Kid's Small Business Ideas

Lawn Service

A child can start a lawn service, depending on his age. Determine how many hours your child can work per week, accounting for studying and extracurricular school activities. The number of hours your child can work will dictate how many customers he needs for his lawn service business. He might cut lawns, trim shrubbery and do edging around sidewalks and foundations. Allow him to use your lawn mower and trimmers. Supply him with a garbage can and trash bags for emptying grass from lawn mower bags. A younger child can rake leaves for neighbors during the fall months. Let your kids walk around the neighborhood delivering fliers, to advertise the business.

Kids can start a pet care business. Couples work during the day, or travel out of town. Pet care can include dog walking, pet sitting, hair brushing and feeding. Dogs and cats are the most common pets for which children can provide care. However, kids can also feed fish, hamsters, turtles or other household pets. Discuss a fair pay rate with your neighbors. Allow your kids to work toward a certain financial goal, such as saving for a bicycle or computer. Also, have your kids count their money and make their own bank deposits, to give them a sense of accomplishment.

A car washing business can be ideal for kids during the warmer months. Kids can provide discounts for washing multiple cars. For example, your kids can wash one car for five dollars, and a second one for three dollars. Let your kids make a list of the supplies they'll need for washing cars. Devising a list will teach your kids planning skills. While neighbors may supply the hoses, your kids will need car soap, sponges, tire and wheel rim cleaners. Purchase a revenue/expense log for your kids, so they can keep track of their sales and expenses.

Your older neighbors may be unable to get out much, especially during the colder months. Therefore, your kids have an opportunity to provide a needed service by running various errands for them. Common errands can include picking up groceries or medicines for neighbors. Kids can also assist neighbors around their homes, putting groceries away, or cleaning. However, you may want to accompany your kids for in-house assignments, even if you stay outside in the car. Also, provide your kids with cell phones, so you can stay in touch with them.