10 Best Jobs For 12-Year-Olds

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

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay up to date on the current career and home organization posts, news, and ideas

How Can We Help?

Resume Writing

Resume Templates

DIY Resources

Home Organization Planners

You may also like

Career Products Hand Crafted by a Qualified 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 profession coach, I felt obliged to offer a smart, well-informed reaction. But in truth, I didn’t have a clear answer for her. Can a ten-year-old do work besides family chores? I believed to myself. “Uh, let me do some research and get back to you on that,” I stated while quickly googling the very best tasks for 12-year-olds. By the method, if you’ve got a teen, have a look at the finest tasks for teenagers.

While I understand my daughter is not quite prepared to tackle a childcare or animal sitting job, she definitely will remain in a couple years. Considered that fact, I decided to take a seat and research study all about job opportunities for tweens. Are you in a comparable boat with your kids? If so, keep reading to find out about the very best jobs for 12- year-olds, along with basic information relating to labor laws and making sure the safety and security of your kids as they embark upon their very first task experience.

Before I dive into the best gigs for tweens, let me very first cover the laws concerning kid labor. If you’re not familiar, I’ll provide you the basic gist: On the federal level, child labor laws are set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets the minimum age requirements for job kid work, including limiting the variety of hours kids can work, along with designating the types of jobs kids can have. Generally, the minimum age for work is 14, but exceptions exist for jobs like paper shipment, babysitting, and farming work, where children can work from a more youthful age under particular conditions.

Each state might 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 legally work without a license doing things like lawn mowing, offering arts and crafts, and job babysitting, to name simply a few. Minors can also work certain farming tasks, if the kid is used by a parent or legal guardian who manages, operates, or owns the residential or commercial property.

Children over 14, while lawfully allowed to work many tasks, deal with a lot of limitations. However, that’s a whole other subject that I’ll likely cover in a future post!

Okay, now let’s enter the fun things. Specifically, here are the best tasks for 12-year-olds that offer kids a chance to have a good time, establish a great principles, discover 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 suggested to be in any particular order. With that stated, I’m going to begin by blogging about babysitting. My extremely own first job as a 12 year old was, yup, you thought it, babysitting! It was for a kid who lived next door. And fortunately for me, he was a simple kid to view. Even better, my mama was home while I babysat which provided me comfort. It was the best task for my very first job!

Babysitting, family pet sitting, and even pet walking can be excellent very first tasks for tweens. Besides the apparent benefits of making their own cash, job these jobs allow kids to sharpen interaction abilities and find out obligation. Also, I have to include that it will absolutely assist if your child likes kids and family pets. If they are not actually into having fun with kids and they don’t like pets, they probably won’t last really long.

My finest guidance as both a mom and a career coach: encourage your child to do something they like. My child, for example, definitely loves having fun with more youthful kids and she adores pets. Like, seriously LOVES them. Maybe even more than she likes me. But I digress. Anway, that’s how I know she will truly delight in babysitting and animal 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 discovered. They just may not enjoy it as much.

Before my daughter takes her very first babysitting task, I’m going to make sure a couple of things remain in location. Top, I desire her to take a child CPR and first aid course. The last thing I desire is for her to be in an emergency scenario while she is babysitting and not know what to do. Another element (and the most important factor) for me is safety. Before she accepts a babysitting job, I will vet the household and guarantee my daughter will be in a safe environment. In reality, her first jobs will likely be with families we currently know and trust.

# 2: Creative Jobs

If your child has a particular strength and is self-motivated, you can assist them check out methods to generate income doing what I call “imaginative tasks for tweens!”

I just recently talked with a mother buddy of mine who said her daughter was generating income making hand-written thank you notes. She discussed that her daughter is working for a buddy of theirs who owns her own online store selling handmade products. The store owner couldn’t keep up with the customized thank you cards for her consumers. So, she employed a tween to do it for her. Brilliant!

