, babysitting, pet dog walking, and other family jobs. The great aspect of this kind of task is that if your child is on the younger side (like 10 or younger), they can do the job while being monitored by an adult.

Another perk of this task is that you can quickly find a mom or caregiver you already know who needs help. Start by sending a message to your immediate circle of mom friends and/or family to see if anyone requires extra aid. You can also post in a local mom’s group relying on your convenience level with enabling your kid to enter another home. For me personally, if I went this path, I would initially talk to the household and make sure the environment is safe and secure. I would also likely accompany my child the first couple visits.

# 4: Photographer’s Assistant

Photographer/ Photographer’s Assistant. Does your child love taking images? If so, you could either purchase a digital camera or better yet simply begin with your phone camera. Your kid might start by helping with taking images for household and pals totally free to develop their abilities as well as a photography portfolio. There is constantly a big requirement for images of special occasions like birthdays, graduations, and household photos, to name just a couple of.

Once your child becomes more knowledgeable and experienced, they can start charging a very little rate for their photography while they continue to develop their abilities. Your kid can even set up a basic site ultimately to promote their services.

# 5: Blogger or Vlogger

Blogger or Vlogger. I wish to begin by stating that if you kid desires to make some quick cash, this is certainly not the path to go! As a professional blog writer, I understand from individual experience it takes time and commitment to construct your blog site or vlog and ultimately develop an income stream.

That stated, I truthfully don’t see a major disadvantage to starting a vlog or blog. Kids can sharpen their writing, oral interaction, video editing, and marketing skills, along with discover the fundamentals of ending up being an entrepreneur!

If your kid hasn’t currently, I need to caution you that it’s just a matter of time before they ask the inescapable concern that every tween seems to be asking these days: can I have a YouTube channel?! YouTube does require that your child be 13 or have parental approval to produce a channel. It will also depend on you as a parent to determine 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 utilize their genuine name or identity. At least while they are under 13 years of ages. We’ll see what our convenience level will be when they age. Every parent certainly has different comfort levels concerning online security for their kids.

Your Future Starts Here

In terms of how to start a blog, all your kid really requires is pick a blog subject they are enthusiastic about. That, and ideally something that they want to share with the world and/or something they can teach people about. There are some fantastic totally free platforms that enable you to quickly develop a blog site like Wix or Ionos. I understand that Wix does need users to be at least 13 years old to develop a website.

Once your kid has a recognized blog site or vlog, they can also market it in the future their high school or college resume or even in the college application process. Employers are constantly trying to find abilities like self-motivation, creativity, drive, and ambition!

# 6: Landscaping Helper

Landscaping helper. This can include things like raking leaves, pulling weeds, shoveling snow, and other tasks. If your kiddo is active and loves being outside, this might well be the job for them! My tip is to make a leaflet and walk around to your next-door neighbors with your kid, to see if anyone might require some landscaping help. As they get older and end up being more responsible, your kid can branch out and broaden their services.

# 7: Lemonade Salesperson

Lemonade stand. Of course, I have to mention the lemonade stand! I don’t know that I would consider this as a real « task » as much as a way to make periodic money during the summer season. But this is an excellent first task for a more youthful kiddo who is feeling encouraged 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 restaurant or other kind of household company, your 12-year-old child can work in numerous capacities as long as they aren’t considered dangerous or harmful. You also require to make sure to adhere to your state’s child labor laws concerning the variety of hours and times of days that you child can legally work.

That said, this can be a fantastic first work experience for a kid. Learning about the household business first-hand will develop confidence, work ethic, and will also permit your child to discover themselves and their strengths and interests relating to the work world.

# 9: Plant Sitter

Plant caretaker. This job is exceptional for kids who are interested in and who love to learn more about gardening and plants. Watering plants for next-door neighbors on vacation is also a fantastic way to earn earnings while learning more about the fundamentals of growing plants, veggies, fruits, and flowers!

# 10: Season Job

Seasonal job. Rounding out my top ten tasks for 12-year-olds are seasonal jobs. These jobs can include wrapping 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 vacation assistant or even a birthday party helper. Am I right ?!

This time of the year, while definitely fantastic, can likewise be exhausting for parents. Between getting presents, covering presents, decorating your home, and all the other little things, it’s a lot. Your kid, depending upon their interests and strengths, could use their services to friends and neighbors throughout the holiday.

