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 approach to job searching does not work. Whether you are a student, an early expert, a seasoned job hunter, or a working moms and dad, The Career Counter has customized, tailored resources and design templates to help you land the job of your dreams!
Sign up for our Newsletter
Stay up to date on the current profession and home organization posts, news, and pointers
How Can We Help?
Resume Writing
Resume Templates
DIY Resources
Home Organization Planners
You may likewise 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 response. But in truth, I didn’t have a clear response for her. Can a ten-year-old do work besides household chores? I believed to myself. « Uh, let me do some research study and get back to you on that, » I said while rapidly googling the best jobs for 12-year-olds. By the way, if you have actually got a teen, examine out the very best jobs for teens.
While I know my child is not quite prepared to tackle a childcare or family pet sitting job, she certainly will remain in a couple years. Considered that fact, I chose to sit down and research all about task opportunities for tweens. Are you in a similar boat with your kids? If so, keep reading to learn more about the very best tasks for 12- year-olds, along with basic information regarding labor laws and guaranteeing the safety and protection of your kids as they launch their very first job experience.
Before I dive into the finest gigs for tweens, let me very first cover the laws relating to child labor. If you’re not familiar, I’ll give you the basic gist: On the federal level, kid labor laws are set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets the minimum age requirements for child work, including restricting the number of hours kids can work, as well as designating the types of tasks children can have. Generally, the minimum age for work is 14, however exceptions exist for tasks like paper delivery, childcare, and agricultural work, where children can work from a more youthful age under particular conditions.
Each state may likewise have its own laws, which can be more stringent than federal laws. In California, for example, the legal working age is 14 years old. However, kids under 14 and even under 12 can lawfully work without a license doing things like yard mowing, offering arts and crafts, and childcare, to name simply a couple of. Minors can likewise work particular farming jobs, if the kid is utilized by a parent or legal guardian who controls, runs, or owns the residential or commercial property.
Children over 14, while lawfully permitted to work many jobs, face a great deal of restrictions. However, that’s a whole other subject that I’ll likely cover in a future post!
Okay, now let’s enter into the fun stuff. Specifically, referall.us here are the very best jobs for 12-year-olds that offer kids a chance to have enjoyable, establish a good work ethic, find out about themselves, and most significantly, stay safe:(need ideas on writing a resume for teens? Take a look at How to Write a Student Resume).
# 1: Babysitting
Let me begin by highlighting that this list is not implied to be in any particular order. With that said, I’m going to begin by composing about babysitting. My extremely own first job as a 12 year old was, yup, you guessed it, babysitting! It was for a kid who lived next door. And thankfully for me, he was an easy kid to view. Even much better, my mom was home while I babysat which gave me comfort. It was the ideal job for my first task!
Babysitting, animal sitting, and even pet walking can be terrific first tasks for tweens. Besides the obvious advantages of earning their own money, these tasks allow kids to refine interaction abilities and learn responsibility. Also, I need to throw in that it will definitely help if your kids and family pets. If they are not truly into playing with kids and they don’t like canines, they most likely won’t last very long.
My finest guidance as both a mama and a career coach: motivate your kid to do something they like. My child, for example, definitely loves having fun with younger kids and she adores canines. Like, seriously LOVES them. Maybe even more than she likes me. But I digress. Anway, that’s how I understand she will truly delight in babysitting and family pet sitting. This is not to state that your kid can’t do these tasks if they are not natural caretakers. Taking care of kids and animals is definitely an ability that can be found out. They just may not enjoy it as much.
Before my child takes her very first babysitting task, I’m going to make sure a couple of things are in place. Primary, I desire her to take a kid CPR and first aid 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 factor (and the most crucial element) for me is safety. Before she accepts a babysitting job, I will veterinarian the household and ensure my child will remain in a safe environment. In truth, her first jobs will likely be with families we currently know and trust.
# 2: Creative Jobs
If your child has a specific strength and is self-motivated, you can help them look into ways to make money doing what I call « creative jobs for tweens! »
I recently talked with a mother friend of mine who stated her daughter was generating income making hand-written thank you notes. She explained that her daughter is working for a pal of theirs who owns her own online shop selling handmade items. The store owner could not stay up to date with the individualized thank you cards for her customers. So, she hired a tween to do it for her. Brilliant!
