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Summer holidays can make a massive dent in any parent’s wallet – so why not change things up this year? It’s time for the kids to get in on the action. We’ve teamed up with GoHenry to challenge your kids to hustle for some extra pocket money, helping them fund those sweet-shop runs and summer days out.
Here are 5 fun, safe and practical “side hustles” your kids can start this summer to supercharge their pocket money.
Give your child the head start you wish you’d had, with their own smart money app and card. Get 2 months free plus £20 pocket money with code AFFFDR220.
Get startedA chore that’s been handed down through the generations, car washing is one of the original side hustles for kids. It’s a rite of passage and offers instant results.
You’ll need to provide them with a bucket of warm, soapy water, a sponge, a hose and a microfibre cloth. If they do a good job, why not pitch their services to close neighbours or grandparents? And it’s not just the outside that needs doing; they could always earn a little more by cleaning the inside as well.
You can set “car washing” as a task in your GoHenry smart money app, including how much you’ll pay and whether this is a one-off task or a weekly task.
The summer holidays are the perfect time for a bedroom reset. Selling old toys, books and clothes they’ve outgrown is one of the quickest ways to learn about earning money, recycling and decluttering all at once.
You’ll need to set aside an afternoon to go through their wardrobes and toy boxes. If you have older kids, let them take the photos and list the items on Vinted or eBay. Handling the descriptions and packaging the parcels will give them the satisfaction of earning their own money, even if they are technically selling things you originally bought for them!
Give your child the head start you wish you’d had, with their own smart money app and card. Get 2 months free plus £20 pocket money with code AFFFDR220.
Get startedGardens are in full bloom in the summer, which means they need a lot of upkeep. It’s the perfect time for your kids to step in and help out. They can get stuck into weeding flowerbeds, watering the plants, or even tackling the lawn under your watchful eye.
If they really want to boost their earnings, why not see if the neighbours need some help during the summer months? If they’re going on holiday, your child can offer a “plant-sitting” service to ensure their tomato plants or lawn are still thriving by the time they return home.
While smartphones and tablets may be second nature to your kids, older family members might struggle with them. One way to earn a bit of extra cash this summer is for your tween or teen to run “tech support” sessions for grandparents, aunts and uncles.
They could help organise digital family photos, show them how to use video calling apps or clean up the apps on their smartphones. It’s a good way for them to build patience and communication skills, all while earning a bit of extra cash.
With families jetting off on their summer holidays, there are plenty of opportunities for your kids to provide reliable pet care. Smaller pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, fish or even independent cats are usually happier staying home with someone dropping in to top up their food and water.
Younger kids will need supervision, while older kids can independently help out. If they want, they could even offer a “VIP” package, including cleaning out rabbit hutches or hamster cages, brushing fluffy pets and sending photo updates.
GoHenry: where kids go to learn money
Kids learn to earn, save, spend and invest with pocket money, custom savings goals, gifted money from family and friends, gamified lessons and more. Give your child the head start you wish you’d had, with their own smart money app and card. Get 2 months free plus £20 pocket money with code AFFFDR220.
Join today!*T&Cs apply. GoHenry Interest Savings is provided by Bondsmith Savings Ltd, authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. The GoHenry card is issued by IDT Financial Services Limited, a principal member of VISA Europe.
We’ve partnered with GoHenry for your ultimate guide to typical pocket money by age. (Paid content)
We’ve partnered with GoHenry to help you boost your child’s money confidence, whatever age or stage they’re at. (Paid content)
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