I just love this job idea for a lot of factors. Firstly, it plays to this specific kid’s strengths (whom I know well due to the fact that she likewise occurs to be my daughter’s close pal). She has naturally lovely handwriting. Also, it’s uber-flexible. My friend 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 concepts for jobs like this one: If your child is creative and likes producing, they might make and job sell handcrafted art or products on Etsy or a comparable website (an adult will need to develop the account). Does your kid love to write? What about sending pitches or posts to kids’s magazines? I can not believe of a much better way for a child to refine writing abilities and gain self-confidence!

Is your kid more tech savvy than you (don’t fret, your trick is safe with me)? What about investigating methods to establish these abilities like developing an app or computer game?

Is your kid a natural-born entertainer? What about looking into theatre or tv acting or perhaps narrations? These types of tasks do not have age restrictions and can be a wonderful method to enable your kid to develop their performing and singing skills while likewise making some cash.

# 3: Mother’s Helper

“Mother’s helper” is another popular job for tweens. This can include assisting with laundry, making snacks, childcare, pet walking, and other home tasks. The good feature of this type of task is that if your kid is on the younger side (like 10 or younger), they can do the job while being monitored by a grownup.

Another perk of this job is that you can quickly discover a mommy or caregiver you currently understand who needs help. Start by sending out a message to your instant circle of mom buddies and/or family to see if anybody needs additional assistance. You can also post in a regional mother’s group depending upon your comfort level with permitting your kid to enter another home. For me personally, if I went this path, I would initially speak with the household and make certain the environment is safe and secure. I would likewise likely support my child the first couple sees.

# 4: Photographer’s Assistant

Photographer/ Photographer’s Assistant. Does your kid love taking photos? If so, you could either invest in a digital cam or even better simply start with your phone electronic camera. Your child might begin by helping with taking photos for family and good friends for totally free to develop their abilities as well as a photography portfolio. There is always a big need for images of special occasions like birthdays, graduations, and household pictures, to call simply a couple of.

Once your child ends up being more knowledgeable and experienced, they can start charging a very little price for their photography while they continue to develop their abilities. Your kid can even set up a fundamental site eventually to promote their services.

# 5: Blogger or Vlogger

Blogger or Vlogger. I want to begin by mentioning that if you kid wishes to make some quick money, this is definitely not the route to go! As a professional blog writer, I understand from personal experience it requires time and commitment to construct your blog site or vlog and eventually develop an income stream.

That said, I honestly don’t see a major disadvantage to starting a vlog or blog. Kids can hone their writing, oral communication, video editing, and marketing skills, along with discover the essentials of becoming an entrepreneur!

If your kid hasn’t already, I need to caution you that it’s just a matter of time before they ask the inevitable concern that every tween seems to be asking nowadays: can I have a YouTube channel?! YouTube does need that your child be 13 or have parental grant develop a channel. It will likewise be up to you as a moms and dad to figure out the particular specifications of keeping your child safe on YouTube.

Myself and my other half, for example, chose that if we let our kids begin a YouTube channel, we will not permit them to use their real name or identity. At least while they are under 13 years of ages. We’ll see what our convenience level will be when they grow older. Every parent clearly has various comfort levels relating to online safety for their kids.

Your Future Starts Here

In terms of how to start a blog site, all your kid really needs is choose a blog site topic they are passionate about. That, and ideally something that they want to share with the world and/or something they can teach people about. There are some terrific complimentary platforms that enable you to easily create a blog site like Wix or Ionos. I know that Wix does require users to be at least 13 years of ages to create a website.

Once your kid has an established blog site or vlog, they can also market it later their high school or college resume or even in the college application process. Employers are constantly searching for abilities like self-motivation, creativity, drive, and ambition!

# 6: Landscaping Helper

Landscaping assistant. This can include things like raking leaves, pulling weeds, shoveling snow, and other tasks. If your kiddo is active and likes being outside, this may well be the job for them! My recommendation is to make a flyer and go around to your neighbors with your kid, to see if anybody may need some landscaping aid. As they age and become more accountable, your child can branch off and expand their services.

# 7: Lemonade Salesperson

Lemonade stand. Obviously, I have to mention the lemonade stand! I do not understand that I would consider this as a real “task” as much as a way to make occasional money throughout the summer. But this is an excellent very first task for a more youthful kiddo who is feeling inspired to make a little cash and test out their sales and entrepreneurial skills!