In Conclusion

As you can see, these 10 tasks for 12-year-olds offer great opportunities to explore their interests, develop confidence, and cultivate a strong work ethic. Encouraging your child to try a task at this young age can be an important steppingstone towards their future success.

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

The most popular tasks for 12 years of age consist of childcare, animal sitting, yard work, pet dog walking, and mom’s assistant.

While 12 year olds are not legally allowed to operate in more conventional roles like those at junk food dining establishments, they can work in a private home setting doing the above pointed out jobs.

– Exist any limitations or limitations on tasks for 12 years of age?

Yes, there are some limitations and limitations on jobs for 12 year olds. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets guidelines for the kinds of jobs and number of hours that young workers can carry out. For example, 12 year olds normally can not work in dangerous occupations or during school hours. It’s crucial to contact your regional and state laws, along with obtain any licenses or approvals.

– How can 12 years of age find task chances?

Here are a few ways for 12 years of age to find job chances:
– Ask friends and family: Let your household and buddies understand that you’re trying to find work. They may have connections or understand someone who needs aid with odd tasks.
– Local services: Visit regional shops, restaurants, or community centers and ask if they have any part-time task openings for young workers.
– Online platforms: Some websites and apps specifically cater to connecting young workers with job chances. Try to find respectable platforms that abide by labor somalibidders.com laws and guidelines.

Remember to constantly prioritize your security and wellness when thinking about task chances, and seek advice from 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 guiding people towards career success. During her period at San Jose State University, she helped thousands of students compose compelling resumes to land their very first jobs and internships. More just recently, Lee founded The Career Counter, a platform dedicated to providing job hunters with tools and services tailored to their distinct fields and career goals.

Comment navigation

– 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 seeking to have a summer season job so I was thinking I might be a dogsitter likewise I am looking for a task near me -Kayla Thomas
I was questioning

the number of tasks I can do trigger I infant sit chickens totally free and I have a crochet club but i haven’t done is recently, so I was considering babysitting but I am uncertain about it.

Hi Kayla,

Thanks for connecting:-RRB-. Seems like you enjoy animals. You might try to make some earnings by providing pet-sitting services (you already have experience, so now you can charge for your services and you can utilize your existing company as a reference to get you more jobs). Keep doing the crochet club! Sounds like a wonderful hobby. You never ever know … ultimately hobbies can become earnings as well.

Susy

Hello, do you believe I can operate at a library I actually like books and I can provide great recommendations for books and I seem like even kid libraries would be excellent. What do you believe?

2 weeks ago Reply

Hey there! I love that you have found something you love and you want to try to get a task involved with books. First thing I would recommend doing is asking family and friends if anybody has connections to any local libraries or bookstores in your area. You can also visit your library and inquire about jobs. There might be an age requirement. If there is and you are not old enough for a job, you can inquire about offering. This is an excellent way to discover operating in a library. When you do get old enough, you’ll be all set for a paying job!

Jayla Lancaster

Can I babysit I’m 12 years old

3 weeks ago Reply

Hello Jayla! Yes you can babysit if you are 12 years old. That’s in fact a fantastic age to start doing this type of job. Start by calling household and pals and letting them understand you have an interest in a childcare task. Once you begin acquirings ome experience sitting for individuals you understand, they will tell other individuals they know about how awesome you are and you’ll get referrals!:-RRB-:-RRB- Elena Victoria Hey
Mrs. Beaser

How can I get task

? I have experience in babysitting, looking after a canine, and I could most likely tutor someone, however my older sister always gets those tasks and she will not let me have one; likewise I am 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 connecting! Try not to get too stuck on your age. If you do not think in your abilities no one else will either (there are lots of 12-year-olds who are more responsible than 16-year-olds!:-RRB- How about checking to see if your moms and dads or caretakers have any buddies with more youthful kids or pets? If a family already knows you and understands your moms and dads, there is already some trust there and they will be more likely to wish to hire you. You could also make some flyers promoting your services and walk your street (with a parent or guardian) and ask if anybody requires assistance strolling their pet dog. Start with individuals you already understand. After they employ you and you do an aamzing task, you can utilize these individuals as recommendations for other tasks.

