Skip to content

10 Best Jobs For 12-Year-Olds


I have actually been a career coach for over twenty years, and if there's one thing I have actually learned it's that a one-size-fits-all approach to task browsing does not work. Whether you are a trainee, an early professional, an experienced task hunter, or a working moms and dad, The Career Counter has customized, tailored resources and design templates to assist you land the job of your dreams!

Sign up for our Newsletter

Stay up to date on the most recent career and home company articles, 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 Licensed 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 compelled to offer an intelligent, experienced reaction. But in reality, I didn't have a clear response for her. Can a ten-year-old do work besides home tasks? I believed to myself. "Uh, let me do some research study and return 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 best jobs for teenagers.

While I understand my daughter is not rather ready to take on a babysitting or family pet sitting task, she definitely will be in a couple years. Given that fact, I decided 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 reading to learn more about the very best tasks for 12- year-olds, along with general details regarding labor laws and guaranteeing the safety and security of your kids as they embark upon their first task experience.

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

Each state might also have its own laws, which can be stricter than federal laws. In California, for instance, 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 lawn mowing, selling arts and crafts, and childcare, to name just a few. Minors can likewise work specific agricultural tasks, if the kid is utilized by a moms and dad or legal guardian who manages, runs, or owns the home.

Children over 14, while lawfully allowed to work numerous tasks, face a lot of restrictions. However, that's a whole other topic that I'll likely cover in a future post!

Okay, now let's enter into the enjoyable things. Specifically, here are the best jobs for 12-year-olds that use kids an opportunity to have a good time, develop a good work principles, discover themselves, and most notably, remain safe:(require ideas on composing a resume for teens? Check out How to Write a Student Resume).

# 1: Babysitting

Let me start by highlighting that this list is not indicated to be in any particular order. With that said, I'm going to start by blogging about babysitting. My very own very first job as a 12 year old was, yup, you thought it, babysitting! It was for a kid who lived next door. And thankfully for me, he was a simple kid to enjoy. Even much better, my mommy was home while I babysat which provided me assurance. It was the perfect task for my very first job!

Babysitting, animal sitting, and even pet strolling can be great very first tasks for tweens. Besides the apparent perks of making their own cash, these tasks permit kids to refine communication abilities and find out obligation. Also, I need to throw in that it will absolutely help if your kid likes kids and pets. If they are not really into having fun with kids and they don't like pet dogs, they most likely won't last long.

My finest recommendations as both a mommy and a profession coach: motivate your kid to do something they like. My daughter, for example, definitely enjoys having fun with younger kids and she loves dogs. Like, seriously LOVES them. Maybe even more than she enjoys me. But I digress. Anway, that's how I understand she will truly take pleasure in babysitting and pet sitting. This is not to say that your kid can't do these jobs if they are not natural caretakers. Caring for kids and animals is certainly a skill that can be discovered. They simply may not enjoy it as much.

Before my child takes her first childcare job, I'm going to ensure a couple of things remain in place. Number one, I want her to take a kid CPR and emergency treatment 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 aspect (and the most important aspect) for me is security. Before she accepts a babysitting job, I will vet the household and guarantee my daughter will remain in a safe environment. In reality, 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 methods to earn money doing what I call "innovative jobs for tweens!"

I recently talked with a mom friend of mine who stated her daughter was earning cash making hand-written thank you notes. She described that her daughter is working for a good friend of theirs who owns her own online shop selling handmade items. The store owner couldn't keep up with the individualized thank you cards for her consumers. So, she employed a tween to do it for her. Brilliant!

I just like this task idea for a lot of factors. First of all, it plays to this particular child's strengths (whom I understand well because she likewise occurs to be my daughter's buddy). She has naturally stunning handwriting. Also, it's uber-flexible. My buddy informed me the finest part is her daughter can write thank you notes from anywhere and write them at odd hours, whenever she has the time and energy.

Other ideas for jobs like this one: If your kid is creative and likes creating, they might make and art or items on Etsy or a similar site (a grownup will require to create the account). Does your kid love to write? What about sending pitches or posts to children's magazines? I can not think of a much better way for a child to develop writing abilities and gain self-confidence!