I simply love this job idea for so many reasons. Firstly, it plays to this particular child’s strengths (whom I understand well because she likewise takes place to be my child’s close friend). She has naturally gorgeous handwriting. Also, it’s uber-flexible. My friend informed me the best part is her child can write 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 child is artistic and likes producing, they could make and sell handcrafted art or products on Etsy or a similar website (an adult will require to produce the account). Does your kid love to compose? What about sending pitches or short articles to kids’s magazines? I can not think of a much better method for a kid to sharpen composing abilities and acquire self-confidence!
Is your child more tech savvy than you (don’t fret, your trick is safe with me)? What about researching methods to establish these skills like establishing an app or video game?
Is your child a natural-born performer? What about looking into theatre or television performing or even narrations? These kinds of jobs do not have age constraints and can be a wonderful method to allow your kid to develop their acting and singing abilities while also making some cash.
# 3: Mother’s Helper
« Mother’s assistant » is another popular job for tweens. This can involve helping with laundry, making snacks, babysitting, pet walking, and other family tasks. The nice feature of this type of task is that if your child is on the more youthful side (like ten or more youthful), they can do the task while being supervised by an adult.
Another perk of this job is that you can quickly discover a mommy or caretaker you currently understand who needs aid. Start by sending out a message to your instant circle of mama pals and/or household to see if anybody requires additional help. You can likewise post in a local mommy’s group relying on your convenience level with enabling your kid to get in another home. For me personally, if I went this route, I would initially speak with the household and ensure the environment is safe and safe. I would likewise likely support my kid the very first couple check outs.
# 4: Photographer’s Assistant
Photographer/ Photographer’s Assistant. Does your child love taking photos? If so, you could either buy a digital cam or much better yet just start with your phone electronic camera. Your child could begin by assisting with taking pictures for family and good friends for complimentary to establish their abilities as well as a photography portfolio. There is constantly a substantial requirement for pictures of unique events like birthdays, graduations, and household photos, to name just a few.
Once your kid ends up being more competent and knowledgeable, they can begin charging a minimal price for their photography while they continue to hone their skills. Your child can even set up a standard site eventually to promote their services.
# 5: Blogger or Vlogger
Blogger or Vlogger. I wish to start by mentioning that if you kid wishes to make some fast cash, this is absolutely not the path to go! As a professional blog writer, I know from individual experience it requires time and dedication to construct your blog site or vlog and ultimately produce an income stream.
That said, I truthfully do not see a significant disadvantage to beginning a vlog or blog. Kids can sharpen their writing, oral interaction, video modifying, and marketing abilities, along with find out the essentials of becoming a business owner!
If your kid hasn’t currently, I need to alert you that it’s just a matter of time before they ask the unavoidable question 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 grant develop a channel. It will likewise depend on you as a moms and dad to determine the particular specifications of keeping your child safe on YouTube.
Myself and my partner, for example, decided that if we let our kids begin a YouTube channel, we will not permit them to use their genuine name or identity. A minimum of while they are under 13 years of ages. We’ll see what our convenience level will be when they get older. Every parent obviously has various comfort levels relating to online safety for their kids.
Your Future Starts Here
In regards to how to begin a blog site, all your kid truly needs is pick a blog site subject they are enthusiastic about. That, and ideally something that they desire to show the world and/or something they can teach individuals about. There are some terrific complimentary platforms that enable you to easily develop a blog like Wix or Ionos. I understand that Wix does need users to be a minimum of 13 years of ages to develop a website.
Once your kid has an established blog site 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 constantly looking for skills like self-motivation, creativity, drive, and aspiration!
# 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 enjoys being outside, this might well be the task for them! My tip is to make a flyer and go around to your neighbors with your child, to see if anybody might require some landscaping help. As they grow older and end up being more accountable, your kid can branch out and broaden their services.
# 7: Lemonade Salesperson
Lemonade stand. Obviously, I need to mention the lemonade stand! I do not know that I would consider this as an actual « job » as much as a way to make periodic cash throughout the summertime. But this is an excellent very 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 type of household business, your 12-year-old child can operate in numerous capacities as long as they aren’t considered harmful or hazardous. You likewise require to make sure to comply with 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 great first work experience for a kid. Finding out about the household company first-hand will develop confidence, work principles, and will likewise allow your kid to discover themselves and their strengths and interests regarding the work world.
# 9: Plant Sitter
Plant sitter. This job is exceptional for kids who have an interest in and who love to learn more about gardening and plants. Watering plants for neighbors on vacation is likewise a terrific way to make earnings while discovering about the fundamentals of growing plants, veggies, fruits, and flowers!
