KIDS KREATIVE KORNER...
For Kids, Summer Vacation Can be Fun, Exhilarating, and...Boring. Money-Making Projects May be Just the Answer.
By Bonnie Drew
Every kid looks forward to a summer vacation with lots of free time to swim, ride bikes, and hang out. But parents know the loud complaint they will soon be hearing: "There's nothing to do around here!" In most households, boredom leads to begging, "Can I have some money to...?"
Ah, summer vacation. Knowing what's to come, parents are already searching for positive ways to combat the summertime blahs. KidsWay, Inc. An Atlanta-based company that links classroom education with hands-on experience, recommends summer money-making projects as a way to solve the "boredom-that-leads-to-begging" dilemma.
"Your teen or preteen may be too young to get a job," says Steve Morris, president of KidsWay, Inc. "But they're never too young to think like an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs don't worry about being bored. They're too busy exploring opportunity and inventing new products and services to meet needs in their community."
Popular summer jobs for kids include baby-sitting, car washing, pet care, odd jobs and lawn care.
"Entrepreneurs are most successful when they find a way to put a new twist on an old idea," says Morris. "We encourage kids to use tried-and true money-makers like car washing and baby-sitting as a starting point, then personalize their business to fit special needs in the community."
Customers who need a car wash may also need their driveway swept, for example. Customers who hire a teen to pet-sit may also need pet grooming or carpet cleaning (to remove pet stains). The kids you baby-sit may also be prime prospects for craft lessons, baseball coaching, or math tutoring.
Summer jobs give young people an opportunity to develop work skills, discover talents, and explore the world of business. So don't settle for another boring/begging summer. Make it exciting, creative, and educational with summer money-making enterprises.
Bonnie Drew is the author of FAST CASH FOR KIDS (2nd edition), published by Career Press (1-800-227-3371). She is also the creator of the KIDS BUSINESS software for young entrepreneurs, available from Homeland Publications (713-332-9764).
Drew is also Editor of YoungBiz online magazine, published by Kid's Way, Inc., a company that helps youth prepare for business and the workplace of the 21st century. For more information, write to Kid's Way at 5589 Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 or call toll free 1-888-KidsWay (1-888-543-7929). YoungBiz magazine can be found at http://www.youngbiz.com
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