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

Is your child a natural-born entertainer? What about checking out theatre or television performing or even voice-overs? These kinds of jobs do not have age limitations and can be a fantastic way to allow your kid to sharpen their performing and singing abilities while also making some cash.

# 3: Mother's Helper

"Mother's helper" is another popular job for tweens. This can include aiding with laundry, making treats, babysitting, pet dog walking, and other family tasks. The great thing about this type of task is that if your kid 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 task is that you can easily discover a mommy or caregiver you already know who needs assistance. Start by sending a message to your immediate circle of mama good friends and/or family to see if anybody needs extra assistance. You can likewise publish in a regional mama's group relying on your comfort level with enabling your kid to enter another home. For me personally, if I went this route, I would first interview the household and ensure the environment is safe and secure. I would also likely go along with my kid the very first couple check outs.

# 4: Photographer's Assistant

Photographer/ Photographer's Assistant. Does your kid love taking photos? If so, you might either invest in a digital video camera or better yet just start with your phone cam. Your kid might begin by assisting with taking images for family and job pals for complimentary to establish their skills as well as a photography portfolio. There is always a huge need for images of special events like birthdays, graduations, and family pictures, to name simply a couple of.

Once your child ends up being more skilled and knowledgeable, they can start charging a minimal price for their photography while they continue to hone their abilities. Your kid can even set up a standard website eventually to promote their services.

# 5: Blogger or Vlogger

Blogger or Vlogger. I wish to begin by stating that if you kid wishes to make some fast money, this is absolutely not the path to go! As a professional blogger, I know from individual experience it takes some time and dedication to develop your blog or vlog and eventually create an income stream.

That said, I truthfully do not see a major downside to starting a vlog or blog site. Kids can hone their writing, oral interaction, video editing, and marketing abilities, as well as discover the fundamentals of becoming an entrepreneur!

If your kid hasn't currently, 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 need that your child be 13 or have adult consent to produce a channel. It will likewise be up to you as a moms and dad to identify the specific criteria of keeping your kid safe on YouTube.

Myself and my partner, for instance, chose that if we let our kids start a YouTube channel, we will not allow them to utilize their real name or identity. At least while they are under 13 years old. We'll see what our comfort level will be when they grow older. Every moms and dad obviously has different comfort levels regarding online safety for their children.

Your Future Starts Here

In terms of how to begin a blog site, all your kid truly needs is select a blog subject they are enthusiastic about. That, and ideally something that they desire to share with the world and/or something they can teach people about. There are some excellent totally free platforms that enable you to quickly create a blog site like Wix or Ionos. I know that Wix does need users to be a minimum of 13 years of ages to develop a site.

Once your kid has a recognized blog site or vlog, they can likewise market it later their high school or college resume or even in the college application procedure. Employers are constantly searching for skills like self-motivation, imagination, drive, and aspiration!

# 6: Landscaping Helper

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

# 7: Lemonade Salesperson

Lemonade stand. Of course, I need to point out the lemonade stand! I do not understand that I would consider this as an actual "task" as much as a way to make periodic money during the summer. But this is a terrific first job for a more youthful kiddo who is feeling motivated 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 company, your 12-year-old kid can operate in numerous capabilities as long as they aren't thought about dangerous or hazardous. You also need to ensure to comply with your state's child labor laws relating to the number of hours and times of days that you child can legally work.

That said, this can be a terrific first work experience for a kid. Learning more about the family organization first-hand will develop self-confidence, work principles, and will also enable your child to find out about themselves and their strengths and interests relating to the work world.

# 9: Plant Sitter

Plant sitter. This job is exceptional for kids who are interested in and who like to find out about gardening and plants. Watering plants for neighbors on trip is also a terrific method to make income while learning more about the fundamentals of growing plants, veggies, fruits, and flowers!

# 10: Season Job

Seasonal job. Rounding out my top ten jobs for 12-year-olds are seasonal jobs. These jobs can consist of wrapping presents during the vacations or perhaps assisting out with celebration planning. If there's something that I know most mamas would like is a holiday helper and even a birthday celebration assistant. Am I right ?!

