From a certain age, many children want to earn their own money - be it for a new cell phone, a trip to the cinema with friends or to finally buy that long-awaited toy. The desire for more independence becomes particularly strong from around the age of 12 or 13. At this age, many begin to think about their first student jobs or small jobs in the neighborhood. Managing their own money is an important step towards independence for young people. At the same time, they learn the value of work and responsibility - an experience that often stays with them for the rest of their lives.
For parents, this raises the question: How can I support my child in a meaningful way? The first part-time jobs not only offer the opportunity to supplement pocket money, but also to develop important skills. In this article, we will show you lots of practical ideas on how children can earn money - and how you can support them with a clear head and the right tips.
We'll help you find the right investment for your child!
- An additional $25,703 per child, thanks to our modern ETF strategy
- Find the perfect ETF investment for your child in a 30-minute video conference from the comfort of your own home.
- Sit back and watch your child's assets grow – our experts will take care of the rest.
Practice early - When and how children can gain their first job experience
Children develop the desire to do something of their own at an early age - be it small jobs around the house or ideas to become active in the neighborhood. From a certain age, this desire becomes a concrete goal: earning money and supplementing pocket money. But when is this even allowed - and which student jobs make sense at what age?
🧒 What does the law say?
According to the Youth Employment Protection Act, children from the age of 13 are allowed to take on light work with the consent of their parents. This includes, for example
- Delivering newspapers
- Babysitting in a private environment
- Lawn mowing or gardening help for neighbors
- Pet care (walking, feeding)
🟢 Important: These jobs may only be carried out for up to two hours a day - and not during school hours.
🧠 First tasks - first experiences
A part-time job should never become a burden, especially for students who are still at school. A simple rule is: school first - job second. Many children start with small jobs in the family or with trusted neighbors. Here they can gain their first insights without being under pressure to perform.
📌 Tip for parents:
💡 "Work with your child to see what interests and skills they have. If you like playing with dogs, you could offer to dog-sit. If you're good at math, maybe tutoring."
In this way, the first job is not only a financial opportunity, but also a real learning opportunity.
🧾 Infobox: The best starting jobs from 13 years old
| Activity | Location | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Babysitting | Family, Friends | Responsibility, trust |
| Gardening | Neighborhood | Movement, directly visible successes |
| Newspapers | Residential area | Structure, learning punctuality |
| Walking dogs | Surroundings | Putting animal love to good use |
With the right preparation and clear rules, nothing stands in the way of children starting to earn money.
Top 10 student jobs - opportunities for young job starters
As soon as children or young people want to gain their first experience of earning money, there are many exciting part-time jobs to choose from. These not only offer real added value for pocket money, but also promote self-confidence, responsibility and personal skills. The following jobs are particularly suitable from the age of 13 and can be done flexibly alongside school or during the vacations.
🧸 1. babysitting - responsibility with heart
Whether small siblings, children from the neighborhood or friends: babysitting is a popular start for students who are good with younger children. As well as earning a fair wage, children learn one thing above all else here - to take responsibility.
💡 Tip: There are even online courses for young babysitters to prepare themselves optimally.
📚 2. tutoring - passing on knowledge
Those who do well at school can pass on their knowledge to younger classmates. Tutoring in math, English or other subjects is very popular - often even within your own school or family.
🔍 Advantage: Flexible planning, high hourly pay and good for self-confidence.
🦴 3. walking dogs - exercise and responsibility
Dogs want to go out regularly - and not every owner always has time for this. For animal-loving children, walking is a great way to combine exercise and a part-time job.
🐾 Tip: Discuss exactly what needs to be considered with the dog owner beforehand.
🏡 4. gardening - green fingers wanted
Mowing the lawn, raking leaves, watering flowers: Many gardens have small tasks that are ideal jobs for schoolchildren. The best thing? You can see directly what you have achieved.
🌿 In particularly high demand in spring and summer.
📰 5. newspaper delivery - the classic
Probably the best-known student job: distributing newspapers and leaflets. Being out and about early in the morning is not everyone's cup of tea, but there are fixed routes, regular income - and exercise in the fresh air.
📦 Many publishers offer fixed routes in residential areas.
🧹 6. household help - support in everyday life
Whether vacuuming, emptying the dishwasher or shopping: Simple household chores are often welcome - especially by older people in the neighborhood.
🛒 A friendly demeanor is particularly important here.
💻 7th technology help - teenagers as app coaches
Many senior citizens find it difficult to use a smartphone, tablet or computer. Young people, on the other hand, are often real pros. Explaining apps, setting up Wi-Fi or sending photos - little help like this is in demand and can easily be rewarded.
🍋 8th lemonade stand & cake sale - promoting entrepreneurial talent
A home-made lemonade stand or a table with home-baked cakes in front of the house: this is not only charming, but also a good introduction to entrepreneurial thinking.
🥧 Be sure to coordinate with parents and prepare in good time!
💬 9. online surveys - earning money with opinions
Many platforms offer online surveys in which you can take part for a small reward. However, you should make sure that they are reputable and never disclose personal data carelessly.
⚠️ Only useful under supervision and from a certain age.
🎪 10th flea market - clear out & make money
Old toys, books or clothes? Going to the flea market with the family and selling things is fun and earns money at the same time.
📦 Also a great way to learn the value of things early on.
With these school jobs, children gain their first real experience of handling money, learn the value of work - and enjoy the feeling of being able to do something for themselves. Whether it's supplementing pocket money, saving up for a new cell phone or simply having a bit of fun at work, the possibilities are endless - and with a little support from parents, nothing stands in the way of them starting to earn money.
