Summer is finally here! With your kids out of school, we understand as parents the need to find something constructive to keep them occupied. Why not encourage them to make a little extra money? Here are five ways your kids can make some extra cash and get in the healthy habit of saving!

• Yardwork – There are plenty of yardwork opportunities available over the summer. Lawn mowing can be a great way to make some easy money. Many families will be on vacation and won’t be able to take care of their lawn themselves. This could be a one-time gig or turn into a weekly thing if they do a good job. For younger children that might not be old enough to use the lawn mower, planting flowers or picking weeds are other options.
• Open a lemonade stand – Good old fashioned lemonade stands are one of the most common ways for a child to make some extra spending money. This will help them keep up their math skills and is a great introduction on how to run a business.
• Host a garage sale – Do your children have toys they don’t play with anymore or clothes they don’t wear? Consider hosting a garage sale to sell their things. Encourage them to price each item and count the money for any items sold. Clothes that don’t sell could be donated.
• Walk dogs – If your kids love animals, this is the perfect job for them. Most parents work during the day and might not have the time to give their furry friends the exercise they need. This is also a great excuse to get them physically active.
• Babysit – Are there young kids near you? Encourage your teen to offer their babysitting services to families in the neighborhood. They don’t need formal training but many local communities offer CPR or first aid classes. These are great classes for people of all ages to take to ensure they know how to take care of younger children.

There are plenty of jobs out there for kids of all ages. Getting a summer job is a great way for kids to learn money management and be responsible for their own money. Encourage your kids to take advantage of one of these easy-money opportunities!