15 Summer Job Ideas for Tween and Teen Girls

Are you ready to make this summer an incredible time for your tween or teen daughter to develop valuable skills, boost her confidence, and embark on a journey of self-discovery?

Recently, one of my coaching clients, a fantastic fifth-grade girl, expressed her interest in getting a job over the summer. She even wanted to learn how to create a resume! Witnessing her enthusiasm and determination reminded me of my own childhood adventures.

This young girl's aspiration to have a summer job resonated with me and reminded me of a video I recently watched featuring former First Lady Michelle Obama. She beautifully expressed that life is all about practicing who you want to be, and your daughter can practice becoming the incredible person she aspires to be during this summer season. Even at a young age, getting a job can be a fantastic way for her to develop important skills and qualities.

Here are 10 important reasons why it is beneficial for tweens and teens to have a job:

1. Financial Responsibility: Getting a job at a young age introduces tweens and teens to the concept of financial responsibility. It teaches them the value of money, the importance of earning it through hard work, and how to manage their earnings effectively. They can start saving for future goals or learn to budget their income wisely, developing crucial financial skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

 2. Work Ethic and Responsibility: Having a job early on helps tweens and teens cultivate a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. They learn the significance of showing up on time, completing tasks diligently, and meeting expectations. These skills are highly valuable and transferable, setting a foundation for future employment opportunities and success in their careers.

 3. Skill Development: A job provides tweens and teens with a unique opportunity to develop a wide range of skills. Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and customer service skills are just a few examples. These skills are not only relevant to their current job but are also transferable and applicable to various aspects of their future careers and personal lives.

 4. Career Exploration: Working at a young age allows tweens and teens to explore different career options and gain insights into various industries. It helps them understand their interests, strengths, and weaknesses, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their future educational and career paths. They can discover potential career paths they may have otherwise overlooked and acquire valuable firsthand experience related to their interests.

 5. Time Management: Balancing work responsibilities with other commitments, such as school and extracurricular activities, teaches tweens and teens invaluable time management skills. They learn to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and find a harmonious balance between work and personal life. These time management skills are essential not only for their current job but also for their academic pursuits and future professional endeavors.

 6. Confidence and Independence: Having a job can significantly boost tweens' and teens' confidence and foster a sense of independence. It provides them with a tangible sense of accomplishment as they see the direct results of their efforts and contributions. They become more self-reliant and gain the ability to make their own financial decisions, promoting their personal growth and development.

 7. Networking Opportunities: Jobs expose tweens and teens to a diverse range of people, including coworkers, supervisors, and customers. By building professional relationships and networking at an early age, they develop important social skills and expand their professional connections. These connections and networks can prove advantageous in terms of future career opportunities and mentorship.

 8. Real-World Experience: Working at a young age exposes tweens and teens to the realities of the professional world. They gain firsthand experience of workplace dynamics, professional expectations, and the importance of professional etiquette. This exposure helps them develop maturity, adaptability, and a realistic perspective on their future careers.

 9. Supportive Guidance: While having a job offers numerous benefits, it is crucial for tweens and teens to receive supportive guidance throughout their employment journey. Guidance from parents, mentors, or supervisors can ensure that they navigate their job responsibilities while maintaining a healthy balance with their education, well-being, and personal development. This support helps them make the most of their job experience and provides a positive environment for learning and growth.

 10. Balancing Work and Life: It is important to emphasize the significance of maintaining a balance between work, education, and personal development. While having a job can be a valuable experience, it should not overshadow or negatively impact other aspects of their lives. Encouraging a healthy balance ensures that tweens and teens have the opportunity to grow and thrive holistically while still reaping the benefits of their job experience.

I understand that your daughter may not be old enough to work yet. But fret not! There are countless opportunities for her to explore and grow during this vibrant season. You can talk these over with your daughter and see what she thinks; who knows, she may come up with some incredible ideas and surprise you! 

