10 Best Jobs For 12-Year-Olds

I’ve been a profession coach for over 20 years, and if there’s something I have actually learned it’s that a one-size-fits-all technique to job browsing doesn’t work. Whether you are a student, an early expert, a skilled task hunter, or a working moms and dad, The Career Counter has tailored, customized resources and templates to help you land the job of your dreams!

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay up to date on the current career and home company articles, news, and pointers

How Can We Help?

Resume Writing

Resume Templates

DIY Resources

Home Organization Planners

You might likewise like

Career Products Hand Crafted by a Qualified Professional Resume Writer

Professional Career Coaches with Decades of Experience

My energetic tween recently asked me, “Mom, can I work?” Given my 20+ years as a profession coach, I felt obliged to provide a smart, knowledgeable response. But in reality, I didn’t have a clear answer for her. Can a ten-year-old do work besides household tasks? I believed to myself. “Uh, let me do some research and get back to you on that,” I stated while rapidly googling the finest jobs for 12-year-olds. By the way, if you’ve got a teenager, have a look at the very best jobs for teenagers.

While I understand my daughter is not rather prepared to tackle a childcare or animal sitting task, she certainly will be in a couple years. Given that reality, I decided to sit down and research everything about job chances for tweens. Are you in a similar boat with your kids? If so, keep reading to discover about the very best tasks for 12- year-olds, in addition to basic details concerning labor laws and ensuring the safety and protection 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 concerning kid labor. If you’re not familiar, I’ll offer you the general gist: On the federal level, kid labor laws are set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets the minimum age requirements for child employment, including restricting the variety of hours kids can work, in addition to designating the kinds of jobs children can have. Generally, the minimum age for employment is 14, however exceptions exist for jobs like newspaper shipment, childcare, and agricultural work, where children can work from a more youthful age under particular conditions.

Each state might also have its own laws, which can be more stringent than federal laws. In California, for example, employment the legal working age is 14 years of ages. However, kids under 14 and even under 12 can lawfully work without a license doing things like lawn mowing, offering arts and crafts, and babysitting, to call simply a few. Minors can also work specific agricultural jobs, if the child is used by a moms and dad or legal guardian who controls, operates, or owns the residential or commercial property.

Children over 14, while legally allowed to work numerous jobs, face a lot of constraints. However, that’s an entire other subject that I’ll likely cover in a future post!

Okay, now let’s get into the fun things. Specifically, here are the finest jobs for 12-year-olds that offer kids a possibility to have enjoyable, develop a great work principles, discover about themselves, and most notably, remain safe:(require ideas on writing a resume for teens? Take a look at How to Write a Student Resume).

# 1: Babysitting

Let me begin by stressing that this list is not meant to be in any particular order. With that said, I’m going to start by writing about babysitting. My very own very first task 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 an easy kid to see. Even better, my mommy was home while I babysat which offered me peace of mind. It was the best task for my first task!

Babysitting, animal sitting, and even pet strolling can be fantastic first jobs for tweens. Besides the apparent advantages of earning their own money, these jobs permit kids to hone communication skills and learn responsibility. Also, I have to toss in that it will certainly assist if your kid likes kids and family pets. If they are not truly into having fun with kids and they don’t like canines, they most likely won’t last long.

My best advice as both a mommy and a profession coach: motivate your child to do something they like. My child, for instance, absolutely likes having fun with younger kids and she adores pets. Like, seriously LOVES them. Maybe even more than she likes me. But I digress. Anway, that’s how I understand she will really delight in babysitting and family pet sitting. This is not to state that your child can’t do these tasks if they are not natural caretakers. Caring for kids and animals is certainly an ability that can be learned. They just might 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. Primary, I desire her to take a child CPR and emergency treatment course. The last thing I desire is for her to be in an emergency situation while she is babysitting and not know what to do. Another element (and the most important factor) for me is security. Before she accepts a babysitting job, I will veterinarian the family and employment guarantee my child will remain in a safe environment. In fact, her first tasks 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 look into ways to generate income doing what I call “imaginative tasks for tweens!”

I recently talked with a mommy pal of mine who stated her child was earning money making hand-written thank you notes. She described that her daughter is working for a pal of theirs who owns her own online store selling handmade products. The store owner couldn’t stay up to date with the personalized thank you cards for her clients. So, she hired a tween to do it for her. Brilliant!

