Raising a Kidpreneur: 9 Tips to Help Your Child Start a Business

Spot the Signs: Recognising Entrepreneurial Traits in Your Child

Today’s kids are smart, informed, and curious, much more than children of the past century. With the advent of the internet and digital technology, the possibilities are endless for many children. How about you be the parent who encourages their kid(s) to become young entrepreneurs?

A young kidpreneur calculating his earnings. (Image used under license from iStockPhoto)

Yes, young. You can guide them onto this path from the age of ten, or even younger. Do not underestimate the mindset of today’s children. They are much more knowledgeable than we adults give them credit for. Never forget this fact.

Inspiration That Shows It’s Possible

Give them a gentle push, or a shove, if you have to. Ask questions about what they love to do, make, or write about. Ask in any way you feel will make them open up, think deeply about their answers, and take each answer as a clue. You never know, you may be bringing out latent talent, creativity, or even entrepreneurial skills they didn’t realise they have.

Tips for Parents: Help Your Kid Gain Financial Independence 

Earning money on the internet has become so widespread that some smart kids have hopped on the earn-money-online train, making extra pocket money.

While some earning opportunities are not age-specific, others are, but the good news is that there are jobs even if you are under sixteen. For this group of kids, parental consent and supervision is crucial. Most jobs suitable for the 10 to 15 age groups are offline, informal jobs and spare-time tasks, but there are a few that they can do online. They include (in no particular order):

1. Garage sales. Gather together and sell old toys, books, devices, old clothes, shoes, bags (in good condition), and other no-longer-useful odds and ends.
2. Teach the elderly simple ways to use their electronic devices. Many baby boomers don’t have a clue as to how to perform simple tasks on their devices. Young kids can teach them how to, for a fee.
3. Pet sitting. A bit like being a babysitter, but only for young kids who love and have a close affinity with dogs. They can help walk dogs, provide companionship, or care for them when their owners are away.
4. Gardening. Young children can earn money as a gardener’s assistant. Help with gardening for neighbours by simple planting, pruning, and trimming of plants, for a fee.
5. Sell candy and sweet edibles. This is, without a doubt, a great way to imbibe selling skills. Loan your kid a start-off capital. $25 to $50 is good capital to invest in your child. They can sell at school during playtime. Let them find out what classmates love to snack on, then order them cheap from places like Dollar Stores, Candy Warehouse, and Walmart (on bargain days). Alternatively, making and selling homemade candy can be a fun and cost-effective alternative if your kid is so inclined.
6. Make and sell handmade crafts. If your kid loves making small crafts, they can make simple craft items to sell at local markets or on online platforms like Etsy. However, you must help your child promote their crafts through social media or word of mouth and don’t forget to teach them how.
7. Teach younger kids. Children who excel in a particular class subject can teach younger kids for a fee. This will also reinforce their knowledge of the subject while helping the younger ones.
8. Start a YouTube Channel as a kid influencer. If your kids are over 13 years old, they can operate a YouTube channel (the age limit to own one is 13 and above). However, parental or guardian permission is required before starting the channel. There are many popular kid influencers on YouTube, and there is fairly good money to be made by influencers. Find out what some of these kid influencers make on YouTube.
9. Sell T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts online. This is a great online money-making venture for older teenagers. They create illustrations, design and upload, and sell them online. Sites like Spreadshirt, Zazzle, and Printify provide such services. It is much easier than it sounds. However, with the right strategy, it can be quite profitable.

Earning extra cash by themselves will serve as a foundation for a future where they will have acquired the ability to handle financial challenges on their own.

Fostering a Lifelong Entrepreneurial Mindset

Parental supervision is key. Allowing kids under sixteen to earn money online and offline is a great idea, but it requires adult supervision. Offline jobs need to be overseen and monitored. And for online jobs, because the internet is a global community, you don’t want your kid wandering around aimlessly in the community without guidance, just as in any community.

Additionally, check periodically to ensure they are not using illegal means to earn extra pocket money. And check that they don’t get so obsessed with earning money, they neglect their studies.

(Originally published by at Medium.com by Alo Bedas on 10/3/2024)

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Kids Are Making Money Online Testing New Video Games

Kidpreneurs: How Young Kids Can Earn Money as a Side Hustle

Do you know that kids can earn money online too? Earning money on the internet has become so widespread that within another decade, almost everyone will have the ability to make extra money (or even an income). And some smart kids have joined the earn-money-online train by learning entrepreneurship at a young age.

