It’s never too early to teach your kids good financial habits. Studies have shown that children as young as seven years old understand the value of money and how it can be used in exchange for goods. Earning, spending, and saving are valuable lessons for the young entrepreneurial spirit. From metal recycling to doing chores, below are a few things your kids can do to make money.

5 Money-Making Tactics to Teach Your Kids

1. Sell Stuff

If your child enjoys making crafts, cooking, or baking, tell them that they can sell these to earn a few dollars. Help them organize and set up their own stand or stall. Establishing a very basic brand—such as a company name—will help cement this fundamental business lesson.

Make sure they practice their sales pitch and giving the correct change to the customers. You should also teach them the basics of more advanced skills, such as accurately accounting profit and expenses to keep their business afloat.

2. Offer Care Services

Another way for children to earn money is by providing care services to the neighbors. Nearly everyone needs an extra hand in keeping watch over curious toddlers and pets, so establishing a sitting business could be another money-maker. As they’re wowed by the money they’re earning, explain that they can spend it as they please, but encourage them to do so conscientiously.

3. Do Odd Jobs

There are plenty of odd jobs your kids can do—from cleaning and washing cars to running errands and watering the plants. Call what they earn from doing manual labor and household chores a commission, and explain to them the idea of budgeting their money and saving up for something else. Point out that when they spend now, they might be letting go of the chance to buy something better later on.

4. Recycle

Kids can also earn money from their surroundings, by gathering recyclables like paper, plastics, bottles, and scrap metals. Collecting aluminum cans is an excellent way to promote the importance of recycling by associating it with earning potential. Some metal recycling junkyards accept aluminum cans for quick cash. 

5. Reinforce Charitable Spirit

Once they know how to consistently earn money on their own, teach them about sharing what they have with the less fortunate. Encourage them to donate a portion—no matter how small—of their earnings to charity. As a token of good faith, show them that you’ll match their donation with your own. Giving to charity teaches them to be compassionate and generous to those in need, a lesson that will enrich their lives forever.

Teaching your kids about metal recycling allows them to learn about saving the environment and earning a few bucks in the process. For top scrap metal prices, drop by T&S Automotive in Thomasville, NC. Serving residents throughout Davidson County, they accept scrap metal and junk cars and offer a huge inventory of used auto parts. Call (336) 882-7989 or inquire about metal recycling via their website.