10 Best Jobs For 12-Year-Olds

I’ve been a career coach for over twenty years, and if there’s one thing I’ve discovered it’s that a one-size-fits-all technique to job searching does not work. Whether you are a trainee, job an early professional, a seasoned task hunter, or a working parent, The Career Counter has customized, customized resources and templates to assist 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 ideas

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 profession coach, I felt forced to provide an intelligent, educated reaction. But in reality, I didn’t have a clear response for her. Can a ten-year-old do work besides household tasks? I believed to myself. “Uh, let me do some research study and return to you on that,” I stated while rapidly googling the best tasks for 12-year-olds. By the way, if you have actually got a teen, inspect out the very best jobs for teenagers.

While I understand my child is not rather ready to tackle a childcare or family pet sitting job, she definitely will be in a couple years. Given that truth, I chose to take a seat and research study everything about job opportunities for tweens. Are you in a comparable boat with your kids? If so, keep checking out to discover the very best jobs for 12- year-olds, along with general info relating to labor laws and making sure the security and defense of your kids as they embark upon their very first task experience.

Before I dive into the very best gigs for tweens, let me very first cover the laws regarding kid labor. If you’re not familiar, I’ll give you the basic essence: On the federal level, kid labor laws are set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets the minimum age requirements for kid work, consisting of restricting the variety of hours kids can work, in addition to designating the types of tasks children can have. Generally, the minimum age for work is 14, but exceptions exist for jobs like newspaper shipment, childcare, and agricultural work, where kids can work from a younger age under certain conditions.

Each state may likewise have its own laws, which can be more stringent than federal laws. In California, for instance, the legal working age is 14 years of ages. However, kids under 14 and even under 12 can lawfully work without a permit doing things like lawn mowing, offering arts and crafts, and childcare, to call simply a few. Minors can likewise work certain agricultural jobs, if the child is employed by a parent or legal guardian who controls, operates, or owns the property.

Children over 14, while lawfully allowed to work lots of tasks, face a great deal of constraints. 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, here are the very best tasks for 12-year-olds that use kids a chance to have enjoyable, develop a great ethic, learn about themselves, and most notably, stay safe:(need pointers on composing a resume for teens? Have a look at How to Write a Trainee Resume).

# 1: Babysitting

Let me start by emphasizing that this list is not implied to be in any specific order. With that said, I’m going to begin by blogging about childcare. My really own very first task as a 12 years of age was, yup, you guessed it, babysitting! It was for a kid who lived next door. And thankfully for me, he was a simple kid to view. Even better, job my mom was home while I babysat which gave me peace of mind. It was the perfect job for my very first job!

Babysitting, family pet sitting, and even dog strolling can be great very first tasks for tweens. Besides the apparent benefits of earning their own cash, these tasks enable kids to develop interaction abilities and find out duty. Also, I have to include that it will certainly assist if your child likes kids and pets. If they are not truly into playing with kids and they do not like pets, they probably will not last long.

My finest recommendations as both a mom and a career coach: motivate your kid to do something they like. My daughter, for instance, definitely enjoys playing with younger kids and she adores pet dogs. Like, seriously LOVES them. Maybe even more than she enjoys me. But I digress. Anway, that’s how I understand she will actually take pleasure in babysitting and 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 certainly an ability that can be found out. They simply may not enjoy it as much.

Before my daughter takes her first childcare task, I’m going to ensure a few things are in place. Number one, job I desire her to take a child CPR and first aid course. The last thing I want is for her to be in an emergency circumstance while she is babysitting and not understand what to do. Another factor (and the most crucial element) for me is security. Before she accepts a babysitting task, I will veterinarian the family and ensure my daughter will remain in a safe environment. In truth, her first jobs will likely be with households we already know and trust.

# 2: Creative Jobs

If your child has a particular strength and is self-motivated, you can help them check out ways to earn cash doing what I call “innovative tasks for tweens!”

I just recently chatted with a mama friend of mine who said her child was making hand-written thank you notes. She described that her daughter is working for a friend of theirs who owns her own online shop selling handmade items. The shop owner could not stay up to date with the tailored thank you cards for her clients. So, she worked with a tween to do it for her. Brilliant!