I just enjoy this job concept for many factors. Firstly, it plays to this particular child’s strengths (whom I understand well because she also takes place to be my child’s buddy). She has naturally beautiful handwriting. Also, it’s uber-flexible. My friend told me the very best 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 child is creative and enjoys producing, they could make and sell handmade art or items on Etsy or a comparable website (a grownup will require to develop the account). Does your kid love to write? What about sending pitches or articles to children’s magazines? I can not believe of a much better way for a kid to refine composing skills and get confidence!

Is your kid more tech savvy than you (do not worry, your trick is safe with me)? What about looking into methods to establish these skills like developing an app or computer game?

Is your kid a natural-born entertainer? What about checking out theatre or television performing or even commentaries? These types of tasks do not have age constraints and can be a wonderful way to enable your kid to develop their acting and singing skills while also earning some cash.

# 3: Mother’s Helper

“Mother’s assistant” is another popular job for tweens. This can involve aiding with laundry, making snacks, childcare, pet walking, and other home jobs. The good aspect of this kind of job is that if your child is on the more youthful side (like ten or younger), they can do the task while being monitored by a grownup.

Another perk of this task is that you can quickly find a mommy or caregiver you already understand who needs aid. Start by sending out a message to your instant circle of mama buddies and/or family to see if anyone requires additional help. You can likewise publish in a local mother’s group depending upon your comfort level with allowing your kid to go into another home. For me personally, if I went this path, I would first talk to the household and ensure the environment is safe and safe. I would also likely support my child the very first couple check outs.

# 4: Photographer’s Assistant

Photographer/ Photographer’s Assistant. Does your child love taking pictures? If so, you might either invest in a digital electronic camera or even better just start with your phone camera. Your kid might begin by assisting with taking photos for friends and family free of charge to establish their abilities along with a photography portfolio. There is constantly a substantial need for photos of unique occasions like birthdays, graduations, and family photos, to name just a couple of.

Once your child ends up being more experienced and experienced, they can begin charging a minimal cost for their photography while they continue to refine their skills. Your child can even set up a standard website eventually to promote their services.

# 5: Blogger or Vlogger

Blogger or Vlogger. I wish to begin by specifying that if you kid desires to make some quick money, this is absolutely not the path to go! As a professional blogger, I know from personal experience it takes time and devotion to build your blog site or vlog and ultimately develop an income stream.

That said, I truthfully don’t see a significant downside to starting a vlog or blog. Kids can develop their writing, oral communication, video editing, and marketing skills, along with discover the fundamentals of ending up being an entrepreneur!

If your kid hasn’t already, I have to alert you that it’s only a matter of time before they ask the inevitable concern that every tween appears to be asking these days: can I have a YouTube channel?! YouTube does need that your kid be 13 or have adult consent to develop a channel. It will also depend on you as a parent to determine the specific specifications of keeping your child 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. A minimum of while they are under 13 years of ages. We’ll see what our convenience level will be when they age. Every parent clearly has different comfort levels regarding online security for their kids.

Your Future Starts Here

In regards to how to begin a blog, all your kid truly requires is pick a blog topic they are passionate about. That, and preferably something that they wish to show the world and/or something they can teach people about. There are some excellent free platforms that permit you to quickly create a blog site like Wix or Ionos. I know that Wix does require users to be at least 13 years old to produce a website.

Once your kid has a recognized blog site or vlog, they can likewise market it later on their high school or college resume or perhaps in the college application process. Employers are always looking for abilities like self-motivation, imagination, drive, and ambition!

# 6: Landscaping Helper

Landscaping assistant. This can include things like raking leaves, pulling weeds, shoveling snow, and other odd jobs. If your kiddo is active and likes being outside, this might well be the task for them! My idea is to make a leaflet and walk around to your next-door neighbors with your child, to see if anybody may require some landscaping aid. As they grow older and end up being more responsible, your kid can branch out and broaden their services.

# 7: Lemonade Salesperson

Lemonade stand. Of course, 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 cash throughout the summer. But this is a great first task for a younger kiddo who is feeling encouraged to make a little money and test out their sales and entrepreneurial skills!