# 8: Help in Family Business

. If you are the sole owner of a restaurant or other kind of family business, your 12-year-old kid can work in many capacities as long as they aren’t thought about harmful or dangerous. You also need to make sure to adhere to your state’s child labor laws regarding the number of hours and times of days that you kid can legally work.

That said, this can be an excellent very first work experience for a child. Finding out about the family organization first-hand will develop self-confidence, work principles, and will also allow your child to find out about themselves and their strengths and interests relating to the work world.

# 9: Plant Sitter

Plant caretaker. This job is excellent for kids who have an interest in and who love to find out about gardening and plants. Watering plants for next-door neighbors on trip is likewise an excellent way to earn earnings while discovering about the basics of growing plants, veggies, fruits, and flowers!

# 10: Season Job

Seasonal job. Rounding out my leading 10 tasks for 12-year-olds are seasonal tasks. These jobs can consist of covering presents throughout the holidays or perhaps assisting out with celebration planning. If there’s something that I know most mommies would like is a holiday assistant or even a birthday celebration helper. Am I right ?!

This time of the year, while definitely fantastic, can likewise be exhausting for parents. 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 job strengths, might use their services to good friends and neighbors throughout the holiday season.

In Conclusion

As you can see, these ten jobs for 12-year-olds use fantastic opportunities to explore their interests, develop self-esteem, and cultivate a strong work ethic. Encouraging your kid to attempt a job at this young age can be an important steppingstone towards their future success.

– What are some popular tasks for 12 year olds?

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

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

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

Yes, there are some restrictions 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, 12 year olds typically can not operate in harmful professions or during school hours. It’s crucial to talk to your local and state laws, along with acquire any necessary authorizations or approvals.

– How can 12 year olds find job opportunities?

Here are a couple of methods for 12 year olds to discover task chances:
– Ask friends and family: Let your friends and family understand that you’re trying to find work. They might have connections or understand someone who requires aid with tasks.
– Local companies: Visit local shops, dining establishments, or recreation center and ask if they have any part-time task openings for young employees.
– Online platforms: Some websites and apps particularly accommodate linking young workers with job chances. Search for credible platforms that adhere to labor laws and standards.

Remember to always prioritize your safety and wellness when considering job opportunities, and seek advice from with 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 expertise in guiding people towards profession success. During her period at San Jose State University, she assisted thousands of trainees write engaging resumes to land their very first tasks and internships. More recently, Lee founded The Career Counter, a platform dedicated to providing job seekers with tools and services tailored to their special fields and profession goals.

Comment navigation

– Hermione Eldridge

21 hours ago Reply

I am 12 years I have always had a great deal of love for animals and I was looking to have a summer task so I was thinking I might be a dogsitter also I am looking for a job near to me -Kayla Thomas
I was wondering

the number of tasks I can do cause I infant sit chickens for free and I have a crochet club however i have not done is recently, so I was thinking about babysitting however I am unsure about it.

Hi Kayla,

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

Susy

Hello, do you think I can work at a library I actually like books and I can give really great recommendations for books and I feel like even kid libraries would be good. What do you believe?

2 weeks ago Reply

Hey there! I like that you have discovered something you enjoy and you desire to attempt to get a job involved with books. First thing I would advise doing is asking family and friends if anyone has connections to any regional libraries or book shops in your area. 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 discover working in a library. When you do get old enough, you’ll be prepared for a paying task!

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 really an excellent age to begin doing this type of task. Start by contacting family and good friends and letting them understand you have an interest in a babysitting task. Once you begin gettings ome experience sitting for individuals you understand, they will inform other individuals they understand about how incredible you are and you’ll get referrals!:-RRB-:-RRB- Elena Victoria Hey
Mrs. Beaser

How can I get job

? I have experience in childcare, looking after a pet, and I might most likely tutor somebody, but my older sibling constantly gets those jobs and she will not let me have one; likewise I make certain people would rather have a 16-year-old v. a 12-year-old. Do you have any advice?

