Are you looking for ways to teach your 8-year-old the value of money and responsibility? One way to do this is by encouraging them to take on small jobs that can earn them some extra cash. Not only will this help them develop a strong work ethic, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience for them.
There are plenty of jobs that 8-year-olds can do to earn money, from walking dogs to washing windows. In fact, we’ve compiled a list of 15 recommended jobs for 8-year-olds that are easy, safe, and age-appropriate. These jobs can help your child gain confidence, learn new skills, and feel a sense of accomplishment as they earn their own money.
1. Household Chores
As an 8-year-old, you can start helping out with some household chores. Doing chores not only helps your family, but it also teaches you responsibility and the importance of contributing to the household. Here are some household chores you can do:
- Making your bed: Start your day by making your bed. It’s a simple task that can make a big difference in how tidy your room looks.
- Putting away your clothes: After you’ve worn your clothes, put them away in your closet or drawers. This will help keep your room clean and organized.
- Dusting: Grab a dust cloth and dust surfaces like tables, shelves, and picture frames. This will help keep your home free of dust and allergens.
- Vacuuming or sweeping: Help keep your floors clean by vacuuming or sweeping. You can start with your own room, and then move on to other areas of the house.
- Washing dishes: After meals, help out by washing dishes or loading the dishwasher. This will help keep your kitchen clean and tidy.
Remember, doing chores is a team effort. You’re not alone in keeping your home clean and organized. By doing your part, you’re helping your family and learning valuable life skills.
2. Pet Care
If you love animals, pet care can be a great job for you. You can offer your services as a pet sitter, dog walker, or pet groomer. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Pet Sitter
As a pet sitter, you will take care of pets while their owners are away. This can include feeding them, giving them water, and taking them for walks. You may also need to clean up after them and give them medication if needed. You can advertise your services on community bulletin boards or online.
Dog Walker
If you enjoy spending time outside, dog walking can be a great job for you. You will take dogs for walks around the neighborhood or to the park. You will need to be comfortable handling dogs of different sizes and temperaments. You can advertise your services by putting up flyers or posting online.
Pet Groomer
If you have experience grooming pets, you can offer your services as a pet groomer. This can include bathing, brushing, and trimming the fur of dogs and cats. You will need to have the right equipment and be comfortable handling pets. You can advertise your services by putting up flyers or posting online.
Remember, when working with pets, it’s important to be patient and gentle. You should also be comfortable handling animals of different sizes and temperaments. If you have any allergies or health conditions that may affect your ability to work with pets, make sure to let your clients know.
3. Gardening Assistant
If your child loves spending time outdoors and has a green thumb, then a gardening assistant job might be perfect for them. Gardening assistants help with tasks such as planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting. They also assist with garden design and maintenance.
One of the benefits of this job is that it can help your child develop a deeper appreciation for nature and the environment. They will learn about different types of plants, how to care for them, and how to create a beautiful garden space.
To get started, your child can offer their services to neighbors, friends, or family members who need help with their gardens. They can also check with local nurseries or garden centers to see if they are hiring gardening assistants.
As a gardening assistant, your child can expect to earn around $15 per hour. This can be a great way for them to earn some extra money while learning valuable skills and enjoying time outdoors.
4. Car Wash Helper
If you are interested in cars and enjoy being outside, working as a car wash helper can be a great job for you. As an 8-year-old, you can assist with basic tasks such as washing and drying cars, cleaning windows, and vacuuming interiors.
To get started, you can ask your local car wash if they are hiring helpers. Some car washes may require you to be a certain age or have a work permit, so make sure to check with them first.
Working as a car wash helper can teach you important skills such as teamwork, time management, and customer service. You will also learn about the different types of cars and how to properly care for them.
Here are some tasks you may be responsible for as a car wash helper:
- Washing and drying cars
- Cleaning windows and mirrors
- Vacuuming interiors
- Applying tire shine or wax
- Assisting customers with payment and questions
It is important to always follow safety guidelines when working at a car wash. This includes wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, using caution around moving vehicles, and following instructions from your supervisor.