This time of the year, while certainly wonderful, can also be exhausting for moms and dads. Between getting presents, covering presents, decorating your house, and all the other little things, it's a lot. Your kid, depending upon their interests and strengths, might provide their services to buddies and next-door neighbors during the holiday.

In Conclusion

As you can see, these 10 jobs for 12-year-olds use fantastic opportunities to explore their interests, establish self-confidence, and cultivate a strong work principles. Encouraging your kid to attempt a job at this young age can be an important steppingstone towards their future success.

- What are some popular jobs for 12 year olds?

The most popular tasks for 12 years of age include babysitting, family pet sitting, lawn work, pet walking, and mother's helper.

While 12 year olds are not lawfully enabled to work in more traditional functions like those at quick food restaurants, they can work in a personal home setting doing the above pointed out tasks.

- Exist any constraints or constraints on tasks 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 kinds of jobs and number of hours that young workers can undertake. For example, 12 year olds generally can not work in hazardous professions or during school hours. It is necessary to consult your regional and state laws, along with obtain any required permits or permissions.

- How can 12 years of age find job chances?

Here are a few ways for 12 years of age to discover task chances: - Ask friends and family: Let your household and pals understand that you're searching for work. They might have connections or understand somebody who requires aid with chores. - Local companies: Visit regional stores, restaurants, or recreation center and ask if they have any part-time task openings for young employees. - Online platforms: Some sites and apps particularly deal with connecting young employees with task chances. Search for trusted platforms that comply with labor laws and standards.

Remember to constantly prioritize your safety and wellness when considering task chances, and talk to your parents or guardians before pursuing any work.






Lee Cristina Beaser

MS, CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer). Lee brings over 2 years of proficiency in guiding people towards career success. During her period at San Jose State University, she helped countless trainees write compelling resumes to land their first tasks and internships. More recently, Lee founded The Career Counter, a platform devoted to offering job seekers with tools and services customized to their distinct fields and career objectives.



Comment navigation

- Hermione Eldridge

21 hours ago Reply

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

how numerous jobs I can do cause I infant sit chickens free of charge and I have a crochet club however i haven't done is just recently, so I was considering babysitting but I am unsure about it.

Hi Kayla,

Thanks for reaching out:-RRB-. Seems like you enjoy animals. You could try to make some earnings by using pet-sitting services (you currently have experience, so now you can charge for your services and you can use your present employer as a referral to get you more tasks). Keep doing the crochet club! Seems like a fantastic pastime. You never ever understand ... eventually hobbies can turn into income too.


Susy

Hello, do you think I can operate at a library I actually like books and I can give excellent guidance for books and I seem like even kid libraries would be good. What do you think?

2 weeks ago Reply

Hey there! I enjoy that you have actually found something you like and you desire 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 local libraries or book shops in your location. You can likewise visit your library and inquire about jobs. There may be an age requirement. If there is and you are not old enough for a task, you can inquire about offering. This is a fantastic way to discover working in a library. When you do get old enough, you'll be all set for a paying job!


Jayla Lancaster

Can I babysit I'm 12 years old

3 weeks ago Reply

Hello Jayla! Yes you can babysit if you are 12 years old. That's really a great age to start doing this kind of task. Start by calling friends and family and letting them understand you are interested in a babysitting job. Once you begin gettings ome experience sitting for people you know, they will inform other individuals they know about how amazing you are and you'll get recommendations!:-RRB-:-RRB- Elena Victoria Hey Mrs. Beaser
How can I get job
? I have experience in babysitting, looking after a pet dog, and I might probably tutor someone, however my older sibling always gets those tasks 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 suggestions?

1 month ago Reply

Hello great question thank you for reaching out! Try not to get too stuck on your age. If you don't believe in your capabilities nobody else will either (there are lots of 12-year-olds who are more responsible than 16-year-olds!:-RRB- How about checking to see if your moms and dads or caregivers have any good friends with more youthful kids or animals? If a family currently understands you and understands your parents, there is already some trust there and they will be most likely to wish to employ you. You could likewise make some flyers advertising your services and walk your street (with a moms and dad or guardian) and ask if anyone requires help strolling their dog. Start with people you already know. After they hire you and you do an aamzing task, you can use these individuals as recommendations for other jobs.