# 8: Help in Family Business

Family company. If you are the sole owner of a dining establishment or other kind of family company, your 12-year-old child can operate in many capabilities as long as they aren’t considered dangerous or harmful. You likewise require to ensure to adhere to your state’s child labor laws regarding the variety of hours and times of days that you kid can lawfully work.

That stated, this can be an excellent very first work experience for a child. Finding out about the family service first-hand will develop self-confidence, work ethic, and will also enable your kid to discover themselves and their strengths and interests relating to the work world.

# 9: Plant Sitter

Plant sitter. This task is outstanding for kids who have an interest in and who enjoy to find out about gardening and plants. Watering plants for next-door neighbors on holiday is likewise a terrific way to earn income while finding out about the essentials of growing plants, veggies, fruits, and flowers!

# 10: Season Job

Seasonal task. Rounding out my top 10 jobs for 12-year-olds are seasonal tasks. These jobs can consist of covering presents during the vacations or perhaps assisting with celebration planning. If there’s one thing that I understand most moms would enjoy is a vacation helper or perhaps a birthday party helper. Am I right ?!

This time of the year, while certainly fantastic, can likewise be tiring for parents. Between getting presents, covering presents, decorating the house, and all the other little stuff, it’s a lot. Your kid, depending upon their interests and strengths, could offer their services to good friends and next-door neighbors during the vacation season.

In Conclusion

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

– What are some popular tasks for 12 years of age?

The most popular tasks for 12 years of age consist of childcare, animal sitting, lawn work, pet dog walking, and mother’s assistant.

While 12 years of age are not lawfully enabled to operate in more standard roles like those at junk food dining establishments, they can work in a personal home setting doing the above discussed tasks.

– Exist any constraints or restrictions on tasks for 12 years of age?

Yes, there are some limitations and limitations on tasks for 12 years of age. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets guidelines for the types of jobs and employment variety of hours that young workers can undertake. For example, 12 years of age typically can not work in hazardous occupations or throughout school hours. It is necessary to inspect with your regional and state laws, as well as acquire any essential licenses or permissions.

– How can 12 year olds find task opportunities?

Here are a couple of methods for 12 year olds to find task chances:
– Ask household and good friends: Let your friends and family know that you’re trying to find work. They might have connections or understand somebody who needs assistance with tasks.
– Local companies: Visit regional stores, restaurants, or community centers and ask if they have any part-time task openings for young workers.
– Online platforms: Some sites and apps particularly cater to connecting young workers with task chances. Search for trustworthy platforms that comply with labor laws and guidelines.

Remember to always prioritize your security and well-being when considering job opportunities, and consult with your parents or guardians before pursuing any employment.

Lee Cristina Beaser

MS, CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer).
Lee brings over twenty years of expertise in assisting individuals towards profession success. During her tenure at San Jose State University, she helped thousands of trainees write engaging resumes to land their first jobs and internships. More recently, Lee established The Career Counter, a platform dedicated to providing task seekers with tools and services tailored to their unique fields and profession goals.

Comment navigation

– Hermione Eldridge

21 hours ago Reply

I am 12 years I have actually constantly had a lot of love for animals and I was aiming to have a summer season task so I was believing I could be a dogsitter likewise I am trying to find a job near to me -Kayla Thomas
I was wondering

the number of jobs I can do trigger I infant sit chickens totally free and I have a crochet club but i haven’t done is recently, so I was believing about babysitting but I am not exactly sure about it.

Hi Kayla,

Thanks for reaching out:-RRB-. Sounds like you love animals. You might try to make some earnings by providing pet-sitting services (you already have experience, so now you can charge for your services and you can utilize your current employer as a recommendation to get you more jobs). Keep doing the crochet club! Sounds like a fantastic pastime. You never ever know … eventually pastimes can become income also.