Overall, working as a car wash helper can be a fun and rewarding job for an 8-year-old who enjoys being active and working with cars.
5. Art and Craft Seller
If your 8-year-old is artistic and loves to create things, selling their art and crafts can be a great way for them to earn some money. There are many places where they can sell their creations, both online and offline.
One option is to sell their art and crafts at local craft fairs or farmers markets. Your child can set up a booth and display their creations for people to see and purchase. They can also sell their items online through websites like Etsy or eBay.
To get started, your child will need to create a variety of items to sell. This can include handmade jewelry, paintings, drawings, and other crafts. They can also take custom orders from customers who want something specific.
When pricing their items, your child should consider the cost of materials and the time it took to create each piece. They should also research similar items to see what other sellers are charging.
To attract customers, your child can create eye-catching displays and packaging for their items. They can also offer discounts for bulk purchases or for customers who refer their friends.
Selling their art and crafts can be a fun and rewarding way for your child to earn some extra money while developing their creativity and entrepreneurial skills.
6. Lemonade Stand Operator
Operating a lemonade stand is a classic way for kids to earn some extra cash. It’s a great opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship, marketing, and customer service. Here are some tips for running a successful lemonade stand:
- Choose a good location: Look for a place with high foot traffic, such as a park, beach, or busy street corner. Make sure you have permission to set up your stand there.
- Make a plan: Decide on a date and time to operate your stand. Figure out how much lemonade you need to make based on the expected number of customers.
- Set a fair price: Research how much other lemonade stands in your area charge and price your lemonade competitively. Consider offering discounts for buying multiple cups or for repeat customers.
- Advertise: Create eye-catching signs to attract customers. Use bright colors and large fonts. Consider making a banner to hang above your stand.
- Provide excellent customer service: Greet customers with a smile and thank them for their business. Make sure to keep your stand clean and organized.
- Keep track of your profits: Record how much money you make and how much you spend on supplies. This will help you determine if your lemonade stand is profitable.
Remember to have fun and enjoy the experience of running your own business!
7. Book Organizer
If your 8-year-old loves books and organizing, then book organizing can be a great job for them. Book organizers are responsible for arranging books in libraries, bookstores, and other places where books are stored. They ensure that books are properly categorized and shelved in alphabetical or numerical order.
To be a book organizer, your child should have good organizational skills and be able to work independently. They should also be able to lift and move books and have a good understanding of how books are organized. This job can help your child develop their organizational skills and attention to detail.
Overall, book organizing can be a great job for an 8-year-old who loves books and organizing. It can help them develop important skills and earn some extra money while doing something they enjoy.
8. Toy Sorter
As an 8-year-old, you can earn money by sorting toys. Many parents and caregivers are willing to pay children to help them organize their children’s toys. This job helps you learn organizational skills and attention to detail.
To start, you can ask your family and friends if they need help sorting their children’s toys. You can also post flyers or ask around your neighborhood if anyone needs help with toy organization.
Here are some tips to help you be a successful toy sorter:
- Sort toys by category: group similar toys together, such as dolls, action figures, and stuffed animals.
- Use storage containers: use bins or boxes to store each category of toys.
- Label the containers: use labels or pictures to identify the contents of each container.
- Donate or discard unused toys: if there are toys that are broken or no longer played with, consider donating them to charity or discarding them.
By following these tips, you can provide a valuable service to parents and caregivers while earning money and developing important skills.
9. Plant Watering
Plant watering is a great job for 8-year-olds who are interested in gardening and want to learn more about plants. It is a simple task that can teach them responsibility and the importance of taking care of living things.
Before starting the job, it is important to teach your child the basics of plant care. They should learn about the different types of plants and how much water each plant needs. Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering, so it is important to find the right balance.
To make it easier for your child to understand, you can create a chart or table that lists the different plants they will be watering, how often they need to be watered, and how much water they need. This will help them keep track of their tasks and ensure that they are providing the right amount of water to each plant.