# 10: Season Job
Seasonal job. Rounding out my leading ten jobs for 12-year-olds are seasonal jobs. These tasks can consist of covering presents throughout the vacations or perhaps assisting with celebration planning. If there’s something that I understand most mamas would like is a holiday assistant or perhaps a birthday party helper. Am I right ?!
This time of the year, while definitely wonderful, can also be tiring for parents. Between getting presents, covering presents, embellishing the house, and all the other little stuff, it’s a lot. Your kid, depending upon their interests and strengths, could use their services to friends and next-door neighbors throughout the vacation season.
In Conclusion
As you can see, these 10 jobs for 12-year-olds provide fantastic opportunities to explore their interests, establish confidence, and cultivate a strong work principles. Encouraging your kid to try a task at this young age can be a valuable steppingstone towards their future success.
– What are some popular tasks for 12 years of age?
The most popular tasks for 12 years of age include babysitting, family pet sitting, backyard work, dog walking, and mother’s helper.
While 12 year olds are not lawfully allowed to work in more conventional functions like those at junk food restaurants, they can operate in a private home setting doing the above discussed jobs.
– Exist any constraints or limitations on tasks for 12 year olds?
Yes, there are some limitations and limitations on tasks for 12 year olds. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets standards for the kinds of tasks and variety of hours that young employees can undertake. For example, 12 year olds typically can not work in hazardous professions or throughout school hours. It’s crucial to consult your regional and state laws, along with obtain any essential licenses or permissions.
– How can 12 years of age discover task chances?
Here are a few methods for 12 year olds to find task opportunities:
– Ask family and buddies: Let your household and good friends know that you’re searching for work. They might have connections or understand somebody who needs assistance with chores.
– Local organizations: Visit local stores, dining establishments, or recreation center and ask if they have any part-time job openings for young employees.
– Online platforms: Some sites and apps particularly cater to connecting young workers with task opportunities. Search for trusted platforms that abide by labor laws and standards.
Remember to always prioritize your safety and wellness when considering job chances, and seek advice from your moms and dads or guardians before pursuing any employment.
Lee Cristina Beaser
MS, CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer).
Lee brings over twenty years of knowledge in directing people towards profession success. During her period at San Jose State University, she assisted countless trainees compose engaging resumes to land their very first tasks and internships. More recently, Lee founded The Career Counter, a platform dedicated to providing job applicants with tools and services tailored to their unique fields and profession goals.
Comment navigation
– Hermione Eldridge
21 hours ago Reply
I am 12 years I have constantly had a lot of love for animals and I was seeking to have a summertime job so I was believing I could be a dogsitter also I am looking for a job near me -Kayla Thomas
I was questioning
the number of tasks I can do trigger I child sit chickens for complimentary and I have a crochet club but i have not done is recently, so I was considering babysitting but I am not exactly sure about it.
Hi Kayla,
Thanks for connecting:-RRB-. Sounds like you enjoy animals. You might attempt to make some earnings by offering pet-sitting services (you currently have experience, so now you can charge for your services and you can utilize your present company as a reference to get you more tasks). Keep doing the crochet club! Sounds like a fantastic pastime. You never know … ultimately pastimes can become earnings too.
Susy
Hello, do you believe I can operate at a library I truly like books and I can provide extremely good guidance for books and I feel like even kid libraries would be great. What do you believe?
2 weeks ago Reply
Hey there! I like that you have actually discovered something you enjoy and you want to attempt to get a task involved with books. First thing I would recommend doing is asking family and friends if anybody has connections to any public libraries or bookstores in your location. You can likewise visit your local library and inquire about tasks. 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 method to discover operating in a library. When you do get old enough, you’ll be all set for a paying task!
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 of ages. That’s actually a terrific age to begin doing this kind of task. Start by calling family and pals and letting them understand you have an interest in a babysitting job. Once you begin acquirings ome experience sitting for individuals you know, they will inform other individuals they learn about how awesome you are and you’ll get recommendations!:-RRB-:-RRB- Elena Victoria Hey
Mrs. Beaser
How can I get job
? I have experience in babysitting, taking care of a canine, and I might probably tutor someone, but my older sister constantly gets those tasks and she will not let me have one; likewise I make sure individuals would rather have a 16-year-old v. a 12-year-old. Do you have any recommendations?
1 month ago Reply
Hello excellent question thank you for connecting! Try not to get too stuck on your age. If you do not believe in your capabilities no one else will either (there are great deals of 12-year-olds who are more responsible than 16-year-olds!:-RRB- How about examining to see if your parents or caregivers have any good friends with more youthful kids or family pets? If a family already understands you and knows your moms and dads, there is already some trust there and they will be most likely to wish to hire you. You could also make some leaflets marketing your services and walk around your street (with a parent or guardian) and ask if anyone needs help walking their pet. Start with individuals you already understand. After they hire you and you do an aamzing job, you can utilize these individuals as referrals for other tasks.