I just enjoy this task concept for numerous reasons. First of all, it plays to this particular child’s strengths (whom I understand well because she likewise happens to be my daughter’s buddy). She has naturally stunning handwriting. Also, it’s uber-flexible. My pal told me the very best part is her daughter can compose thank you notes from anywhere and compose them at odd hours, whenever she has the time and energy.

Other concepts for jobs like this one: If your kid is creative and enjoys developing, they might make and sell handcrafted art or products on Etsy or a similar website (a grownup will need to produce the account). Does your kid love to write? What about sending pitches or posts to kids’s publications? I can not believe of a much better method for a kid to develop composing abilities and get self-confidence!

Is your child more tech savvy than you (don’t worry, your secret is safe with me)? What about looking into ways to develop these skills like developing an app or video game?

Is your kid a natural-born performer? What about checking out theatre or television performing or perhaps commentaries? These kinds of jobs do not have age limitations and can be a wonderful method to permit your child to hone their performing and singing abilities while also earning some money.

# 3: Mother’s Helper

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

Another perk of this job is that you can easily find a mama or caregiver you currently know who requires help. Start by sending out a message to your instant circle of mommy good friends and/or family to see if anyone requires extra aid. You can likewise post in a regional mom’s group relying on your convenience level with enabling your child to go into another home. For me personally, if I went this path, I would initially interview the household and make sure the environment is safe and protected. I would likewise likely accompany my child the very first couple gos to.

# 4: Photographer’s Assistant

Photographer/ Photographer’s Assistant. Does your kid love taking images? If so, you could either purchase a digital cam or even better just start with your phone cam. Your kid could begin by helping with taking photos for household and friends free of charge to establish their skills as well as a photography portfolio. There is always a substantial need for photos of special events like birthdays, graduations, and family images, to name just a few.

Once your child ends up being more proficient and knowledgeable, they can begin charging a minimal price for their photography while they continue to refine their skills. Your child can even set up a basic site eventually to promote their services.

# 5: Blogger or Vlogger

Blogger or Vlogger. I wish to begin by specifying that if you kid wishes to make some quick cash, this is certainly not the path to go! As an expert blogger, I know from personal experience it takes some time and commitment to develop your blog site or vlog and ultimately create an income stream.

That said, I truthfully do not see a significant disadvantage to beginning a vlog or blog site. Kids can sharpen their writing, oral interaction, video modifying, and marketing skills, in addition to find out the fundamentals of becoming a business owner!

If your kid hasn’t already, I have to caution you that it’s only a matter of time before they ask the inescapable 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 approval to produce a channel. It will likewise depend on you as a parent to figure out the particular parameters of keeping your child safe on YouTube.

Myself and my partner, for instance, decided that if we let our kids start a YouTube channel, we will not allow them to use their genuine name or identity. At least while they are under 13 years old. We’ll see what our comfort level will be when they get older. Every moms and dad certainly has various convenience levels regarding online safety for their kids.

Your Future Starts Here

In regards to how to start a blog site, all your kid really needs is pick a blog topic they are enthusiastic about. That, and ideally something that they want to share with the world and/or something they can teach individuals about. There are some excellent totally free platforms that permit you to quickly create a blog like Wix or Ionos. I know that Wix does require users to be at least 13 years old to create a site.

Once your kid has an established blog site or vlog, they can also market it later on their high school or college resume and even in the college application procedure. 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 odd tasks. If your kiddo is active and likes being outside, this might well be the task for them! My recommendation is to make a leaflet and go around to your next-door neighbors with your kid, to see if anybody may require some landscaping help. As they get older and end up being more responsible, your child can branch off and expand their services.

# 7: Lemonade Salesperson

Lemonade stand. Obviously, I need to point out the lemonade stand! I don’t know that I would consider this as a real “job” as much as a way to make occasional money during the summer. But this is a terrific first task for a younger kiddo who is feeling inspired to make a little money and test out their sales and entrepreneurial abilities!