When watering the plants, your child should be careful not to get water on the leaves or flowers, as this can cause damage. They should also avoid watering the plants during the hottest part of the day, as the water can evaporate too quickly and the plants may not receive enough moisture.
10. Baking Assistant
If your child loves to bake, becoming a baking assistant could be a great job for them. As a baking assistant, your child will learn how to measure ingredients, mix batters, and decorate baked goods. They may also learn how to follow recipes and use kitchen equipment safely.
Here are some tasks that your child may do as a baking assistant:
- Measure ingredients
- Mix batters
- Decorate baked goods
- Follow recipes
- Use kitchen equipment safely
To find a job as a baking assistant, your child can ask local bakeries or restaurants if they need any help. They can also offer their services to friends and family members who need baked goods for events or parties.
It’s important to note that your child may need adult supervision while working in the kitchen. Make sure they understand the importance of following safety guidelines and using kitchen equipment properly.
11. Paper Delivery
If your 8-year-old is looking for a job, a paper delivery position could be a great option. Many newspapers hire children to deliver papers to homes in the neighborhood. Here are some things to consider:
Age Requirements
Most newspapers require their delivery carriers to be at least 18 years old. However, some may allow younger children to work as assistants to an older sibling or family friend who is a carrier. Make sure to check with the newspaper to find out their specific age requirements.
Responsibilities
As a paper delivery assistant, your child will be responsible for helping the carrier prepare the papers for delivery and then delivering them to homes in the neighborhood. This may involve waking up early in the morning and walking or biking around the neighborhood to deliver the papers.
Pay
The pay for a paper delivery assistant can vary depending on the newspaper and the area in which you live. Some carriers pay by the hour, while others pay per paper delivered. Make sure to discuss the pay rate with the carrier before accepting the job.
Paper delivery can be a great job for kids who enjoy being outside and walking or biking around their neighborhood. It can also help them develop responsibility and time management skills. However, it may not be the best fit for kids who have trouble waking up early in the morning or who live in areas with inclement weather.
Overall, paper delivery can be a fun and rewarding job for 8-year-olds who are looking to earn some extra money. Just make sure to discuss the responsibilities and pay with the carrier before accepting the job.
12. Yard Work Helper
If your child enjoys spending time outdoors and getting their hands dirty, then they might enjoy working as a yard work helper. This job is perfect for 8 year olds who are looking to earn some extra money while learning valuable skills such as responsibility and hard work.
As a yard work helper, your child can assist with a variety of tasks such as mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, planting flowers, and watering plants. They can also help with seasonal yard maintenance like raking leaves in the fall and shoveling snow in the winter.
To get started, your child can offer their services to friends and family members who might need some help with their yard work. They can also post flyers around the neighborhood advertising their services or offer to help out at a local community garden.
When working as a yard work helper, it’s important to emphasize safety. Make sure your child wears appropriate clothing and footwear, and teach them how to safely use any tools or equipment they might need.
13. Neighborhood Helper
As an 8-year-old, you can be a great help to your neighbors. You can offer to do various tasks for them, such as walking their dogs, watering their plants, or picking up their mail. Being a neighborhood helper is a great way to earn some extra pocket money while also building relationships with those around you.
Here are some tasks you can offer to do for your neighbors:
- Dog walking: If your neighbors have dogs, they might need someone to walk them during the day. You can offer to take their furry friends for a walk around the block and make sure they get some exercise.
- Plant watering: If your neighbors have plants, they might need someone to water them when they are away. You can offer to water their plants for them and make sure they stay healthy.
- Mail pickup: If your neighbors are away, they might need someone to pick up their mail for them. You can offer to collect their mail and bring it to their doorstep.
- Trash and recycling: If your neighbors need help taking out their trash or recycling, you can offer to do it for them. Make sure to follow any specific instructions they have for disposal.