While some online opportunities are not age-specific, you will find that there are many online money-making ventures that kids can’t venture into until they are sixteen. But the good news is that there are jobs you can do in your spare time, even if you are not yet sixteen.


If you are under sixteen, you can earn money in a number of ways, but first, you'll need an adult's consent and, in some cases, expect some form of parental supervision. If you are over sixteen, there are more online jobs you can do. Some may require minimal supervision, but with most, you can go it alone.

You must be prepared to work extra hard for extra money, but you must also approach it more as a hobby or something you absolutely enjoy doing. There is a lot of hard work that goes into earning money either online or offline, and it doesn't matter if you are a kid or an adult; you'll have to start off being inspired. Then make sure you are patient and work persistently at whatever you choose to do.

Kids will need online supervision.

To Parents: Kids Online Need Supervision

Allowing kids under sixteen to earn money online is a great idea, but it requires adult supervision. They must be overseen and monitored. The internet is a global community, and just as in any community, you wouldn't let your kid wander around aimlessly in the community without guidance.

You should check periodically to make sure they are not using any illegal means to make money on the internet. They should also be observed to guard against them getting obsessed with making money online and thus neglecting their studies.

Earning extra cash by themselves will serve as a foundation for a future where they will have acquired the ability to handle financial challenges on their own.

Ways to Earn Money Online if You Are a Kid

If you are under sixteen, before you decide to earn money online (or offline), you must understand that you can only work in your spare time. An online job must not affect your schoolwork in any way. Secondly, you must get adult consent, and this is equally important.

And if you are a parent and you’ll like your kid to learn some money-making skills or simply learn how to make some pocket money, here are some ideas to consider:

• Selling T-shirts
• Selling candy
• Writing (freelance)
• Taking paid surveys
• Tutoring
• Selling on eBay

1. Selling T-Shirts Online

Whether you are creative or not, you can do this and earn good money online and even offline too. Designing and selling t-shirts online for money is not so hard, but you will need to learn how to use T-shirt design software. Sounds difficult? Not really.

Kids who earn money online can earn it in two ways. Sell your designs by uploading them to a marketplace like SpreadShirt (it's free). Creating your designs is not hard and can be anything from cartoon-like characters to doodles or any other simple type of sketch.

You can learn to use simple software like Microsoft Paint to create your designs and have them printed on t-shirts you can sell online or offline. Your parent or an older sibling can help you out with transactions and how to get the money you've earned.

If you are over sixteen years, you can open your own free T-Shirt store online and sell not only tees but caps, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, sportswear, sweatshirts and more. People who buy from you will come from all corners of the world, from New Jersey to New Zealand. When they buy from your online store, it's at the click of a button.

Additionally, creating an online store means you can sell your products to other kids at school or the people in your neighbourhood.

2. Selling Candy

This may appear like an offline job for kids, but it involves some online buying too.

For as little as a $15 investment, you can make money by selling candy at school. This is a good example of "physical" selling offline. With your little investment, which you can loan from your parent or relative, you can buy a large variety of packs of candy (or other edibles) online from major wholesalers like Costco or Sam's Club (Macey's costs a bit more).

You buy wholesale and sell the individual pieces at regular market prices, less a few cents if you wish. A kid can earn money by doing this every school day, five days a week.

You can also sell games and cards to your schoolmates because many kids love games and cards and will willingly buy from you. There are game companies that will offer their affiliates a free store to sell their products. Amazon and eBay are two large companies that allow you to sell their products. You must be eighteen to be able to join Amazon or eBay, so again, you'll need the help of an adult to set up an account on your behalf.

3. Writing (Freelance)

You can earn money online by writing for other people. This is called freelance writing.

There are many freelancing services out there, and depending on your reading and writing skills (and what you've been asked to write about), you may be qualified enough to write for people online or even offline.

Some kids who are 7th-grade level and above can write and get their messages across. Complex writing may not be necessary as long as there are no typing errors, the grammar is fine, and you get the points across, which is primarily the main goal.