# 8: Help in Family Business

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

That said, this can be a fantastic first work experience for a child. Learning about the family company first-hand will establish self-confidence, work ethic, and will likewise allow your kid to find out about themselves and their strengths and interests relating to the work world.

# 9: Plant Sitter

Plant caretaker. This task is outstanding for kids who have an interest in and who enjoy to learn more about gardening and plants. Watering plants for neighbors on holiday is also an excellent way to earn earnings while finding out about the basics of growing plants, veggies, fruits, and flowers!

# 10: Season Job

Seasonal job. Rounding out my top 10 tasks for 12-year-olds are seasonal jobs. These jobs can include wrapping presents throughout the vacations or even assisting with celebration planning. If there’s one thing that I understand most mothers would enjoy is a holiday helper or perhaps a birthday celebration assistant. Am I right ?!

This time of the year, while certainly fantastic, can likewise be exhausting for parents. Between getting presents, covering presents, embellishing your house, and all the other little things, it’s a lot. Your kid, depending upon their interests and strengths, could provide their services to buddies and neighbors during the vacation season.

In Conclusion

As you can see, these 10 tasks for 12-year-olds offer fantastic opportunities to explore their interests, develop confidence, and cultivate a strong work ethic. Encouraging your child to attempt 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 jobs for 12 year olds consist of babysitting, pet sitting, lawn work, pet dog walking, and mom’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 operate in a personal home setting doing the above discussed jobs.

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

Yes, there are some restrictions and constraints on jobs for 12 years of age. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets guidelines for the types of jobs and number of hours that young employees can carry out. For example, 12 year olds generally can not work in hazardous occupations or during school hours. It is very important to contact your local and state laws, as well as get any needed authorizations or permissions.

– How can 12 years of age discover job opportunities?

Here are a few ways for 12 year olds to discover task opportunities:
– Ask friends and family: Let your family and good friends understand that you’re trying to find work. They might have connections or know somebody who requires assist with chores.
– Local companies: Visit regional stores, restaurants, or recreation center and ask if they have any part-time job openings for young employees.
– Online platforms: Some websites and apps particularly deal with linking young employees with task chances. Try to find respectable platforms that comply with labor laws and guidelines.

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

Lee Cristina Beaser

MS, CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer).
Lee brings over 20 years of proficiency in directing individuals towards profession success. During her period at San Jose State University, she helped thousands of students write engaging resumes to land their first tasks and internships. More recently, Lee established The Career Counter, a platform committed to offering task candidates with tools and services tailored to their distinct fields and career objectives.

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 task so I was thinking I could be a dogsitter likewise I am trying to find a task near me -Kayla Thomas
I was wondering

how many jobs I can do trigger I infant sit chickens for complimentary and I have a crochet club however i haven’t done is recently, so I was thinking about babysitting however I am not sure about it.

Hi Kayla,

Thanks for connecting:-RRB-. Sounds like you love animals. You might attempt to make some income by providing pet-sitting services (you currently have experience, so now you can charge for your services and you can use your current employer as a referral to get you more tasks). Keep doing the crochet club! Seems like a wonderful pastime. You never know … eventually hobbies can turn into income as well.

Susy

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

2 weeks ago Reply

Hey there! I enjoy that you have actually found something you enjoy and you wish to attempt to get a job involved with books. First thing I would recommend doing is asking pals and family if anybody has connections to any local libraries or book shops in your location. You can likewise visit your local library and inquire about tasks. There may be an age requirement. If there is and you are not old enough for a task, you can ask about volunteering. This is a terrific way to learn more about 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 old

3 weeks ago Reply

Hello Jayla! Yes you can babysit if you are 12 years of ages. That’s really a terrific age to begin doing this kind of job. Start by contacting friends and family and letting them understand you have an interest in a babysitting task. Once you begin acquirings ome experience sitting for people you know, they will tell other individuals they understand about how remarkable you are and you’ll get referrals!:-RRB-:-RRB- Elena Victoria Hey
Mrs. Beaser

How can I get task

? I have experience in babysitting, taking care of a pet dog, and I could probably tutor somebody, but my older sis always gets those jobs and she will not let me have one; also I make sure individuals would rather have a 16-year-old v. a 12-year-old. Do you have any guidance?