1 month ago Reply

Hello terrific concern thank you for connecting! Try not to get too stuck on your age. If you do not believe in your abilities no one else will either (there are great deals 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 family pets? If a family currently understands you and knows your moms and dads, there is already some trust there and they will be more most likely to wish to employ you. You might also make some flyers marketing your services and walk around your street (with a moms and dad or guardian) and ask if anybody requires aid strolling their pet. Start with people you already know. After they hire you and you do an aamzing task, you can utilize these individuals as referrals for other jobs.

Don’t offer up! Keep trying and you will get a fantastic job quickly!

Oakleigh

Do you think assisting my mom in her hair salon would be alright? If not I may get babysitting. I’ve got experience, especially with 5 more youthful brother or sisters.

Hello and thank you for your concern! I think helping in your mother’s hairdresser would be a terrific first task. However, you and your mother need to examine with the labor laws in your state to make sure you are lawfully allowed to work there. Many states enable kids to operate in the family organization, however there are constraints (like number of hours you can work, kind of work you can do, and so on).

Babysitting is always a terrific alternative too. With five younger brother or sisters, I bet you would be a professional!:-RRB- Dimpho

So this is my very first time but given that I already pet my dogs, I believe I could be a pet caretaker, am just offered in Eastern Cape hope I will get this task cause.I dream I could pet sit a dog cause I like dogs thanks.

2 months ago Reply

Since you already have dogs you can definitely use that experience to get a task as a canine walker. Start by asking your household, buddies, and next-door neighbors (i.e. people who currently know you). After you get some experience, you can use them as references to get more tasks. Best of luck!

Graeson

Can I do lawn work cuss I’m 12

3 months ago Reply

Hi Graeson! Yes you can do lawn work. Start by using your services to neightbors and people you understand. Once they employ you and trust you, they will likely inform their friends 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 great job for 12-year olds! I’m uncertain which sitter club you are describing, however 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 traditional four-year college degrees typically control the conversation about career paths, trade jobs are a fantastic yet ignored career alternative that deserve more attention. The reality is that trades professionals carry out important work that helps society in a lot of methods. For instance, keeping the lights on, maintaining comfy living areas, or …

Top 10 Flexible Law Careers for Moms

If you’re a mama caring for children, you likely currently know that stabilizing a career in law with the obligations and demands of household can feel like a significant difficulty. Although I do not work in the field of law, I’ve got mama friends who do. Many have actually found flexible profession paths in law that …

The Future of Automotive Careers: Three Exciting Opportunities to Explore

Are you the kind of person who likes dealing with your hands, fixing issues, and seeing instant arise from your efforts? Maybe you have actually always delighted in repairing things, taking them apart, and figuring out how they work-or maybe you’re the go-to individual for troubleshooting mechanical concerns among your buddies and family. If this seems like you, …

Pharmacist Job Outlook – Trends and Tips

Let’s be honest-when a lot of individuals think of pharmacists, they envision somebody in a white coat, gazing down at a sea of prescription bottles, sometimes asking, “Do you have any questions for the pharmacist today?” However, a profession in drug store is a lot more than figuring out chicken-scratch medical professional handwriting!As health care 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 workforce that always appears to hold stable? Healthcare. Whether it’s nurses or doctors, healthcare specialists are always in need. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 13% boost in health care jobs by 2031-proof that this field isn’t decreasing anytime soon.Of all health care specialists, …

Jobs Helping Kids – Plus Tips to Get Hired

Interested in finding out about jobs assisting kids? There are so many opportunities that involve helping kids that cover across fields like education, health care, arts, and social work. From teaching a child their very first word to mentoring a tween or teen through difficulties, each job opportunity permits you to make a meaningful distinction in a kid’s …

Top Jobs in Philanthropy (and How to Land One)

Bill Gates. MacKenzie Scott. Dolly Parton. What do these people have in typical? They’re not just multi-billionaires, but also philanthropists. Gates may be a tech tycoon and the godfather of Microsoft. However, his legacy lies strongly in his philanthropic efforts, from HIV research to fair 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 actually haunted millions of experts. You imagine making a real distinction. But you can’t since you have a home loan to pay.