Don’t offer up! Keep trying and you will get a terrific task quickly!

Oakleigh

Do you think helping my mom in her hairdresser would be alright? If not I may get babysitting. I have actually got experience, especially with 5 younger brother or sisters.

Hello and thank you for your question! I think assisting in your mom’s hair beauty salon would be an excellent first task. However, you and your mama need to talk to the labor laws in your state to make sure you are legally permitted to work there. Many states enable kids to work in the household organization, however there are constraints (like number of hours you can work, kind of work you can do, etc).

Babysitting is always a terrific choice too. With five more youthful siblings, I bet you would be a pro!:-RRB- Dimpho

So this is my very first time however because I currently pet my canines, I believe I could be a family pet caretaker, am only available in Eastern Cape hope I will get this job cause.I wish I could pet sit a canine cause I love dogs thanks.

2 months ago Reply

Since you currently have canines you can absolutely utilize that experience to get a job as a dog walker. Start by asking your household, buddies, and neighbors (i.e. people who currently understand you). After you get some experience, you can use them as referrals to get more jobs. Good luck!

Graeson

Can I do backyard work cuss I’m 12

3 months ago Reply

Hi Graeson! Yes you can do yard work. Start by offering your services to neightbors and people you understand. Once they hire you and trust you, they will likely tell their buddies and you can get more service.

Ellie

Can I do the sitter club due to the fact that I’m 12

– Lee Beaser

4 months ago Reply

Hello Ellie, childcare is a great job for 12-year olds! I’m not exactly sure which sitter club you are referring to, but you can definitely babysit at 12!

Comment navigation

Leave your remark (Cancel Reply)

Δ

This site utilizes Akismet to lower spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

10 Trade Jobs Worth Exploring (and How to Land One)

In a world where standard four-year college degrees typically control the conversation about career courses, trade jobs are a fantastic yet overlooked career choice that deserve more attention. The fact is that trades specialists perform important work that assists society in so lots of methods. For example, keeping the lights on, keeping comfortable living areas, or …

Top 10 Flexible Law Careers for Moms

If you’re a mommy caring for youngsters, you likely already understand that balancing a profession in law with the duties and needs of family can feel like a huge obstacle. Although I do not work in the field of law, I have actually got mom good friends who do. Many have found flexible profession courses in law that …

The Future of Automotive Careers: Three Exciting Opportunities to Explore

Are you the kind of person who enjoys working with your hands, fixing problems, and seeing instant outcomes from your efforts? Maybe you have actually constantly enjoyed fixing things, taking them apart, and determining how they work-or perhaps you’re the go-to person for troubleshooting mechanical issues amongst your friends and family. If this seems like you, …

Pharmacist Job Outlook – Trends and Tips

Let’s be honest-when the majority of people consider pharmacists, they envision someone in a white coat, looking down at a sea of prescription bottles, sometimes asking, « Do you have any questions for the pharmacist today? » However, a career in drug store is so much more than understanding chicken-scratch doctor handwriting!As healthcare evolves, driven by technological developments, an …

What is Pediatric Nursing (and How to Land a Great Job)

Job markets ups and downs. But the one sector of the labor force that always appears to hold stable? Healthcare. Whether it’s nurses or doctors, health care professionals are always in need. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13% increase in health care tasks by 2031-proof that this field isn’t decreasing anytime soon.Of all health care experts, …

Jobs Helping Kids – Plus Tips to Get Hired

Interested in finding out about jobs assisting kids? There are numerous opportunities that include helping kids that cover throughout fields like education, health care, arts, and social work. From teaching a kid their first word to mentoring a tween or teenager through challenges, each task chance allows you to make a significant distinction in a child’s …

Top Jobs in Philanthropy (and How to Land One)

Bill Gates. MacKenzie Scott. Dolly Parton. What do these people share? They’re not only multi-billionaires, but likewise benefactors. Gates might be a tech tycoon and the godfather of Microsoft. However, his tradition lies securely in his humanitarian efforts, from HIV research to equitable access to vaccines.Here’s the important things: all of these big names …

Careers That Involve Helping People (and Pay Well Too)

Money or meaning? This choice has haunted countless experts. You dream of making a genuine difference. But you can’t because you have a home mortgage to pay.