Some students need to write out their essays or do a report on a school project, and they may need your help. It shouldn't be for free. You can use your expertise as a good writer to create reports on a subject you are passionate about and sell them online for a small profit. The reports need not be more than 7 to 20 pages long and should only contain content that young people or other kids can use.

4. Taking Paid Surveys

You can make money online by filling out paid surveys. It is one of the easiest online jobs to do, and you need zero experience to do it. If you do surveys consistently, you will always earn a bit of pocket money on the side.

Both the young and adults fill out paid surveys every day, and this is a legitimate opportunity for you to make at least $2 an hour, depending on what goals you wish to achieve. With some online survey sites, you also earn free stuff for your opinion about their products, and it can involve anything from games and gift cards to packs of edibles. It's very easy to do a few surveys each day, and it takes roughly a quarter of an hour to complete one.

Know which websites to use and how to use them, and if you need guidance on how to succeed in paid surveys, you may want to try reading a guide on how to take paid surveys to make extra cash.

5. Tutoring

Yes, it's true. You can earn pocket money teaching or writing essays for other kids online or offline. Today's younger generation is more computer savvy and technologically smarter than their parents and grandparents. So, when it comes to using computers, notebooks, and smartphones, being on the internet is like being in a second home.

The older kids can actually tutor other kids. Some are known to offer tutorials to the older generation, teaching them how to use the internet, apps, and any operating system.

Making money by offering tutorials online may require that you source initial financing to buy a good-quality headset and webcam. Here is where your parents or relatives can help you start your tutoring business online. You can always pay them back from your earnings.

If you want to spread the word about your work, make some flyers and distribute them in your locality. Your grandparents or elderly relatives can also help advertise your skills among their friends and acquaintances. They will certainly love to do you that favour.

6. Selling on eBay

Who said online selling was only for adults? If you are over eighteen, you can sell on eBay.

Though eBay doesn't allow minors to set up an account, your parents can create an account for you. Once the account is set up, you can start to create items such as handmade crafts, artwork, t-shirts with your designs, caps, mugs, and simple stuff like this. There are always some people out there, anywhere in the world, who will like your products, and some will buy.

If you make crafts like rag dolls, beaded bracelets, paintings, or pottery, you can sell them on eBay. Discuss your creative abilities with an adult and ask them to show you how to translate them into cash.

You can also sell your used or unused school supplies that you no longer need on eBay. Or you can sell toys and stuffed animals you've outgrown, as long as they are in great condition.

If you have gifts you got at Christmas, for instance, sell them on eBay too. Basically, presents, supplies, and unwanted items are some of the things that can be sold online. You can also sell items you find at garage sales, boot sales, garden sales, thrift stores, or any other items you can get at giveaway prices.

Kids Can Earn Money Online with Encouragement and Guidance

Starting early to learn entrepreneurial skills has its advantages. Working for a couple of hours each day means spending less time watching television, playing video games, or generally being idle. The feeling of earning money for themselves will boost their confidence even further and help them learn to become future entrepreneurs.

Who knows, a kid who is inspired to do these things may become the next young millionaire. It does happen. Parents or mentors can further check online websites or books that write about ways for kids to make money online and discuss the possibilities with them.

(Article originally published by the author at hubpages.com on 06/22/09)

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Kids Are Making Money Online Testing New Video Games

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Kids Are Making Money Online Testing New Video Games

There are numerous "making money online" ideas for those who wish to earn some money on the web, but the most popular one amongst teenagers and young boys is beta game testing.

The fact that kids and many teenagers make money online is nothing new. Lots of kids are earning money on the web and doing great too.

But earning money from home as a beta game tester is a great job that is worth doing if you can get one.

Many young kids are of the opinion that to work as a video game tester, all you need is to love playing video games and have the knack to spend several hours a day playing. This is not so. There are learning curves and processes involved in game testing.

Can kids make money testing video games?

What Is Video Game Testing?

For those of you who don't quite understand what this means, video game testing involves testing beta video games before they are released to the public for sale.

Testers are supposed to test "yet-to-be-released games" for glitches, errors, and bugs that may occur or exist in the games.

As a game tester, you will be evaluating the gameplay and the quality of its sound and graphics. You are also expected to share your views on whether the game was enjoyable or not.

The idea behind this is to ensure that the game works perfectly as it is meant to before it can be released to millions of buyers all over the world.