What children really learn through school jobs
For many children and young people, earning money is not just a means to an end - it is a real life experience. Those who start with school jobs to supplement their pocket money often learn much more than what ends up in their bank account. The first jobs alongside school are small but significant steps towards personal responsibility.
🧠 Not all money is the same - it's how you handle it that counts
Children who earn their own money quickly develop a sense of value and value for money. They think more carefully about whether they should spend the money they earn directly on a movie, a new toy or an app - or whether they would rather save it. This conscious examination of their own budget promotes financial education, quite incidentally.
💬 "I did two hours of gardening for this - I'll think about it again!"
Such thoughts show: The learning effect runs deep.
⏳ Responsibility & time management
A part-time job - even if it's just tutoring twice a week or babysitting for neighbors - requires planning. School, free time, family and the new job have to be reconciled. This is how young people learn to set priorities and manage their time sensibly.
🧩 Discover and develop skills
Whether walking dogs, selling at the flea market or helping with technology - many children discover unexpected talents through this activity. If you're good with people, you'll score points when babysitting. Those who like to organize feel comfortable in structured work such as delivering newspapers.
These early experiences often shape later interests - sometimes even the choice of career.
💪 Self-confidence grows with responsibility
"I can do it!" - The feeling you get when you complete a task independently and are rewarded for it is priceless. Pupils learn to have confidence in themselves and to be proud of their own achievements. This not only strengthens their self-image, but also has a positive effect on their health, motivation and independence.
In short: a student job is much more than just a part-time job - it is an experience for life.
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Ogün
December 02, 2024
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From your first euros to your first fortune - How Invest4Kids supports you
As important as student jobs are for personal development, they alone are not enough to build real financial security for your child's future. Because even if your son or daughter earns their first euros by babysitting, tutoring or delivering newspapers, the question quickly arises: What's the sensible next step? This is exactly where Invest4Kids comes in - with a concept that helps you to make smart and flexible financial provision for your child.
💡 From part-time job to wealth creation
A school job teaches your child how to earn money - Invest4Kids shows you how you can make this money work for your child. You can get started with an ETF-based pension plan for as little as EUR 25 a month - with no hidden fees, custody account costs or complicated financial language.
📌 Your benefits at a glance
- Free and personal advice - tailored to your individual life situation.
- "Right of determination from 18 " - you decide when your child has access to the money.
- Tax advantages: No capital gains tax on strategy changes, only 50% on gains when paid out at retirement age.
- Securing conditions protects against future cost increases or changes in the law.
- Flexibly adaptable: change installments, pause or make one-off payments - everything is possible.
👨👩👧 What parents say:
💬 "Invest4Kids helped us to finally develop a clear plan for our daughter's future." - Anna, 35 years old
💬 "I think it's great that we can decide for ourselves when our son has access to the money. That creates security." - Tobias, 41 years old
💬 "The advice was super friendly and totally understandable - finally someone who explains financial topics in a way that you really get it." - Julia, 38 years old
🛠️ Financial knowledge & pension provision - hand in hand
While your child learns how to handle money in everyday life through student jobs, you create the basis for a stable future in the background. Whether it's studying, their first home or their own company - with Invest4Kids, you ensure that little dreams become real opportunities. And best of all: you remain flexible, independent and have an experienced partner at your side.
Frequently asked questions from parents - and how to tackle them with a clear head
When your child suddenly starts talking about earning money with online surveys or taking on a vacation job in the neighborhood, many parents automatically start asking questions. What is allowed? What makes sense? And how can I support my child without overburdening them? Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions - clear, honest and reassuring.
❓ When does a student job make sense?
Many children show an interest in earning their own money from around the age of 12 or 13. It is important that the motivation comes from the child themselves - and that the job is suitable for their age. A part-time job should always remain feasible alongside school and not be too demanding.
⏰ How much can my child work?
According to the law, two hours a day are permitted on five days of the week - and only outside school hours. Work is permitted for up to four weeks per year during the vacations. Important: Light jobs such as babysitting, gardening or flea market sales are the most suitable.
💸 What happens to the money earned?
Whether the money goes directly towards a cell phone, ice cream or into a savings box should be discussed calmly. Many parents keep a simple budget book with their children - this helps them to understand their income and expenditure.
🤝 How do I accompany my child properly?
Be there, but not too strict. Give tips, help with organization and talk about possible challenges. At the same time, it is important to trust your child to have their own experiences with work and responsibility - this not only strengthens the bond, but also their self-confidence.
With the right attitude, your first part-time job can become a tangible step in your own development.
Conclusion: The first steps towards financial independence
A school job is much more than just a way to supplement pocket money. When children and young people start earning their own money, they experience what it means to earn something through their own work. They learn responsibility, discover new skills and develop an initial feeling for the value of money.
At the same time, parents can use this phase to talk to their child about bigger goals: What is it worth saving for? What is smart money management? This is where Invest4Kids comes in - as a long-term supplement to a part-time job.
Because while your child earns their first euros, you lay the foundation for later wishes and needs with a suitable investment - whether it's a degree, driving license or first home. This creates strong teamwork: Your child learns how money works - and you make sure that it is available at the right time. A real benefit for the whole family.
We'll help you find the right investment for your child!
- An additional $25,703 per child, thanks to our modern ETF strategy
- Find the perfect ETF investment for your child in a 30-minute video conference from the comfort of your own home.
- Sit back and watch your child's assets grow – our experts will take care of the rest.