Don't quit! Keep attempting and you will get a great task soon!


Oakleigh

Do you believe assisting my mother in her hairdresser would be alright? If not I might select up babysitting. I've got experience, particularly with 5 younger siblings.

Hello and thank you for your concern! I think helping in your mama's hairdresser would be a terrific first job. However, you and your mommy need to talk to the labor laws in your state to make certain you are legally enabled to work there. Many states enable kids to work in the family company, but there are limitations (like variety of hours you can work, type of work you can do, etc).

Babysitting is constantly an excellent option too. With 5 younger siblings, I wager you would be a pro!:-RRB- Dimpho

So this is my first time but given that I already pet my pet dogs, I believe I could be a pet sitter, am only offered in Eastern Cape hope I will get this job cause.I wish I could animal sit a canine cause I enjoy dogs thanks.

2 months ago Reply

Since you already have dogs you can certainly use that experience to get a task as a pet dog walker. Start by asking your family, good friends, and next-door neighbors (i.e. individuals who currently know you). After you get some experience, job 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 using your services to neightbors and people you understand. Once they hire you and trust you, they will likely tell their pals and you can get more organization.


Ellie

Can I do the babysitter club since I'm 12

- Lee Beaser

4 months ago Reply

Hello Ellie, childcare is a fantastic task for 12-year olds! I'm uncertain which babysitter club you are describing, however you can definitely babysit at 12!




Comment navigation

Leave your remark (Cancel Reply)

Δ

This website utilizes Akismet to lower spam. Learn how your remark data is processed.

Related Articles

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

In a world where standard four-year college degrees often control the conversation about profession paths, trade tasks are a terrific yet ignored profession option that deserve more attention. The truth is that trades experts perform important work that helps society in numerous ways. For instance, keeping the lights on, keeping comfortable living spaces, or ...


Top 10 Flexible Law Careers for Moms

If you're a mama taking care of children, you likely already know that stabilizing a career in law with the obligations and demands of family can feel like a significant difficulty. Although I don't operate in the field of law, I have actually got mommy friends who do. Many have found flexible career paths in law that ...


The Future of Automotive Careers: Three Exciting Opportunities to Explore

Are you the type of individual who likes dealing with your hands, solving issues, and seeing immediate outcomes from your efforts? Maybe you have actually always enjoyed repairing things, taking them apart, and finding out how they work-or perhaps you're the go-to individual for troubleshooting mechanical issues among your family and friends. If this sounds like you, ...


Pharmacist Job Outlook - Trends and Tips

Let's be honest-when many people believe of pharmacists, they think of someone in a white coat, staring down at a sea of prescription bottles, occasionally asking, "Do you have any concerns for the pharmacist today?" However, a career in pharmacy is so much more than analyzing chicken-scratch physician handwriting!As healthcare develops, driven by technological advancements, an ...


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

Job markets ebb and circulation. But the one sector of the labor force that constantly seems to hold stable? Healthcare. Whether it's nurses or doctors, health care specialists are constantly in demand. 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 health care specialists, ...


Jobs Helping Kids - Plus Tips to Get Hired

Interested in finding out about tasks helping kids? There are many opportunities that involve assisting kids that cover across fields like education, healthcare, arts, and social work. From teaching a child their first word to mentoring a tween or teen through difficulties, each job opportunity allows you to make a significant difference in a child'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 just multi-billionaires, however likewise benefactors. Gates may be a tech tycoon and the godfather of Microsoft. However, his tradition lies strongly in his philanthropic initiatives, from HIV research study to fair access to vaccines.Here's the thing: all of these big names ...


Careers That Involve Helping People (and Pay Well Too)

Money or significance? This option has actually haunted millions of specialists. You imagine making a genuine difference. But you can't since you have a home loan to pay.