By being a neighborhood helper, you can learn responsibility and gain valuable experience in helping others. Just make sure to always ask for permission and follow any specific instructions your neighbors have for the tasks you are doing.
14. Story Teller
If you have a passion for storytelling, you can turn it into a job by becoming a story teller for children. As an 8-year-old, you can start by telling stories to your younger siblings, cousins, or neighbors. Once you gain confidence and experience, you can offer your services to parents who are looking for an engaging and entertaining story teller for their children’s birthday parties or other events.
To become a successful story teller, you need to have a good selection of age-appropriate stories that are engaging and entertaining. You can find many books and online resources that offer a wide range of stories for children of different ages. You can also create your own stories or adapt existing ones to make them more interesting and interactive.
When telling a story, it’s important to use your voice and body language to bring the characters and scenes to life. You can use different tones, accents, and gestures to make the story more engaging and entertaining. You can also encourage the children to participate by asking them questions, inviting them to act out certain scenes, or letting them choose the ending of the story.
As a story teller, you can charge by the hour or by the event. You can also offer package deals that include multiple stories or other services such as face painting or balloon twisting. Make sure to set reasonable prices that reflect your skills and experience, and that are competitive with other story tellers in your area.
15. Music Performer
If your child has a passion for music and loves performing, then becoming a music performer may be a great option for them. As a music performer, your child can showcase their talents and entertain audiences with their music.
There are various types of music performers, including singers, instrumentalists, and DJs. Singers can perform solo or as part of a group, while instrumentalists can play a variety of instruments such as guitar, drums, and piano. DJs can create and mix music using turntables and other equipment.
Music performers can work in a variety of settings, including concerts, festivals, and clubs. They can also perform at private events such as weddings and parties. As a music performer, your child can gain valuable experience and exposure, which can help them build a career in the music industry.
To become a music performer, your child will need to have a strong passion for music and be willing to practice and perform regularly. They should also have good communication and interpersonal skills, as they will need to interact with audiences and other musicians.
If your child is interested in becoming a music performer, there are various resources and opportunities available to help them get started. They can take music lessons, participate in school or community music programs, and attend music camps and workshops.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of jobs that 8 year olds can do to earn money and learn valuable skills. From household chores to entrepreneurial ventures, there is something for every child’s interests and abilities.
Encouraging your child to take on these jobs can help them develop a strong work ethic, responsibility, and creativity. Additionally, it can be a great way for them to earn some extra money and learn about the value of hard work and financial management.
Remember to always prioritize safety and supervision when your child is taking on a job, especially if it involves interacting with strangers or using equipment. It’s also important to ensure that your child is not taking on too much work and still has time for school, play, and rest.
Overall, jobs for 8 year olds can be a great way to teach important life skills and promote a strong work ethic in your child. With the right guidance and support, your child can take on these jobs with confidence and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some part-time job opportunities for 8-year-olds to earn money?
There are several part-time job opportunities for 8-year-olds to earn money. Some of the most recommended jobs for 8-year-olds include washing windows, walking dogs, doing household chores, raking leaves, recycling, and seasonal decorating. These jobs are easy to do, safe, and can help 8-year-olds earn some extra cash.
How can 8-year-olds make money from home?
8-year-olds can make money from home by doing simple tasks such as cleaning their rooms, helping with laundry, and doing dishes. They can also make money by selling their artwork, crafts, or baked goods online. Additionally, they can participate in online surveys or testing products and services for companies.
What are some real jobs that 8-year-olds can do?
While 8-year-olds are too young to work in most traditional jobs, they can still do some real jobs. Some of these jobs include delivering newspapers, babysitting for family and friends, and helping with small tasks at local businesses such as sweeping floors or filing papers.
What are some summer job options for 8-year-olds?
During the summer, 8-year-olds can take advantage of several job opportunities to earn some extra cash. Some of the best summer job options for 8-year-olds include doing yard work, watering plants, and helping with seasonal decorations. They can also make money by selling lemonade or other refreshments to people passing by their home.