One of the perks of working online as a game tester is that you get to play the games first before anyone else does, but things can get monotonous very quickly.

Playing and testing the same game for hours can become tiresome or even nerve-racking, and like many internet-based jobs, things can get repetitive.

But then, playing video games and getting paid for it is many video game-playing youngsters' dream, and most will do almost anything to "land" this exciting though demanding job.

Is it Easy to Make Money Testing Games?

Yes and no.

You may love playing video games and probably spend eight to ten hours a day playing. If you are under sixteen, it is almost impossible, but you can start off by learning and interacting with others of similar interests.

Yes, you may think you are a good candidate for beta game testing job openings, but getting video game tester jobs isn't as easy as many may feel, because it is a high-paying and enjoyable job. Competition is stiff. Every kid wants to be a game tester, but job openings are few.

• Many game development industries prefer that you work on-site.
• You may have to possess ample computer skills, though requirements may have become lenient these days.
• You need to be current on the latest high-tech devices and video games on the market.
• Have the skills of quick adaptation to the different strategies, systems, and techniques involved in video game playing.
• And most importantly, your English must be impeccable and fluent because you will have to write very detailed reports.

These are just some of the requirements for becoming a game tester but it also means that most enthusiastic but self-disciplined players can become video game testers and receive an income for services rendered.

Many companies that do employ may make you wait for a number of weeks before hiring you.

But even though many kids have been lucky to get a slot in this great industry, it's very hard (though not impossible) to get one if you are under eighteen.

How to Become a Video Game Tester

Making money online as a game tester is interesting, especially if you are a video gaming enthusiast, but it's a lot of hard work, and you may have tight schedules and deadlines to meet.

But it's still fun if you can get the job and earn money online doing what you love best.

It is essential to learn a bit about game testing before thinking of asking for employment.

Reading books and searching online for further information goes a long way in preparing you for something worth making a career out of.

It is good to know that the video game testing industry is highly lucrative with income ranging from $10 to $20 an hour.

Other than these, you don't need much more to become a video game tester. You need to get (or share) a computer with good internet access and some spare time.

What you'll be doing is playing games, and while playing, detect irregularities, unwanted electronic signals, bugs, glitches, technical problems, etc., and submit what you find to the video game manufacturers. That's it!

Sounds hard? Not really, because you don't need experience as such, nor do you need a BA degree in marketing to do this.

And if you are smart and resourceful, you can do this without even having to finish high school. And you can keep making money online constantly because the more games you can test, the more money you will earn.

The game development companies that will employ you to play and test their video games will give you the latest and greatest games that are yet to hit the stores.

They do have programmers who abound in their industry, but programmers are not game players in any way.

And as companies find it too expensive to hire full-time video game testers to test their products, they, therefore, employ youngsters and pay them well to test and play their newly developed games.

What you need to know if you wish to become a video games tester.

Testimonials from Young Video Game Testers

"Hi, I just wanted to say thank you! I got your guide, applied for a job with M****soft and I actually got it. This job kicks so much ass!!! THANK YOU" – Dave, B. Miami, FL


"Here's a success story for your website... In the beginning, I was a bit sceptical, but then I received a free game, and then a $300 check! I used to spend my time playing games and not being 'productive'. Now I play games AND I'm being 'productive'. What a change, right? Thank you for giving me this opportunity!" –Nick, C., New York, NY.

Where to Start

Many kids have asked how to get game tester jobs. Getting game tester jobs is not easy to get for many, especially as the demand for jobs is very high. However, Microsoft Playlist is a great place to start, especially for kids who are under the age of 12.

Benefits of Game Testing Jobs

If you are lucky to be hired, several perks come with this online money-making job.

• You'll get the opportunity to test new unreleased games and be the envy of your friends.
• You'll be making money online while doing this before anyone else even gets to see them.
• You may receive free copies of games as bonuses for being a video game tester.
• You'll be privy to cheat codes and level secrets that only a game tester knows about.
• You'll be getting real-world experience working with games departments such as the development, marketing, and manufacturing sections of the video game industry.

And the greatest thing of all is that working as a video game tester, especially at a young age, you will learn new things.

You'll also have first-hand information about games and their development, while at the same time "getting your feet in the door" of a highly lucrative industry, whilst making money online in the process.

(Article originally published by the author at Hubpages.com on 06/24/09)

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