Here are 15 exciting ideas to consider:

1. Babysitting: Encourage your daughter to offer babysitting services to friends, family, or neighbors. It's an excellent way for her to learn responsibility, build nurturing skills, and earn extra pocket money.

2. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: If your daughter loves animals, suggest she offers pet sitting services or becomes a neighborhood dog walker. It will allow her to spend time with furry friends while making some cash.

3. Yard Work and Gardening: Engage your daughter in yard work tasks like mowing lawns, raking leaves, or tending to gardens. These activities teach the value of hard work, perseverance, and being in touch with nature.

4. Tutoring: If your daughter excels in a particular subject, she could offer tutoring services to younger students who may benefit from her knowledge. Sharing her skills and helping others will boost her confidence and reinforce her own understanding. Elementary students often receive a summer work packet to do over the summer. Your daughter could help a younger student complete this packet by setting a time each week to work with that student and help them if they get stuck. This task would be a big help while keeping your daughter's skills up to date.

5. Arts and Crafts: Encourage your daughter's creativity by suggesting she creates and sells handmade crafts or artwork at local events or online platforms. This entrepreneurial endeavor will nurture her creativity and business acumen.

6. Volunteer Work: Motivate your daughter to volunteer with local charities, community centers, or animal shelters. It will instill in her a sense of compassion, empathy, and a desire to contribute to her community.

7. Mother's Helper: Young tweens can assist busy moms by being a mother's helper. They can play with the children while the mom attends to household chores, help take the kids to the pool or park, or even assist with light tasks like preparing snacks or tidying up play areas. It's a wonderful way for them to learn responsibility and contribute to their community.

8. Organization Extraordinaire: For tweens who have a knack for organizing, they can offer their services to help neighbors declutter and organize their pantries, closets, or drawers. By bringing order to chaotic spaces, they'll be helping others and honing their organizational skills.

9. Lego Master: If your tween has a passion for Legos, they can put their building skills to use by helping younger kids assemble projects. They can offer their expertise, provide guidance, and foster a love for creativity and problem-solving in others.

10. Gaming Mentor: For tweens and teens who enjoy playing video games, they can share their knowledge and skills by becoming positive role model and teaching younger kids how to play. They can emphasize the importance of good sportsmanship and provide guidance on gaming etiquette.

11. Neighborhood Camp Leader: Tweens and teens can organize an outdoor camp for neighborhood kids during the summer. They can plan various activities such as crafts, sports, nature walks, or scavenger hunts. It's an excellent opportunity for them to take on leadership roles, develop organizational skills, and foster a sense of community.

12. Reading Buddy: Does your tween have a passion for reading? Encourage them to become a reading buddy for younger children who could use some extra practice over the summer. They can volunteer their time to read books, assist with pronunciation, and help build confidence in young readers. By sharing their love of reading, they'll foster a lifelong appreciation for books and nurture the next generation of readers.

13. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Tweens can explore entrepreneurial opportunities by starting small businesses such as a lemonade stand, a bake sale, or selling handmade products or Yard Sale in your community.

14. Teaching a musical instrument: can be an excellent job for tween and teen kids, offering a range of benefits. It allows them to share their passion for music, inspire others, and pass on their knowledge and skills. In the process of teaching, they further enhance their own proficiency in the instrument, refining techniques and deepening their understanding of music theory. Teaching also helps them develop leadership and communication skills as they guide and mentor students, fostering a positive learning environment. It instills a sense of responsibility and professionalism, teaching them the importance of punctuality, reliability, and preparedness. Teaching a musical instrument empowers tween and teen kids to make a positive impact, develop their abilities, and gain valuable life skills.

15. Technology assistance: involves providing support and guidance with basic technology tasks. This can include setting up devices, such as smartphones or computers, and troubleshooting common issues that may arise. Tween and teen kids who have a knack for technology can offer their expertise to help individuals navigate the digital world more effectively, Such as Grandparents. Whether it's assisting with device setup, explaining software applications, or troubleshooting technical problems, their knowledge, and skills can make a significant difference for those seeking technology assistance.

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