1 month ago Reply

Hello excellent 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 accountable than 16-year-olds!:-RRB- How about inspecting to see if your parents or caretakers have any buddies with younger kids or family pets? If a household currently understands you and knows your moms and dads, there is already some trust there and they will be most likely to wish to employ you. You could likewise make some leaflets promoting your services and walk your street (with a moms and dad or guardian) and ask if anybody requires help walking their pet dog. Start with people you currently understand. After they hire you and you do an aamzing task, you can utilize these people as recommendations for other tasks.

Don’t give up! Keep trying and you will get a terrific task soon!

Oakleigh

Do you believe assisting my mom in her hairdresser would be all right? If not I might pick up babysitting. I have actually got experience, particularly with 5 more youthful brother or sisters.

Hello and thank you for your concern! I believe helping in your mother’s hairdresser would be a great very first job. However, you and your mommy need to talk to the labor laws in your state to ensure you are legally permitted to work there. Many states allow kids to operate in the family company, but there are constraints (like number of hours you can work, type of work you can do, etc).

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

So this is my very first time but since I currently pet my canines, I believe I might be an animal caretaker, am just offered in Eastern Cape hope I will get this task cause.I dream I might family pet sit a pet dog cause I love canines thanks.

2 months ago Reply

Since you already have canines you can certainly utilize that experience to get a job as a canine walker. Start by asking your household, pals, and neighbors (i.e. people who currently know you). After you get some experience, you can use them as references 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 lawn work. Start by offering your services to neightbors and individuals you know. Once they employ you and trust you, they will likely inform their buddies and you can get more organization.

Ellie

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

– Lee Beaser

4 months ago Reply

Hello Ellie, childcare is a great task for 12-year olds! I’m unsure which babysitter club you are referring to, however you can absolutely 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 conventional four-year college degrees typically control the discussion about profession paths, trade tasks are a wonderful yet overlooked career option that should have more attention. The reality is that trades professionals carry out crucial work that helps society in a lot of methods. For instance, keeping the lights on, preserving comfortable living spaces, or …

Top 10 Flexible Law Careers for Moms

If you’re a mommy taking care of little ones, you likely already understand that stabilizing a profession in law with the duties and demands of family can seem like a huge difficulty. Although I don’t work in the field of law, I have actually got mom buddies who do. Many have discovered versatile 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, resolving issues, and seeing instant results from your efforts? Maybe you’ve always enjoyed fixing things, taking them apart, and determining how they work-or maybe you’re the go-to person for fixing mechanical issues amongst your loved ones. If this seems like you, …

Pharmacist Job Outlook – Trends and Tips

Let’s be honest-when the majority of people consider pharmacists, they imagine somebody in a white coat, looking down at a sea of prescription bottles, sometimes asking, “Do you have any concerns for the pharmacist today?” However, a profession in drug store is so much more than understanding chicken-scratch medical professional handwriting!As healthcare develops, driven by technological advancements, an …

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

Job markets ebb and flow. But the one sector of the labor force that constantly seems to hold constant? Healthcare. Whether it’s nurses or physicians, healthcare experts are constantly in need. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 13% increase in healthcare tasks by 2031-proof that this field isn’t slowing down anytime soon.Of all healthcare experts, …

Jobs Helping Kids – Plus Tips to Get Hired

Interested in learning more about jobs assisting kids? There are a lot of chances that include assisting kids that cover throughout fields like education, healthcare, arts, and social work. From teaching a child their first word to mentoring a tween or teen through difficulties, each task chance enables 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 individuals have in common? They’re not only multi-billionaires, but also philanthropists. Gates might be a tech tycoon and the godfather of Microsoft. However, his legacy lies strongly in his philanthropic initiatives, from HIV research to fair access to vaccines.Here’s the important things: all of these huge names …

Careers That Involve Helping People (and Pay Well Too)

Money or significance? This choice has actually haunted countless specialists. You dream of making a real distinction. But you can’t because you have a home mortgage to pay.