Susy

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

2 weeks ago Reply

Hey there! I enjoy that you have discovered something you like and you wish to attempt to get a job included with books. First thing I would suggest doing is asking friends and family if anyone has connections to any libraries or book shops in your area. You can also visit your library and ask about jobs. There may be an age requirement. If there is and you are not old enough for a job, you can inquire about offering. This is an excellent method to learn more about operating 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 of ages

3 weeks ago Reply

Hello Jayla! Yes you can babysit if you are 12 years old. That’s really a fantastic age to start doing this kind of job. Start by getting in touch with friends and family and letting them understand you are interested in a childcare job. Once you begin gettings ome experience sitting for individuals you know, they will tell other individuals they understand about how awesome you are and you’ll get referrals!:-RRB-:-RRB- Elena Victoria Hey
Mrs. Beaser

How can I get task

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

1 month ago Reply

Hello fantastic concern thank you for connecting! Try not to get too stuck on your age. If you do not think in your abilities nobody else will either (there are great deals of 12-year-olds who are more accountable than 16-year-olds!:-RRB- How about checking to see if your parents or caretakers have any friends with more youthful kids or employment animals? If a household already understands you and knows your parents, there is already some trust there and they will be more likely to wish to hire you. You could likewise make some leaflets marketing your services and walk your street (with a parent or guardian) and ask if anybody requires assistance walking their pet. Start with people you already understand. After they hire you and you do an aamzing task, you can utilize these individuals as referrals for other jobs.

Don’t give up! Keep trying and you will get an excellent task soon!

Oakleigh

Do you believe helping my mom in her hair beauty parlor would be alright? If not I may choose up childcare. I have actually got experience, particularly with 5 more youthful siblings.

Hello and thank you for your question! I believe helping in your mama’s hair salon would be an excellent very first job. However, you and your mother have to talk to the labor laws in your state to ensure you are legally permitted to work there. Many states enable kids to work in the family company, however there are limitations (like variety of hours you can work, kind of work you can do, etc).

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

So this is my first time however since I currently pet my canines, I think I might be an animal caretaker, am only readily available in Eastern Cape hope I will get this job cause.I desire I could pet sit a pet dog cause I like dogs thanks.

2 months ago Reply

Since you currently have pet dogs you can certainly use that experience to get a job as a dog walker. Start by asking your household, friends, and next-door neighbors (i.e. individuals who already know you). After you get some experience, you can use them as referrals to get more jobs. Best of luck!

Graeson

Can I do backyard work cuss I’m 12

3 months ago Reply

Hi Graeson! Yes you can do backyard work. Start by offering your services to neightbors and individuals you understand. Once they hire you and trust you, they will likely inform their friends and you can get more business.

Ellie

Can I do the babysitter club since I’m 12

– Lee Beaser

4 months ago Reply

Hello Ellie, childcare is an excellent job for 12-year olds! I’m not exactly sure which babysitter club you are describing, but you can absolutely babysit at 12!

Comment navigation

Leave your comment (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 dominate the discussion about career courses, trade jobs are a wonderful yet neglected profession choice that should have more attention. The reality is that trades professionals perform essential work that helps society in numerous ways. For instance, keeping the lights on, preserving comfy living areas, or …

Top 10 Flexible Law Careers for Moms

If you’re a mommy taking care of children, you likely currently know that balancing a profession in law with the responsibilities and needs of family can seem like a huge difficulty. Although I don’t work in the field of law, I have actually got mom good friends who do. Many have found versatile profession paths in law that …

The Future of Automotive Careers: Three Exciting Opportunities to Explore

Are you the type of individual who enjoys dealing with your hands, fixing issues, and seeing instant outcomes from your efforts? Maybe you’ve constantly taken pleasure in fixing things, taking them apart, and finding out how they work-or possibly you’re the go-to person for troubleshooting mechanical issues among your family and friends. If this seems like you, …

Pharmacist Job Outlook – Trends and Tips

Let’s be honest-when the majority of people think about pharmacists, they think of someone in a white coat, staring down at a sea of bottles, occasionally asking, “Do you have any concerns for the pharmacist today?” However, a profession in drug store is a lot more than deciphering chicken-scratch doctor handwriting!As health care evolves, driven by technological improvements, an …

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

Job markets ebb and flow. But the one sector of the labor force that constantly appears to hold steady? Healthcare. Whether it’s nurses or medical professionals, health care specialists are constantly in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% boost in health care jobs by 2031-proof that this field isn’t decreasing anytime soon.Of all healthcare experts, …

Jobs Helping Kids – Plus Tips to Get Hired

Interested in learning more about 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 permits you to make a significant difference 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 likewise philanthropists. Gates may be a tech magnate and the godfather of Microsoft. However, his legacy lies strongly in his philanthropic initiatives, from HIV research study 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 significance? This option has actually haunted millions of specialists. You imagine making a real difference. But you can’t due to the fact that you have a mortgage to pay.