Don’t offer up! Keep attempting and you will get a fantastic job quickly!
Oakleigh
Do you believe helping my mom in her hairdresser would be alright? If not I may select up childcare. I have actually got experience, especially with 5 more youthful brother or sisters.
Hello and thank you for your concern! I believe assisting in your mom’s beauty parlor would be a great first job. However, you and your mommy have to consult the labor laws in your state to ensure you are lawfully allowed to work there. Many states permit kids to work in the family business, but there are limitations (like number of hours you can work, type of work you can do, etc).
Babysitting is always a terrific choice too. With five more youthful brother or sisters, I wager you would be a pro!:-RRB- Dimpho
So this is my first time but because I currently pet my pets, I think I could be an animal caretaker, am just offered in Eastern Cape hope I will get this task cause.I dream I might animal sit a pet cause I enjoy pet dogs thanks.
2 months ago Reply
Since you already have canines you can absolutely utilize that experience to get a task as a pet dog walker. Start by asking your household, good friends, and neighbors (i.e. people who currently understand you). After you get some experience, you can utilize them as references to get more tasks. All the best!
Graeson
Can I do backyard work cuss I’m 12
3 months ago Reply
Hi Graeson! Yes you can do backyard work. Start by using your services to neightbors and people you know. Once they employ you and trust you, they will likely tell their pals and you can get more business.
Ellie
Can I do the sitter club because I’m 12
– Lee Beaser
4 months ago Reply
Hello Ellie, childcare is a terrific job for 12-year olds! I’m not sure which sitter club you are referring to, but you can certainly babysit at 12!
Comment navigation
Leave your remark (Cancel Reply)
Δ
Related Articles
10 Trade Jobs Worth Exploring (and How to Land One)
In a world where standard four-year college degrees typically dominate the discussion about career courses, trade tasks are a terrific yet ignored profession alternative that are worthy of more attention. The fact is that trades professionals perform essential work that helps society in a lot of ways. For example, keeping the lights on, preserving comfy living spaces, or …
Top 10 Flexible Law Careers for Moms
If you’re a mama taking care of little ones, you likely currently understand that stabilizing a career in law with the duties and demands of family can feel like a monumental challenge. Although I don’t operate in the field of law, I’ve got mother good friends who do. Many have found versatile profession courses in law that …
The Future of Automotive Careers: Three Exciting Opportunities to Explore
Are you the kind of individual who likes working with your hands, fixing issues, and seeing immediate outcomes from your efforts? Maybe you have actually always delighted in fixing things, taking them apart, and determining how they work-or maybe you’re the go-to person for fixing mechanical issues among your loved ones. If this sounds like you, …
Pharmacist Job Outlook – Trends and Tips
Let’s be honest-when many people consider pharmacists, they envision somebody in a white coat, gazing down at a sea of prescription bottles, periodically asking, « Do you have any concerns for the pharmacist today? » However, a career in drug store is a lot more than analyzing chicken-scratch doctor handwriting!As health care develops, driven by technological improvements, an …
What is Pediatric Nursing (and How to Land a Terrific Job)
Job markets ebb and circulation. But the one sector of the labor force that always seems to hold stable? Healthcare. Whether it’s nurses or medical professionals, health care experts are constantly in need. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 13% boost in health care tasks by 2031-proof that this field isn’t decreasing anytime soon.Of all healthcare experts, …
Jobs Helping Kids – Plus Tips to Get Hired
Interested in learning more about tasks assisting kids? There are so lots of opportunities that include helping kids that span throughout fields like education, healthcare, arts, and social work. From teaching a child their first word to mentoring a tween or teen through challenges, each task opportunity allows you to make a meaningful difference in a child’s …
Top Jobs in Philanthropy (and How to Land One)
Bill Gates. MacKenzie Scott. Dolly Parton. What do these people have in common? They’re not only multi-billionaires, however likewise benefactors. Gates might be a tech magnate and the godfather of Microsoft. However, his legacy lies securely in his philanthropic initiatives, from HIV research to equitable access to vaccines.Here’s the thing: all of these big names …
Careers That Involve Helping People (and Pay Well Too)
Money or meaning? This choice has haunted millions of specialists. You imagine making a genuine distinction. But you can’t due to the fact that you have a home mortgage to pay.