7 answers
Luis
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
5899 views
What job can I get as a 12 year old to help my family?
I’m 12 in 7th grade I go to Crane Middle School in Yuma AZ and what do I need to get the type of job that I can get as a 12 year old to help my parents with groceries, bills, water, gas, and other things they need.
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7 answers
Carey Hutchison
Stay at home mother, Philosophy Undergrad Senior, Freelance Consultant- the entire process from Client Acquisition (sometimes from scratch) to creating together a running business/website.
3
Answers
Lincoln, Nebraska
Updated
Carey’s Answer
Hi Luis!
I know the feeling of wanting to help your family with money but the law won't let you get a traditional job.
I agree with others who have mentioned landscaping - I think Yuma is close enough to Colarado that people will have grass :) If they do, lawnmowing can actually make someone a good amount of money once they get enough regular customers. This is assuming you have access to (or can borrow from someone) a lawnmower.
Nextdoor app is usually very supportive for these small entrepreneurial endeavors because everyone on there is your neighbor! Ask one of your parents to help you with an account.
If you can't mow lawns, you can offer weed pulling, cleaning, fixing things if you can do that (small repairs handyman work maybe?)
You can also encourage your mom or dad to use this app to offer side work as well. They may have skills they can teach you when you or they find extra work this way.
Cooking is also an option, cupcakes or southwestern cuisine are always hits.
I want to remind you that I have been through this - do not make this your personal responsibility and ALSO not your fault. If you're okay and do not feel like you have to do this to fix things for your parents then it is totally "okay" to want to help and help if you can.
But, your parents are the adults. So, I repeat, this is not your job.
Also, money can cause a lot of problems between parents even when they don't want that. I have only been married for two years and you can bet when money is tight things get harder everywhere, even my husband and I's relationship. So I want you to know that is not your fault either, if anything like that is happening.
Sending well-wishes your direction right now! They got you! Best of luck, Luis.
I know the feeling of wanting to help your family with money but the law won't let you get a traditional job.
I agree with others who have mentioned landscaping - I think Yuma is close enough to Colarado that people will have grass :) If they do, lawnmowing can actually make someone a good amount of money once they get enough regular customers. This is assuming you have access to (or can borrow from someone) a lawnmower.
Nextdoor app is usually very supportive for these small entrepreneurial endeavors because everyone on there is your neighbor! Ask one of your parents to help you with an account.
If you can't mow lawns, you can offer weed pulling, cleaning, fixing things if you can do that (small repairs handyman work maybe?)
You can also encourage your mom or dad to use this app to offer side work as well. They may have skills they can teach you when you or they find extra work this way.
Cooking is also an option, cupcakes or southwestern cuisine are always hits.
I want to remind you that I have been through this - do not make this your personal responsibility and ALSO not your fault. If you're okay and do not feel like you have to do this to fix things for your parents then it is totally "okay" to want to help and help if you can.
But, your parents are the adults. So, I repeat, this is not your job.
Also, money can cause a lot of problems between parents even when they don't want that. I have only been married for two years and you can bet when money is tight things get harder everywhere, even my husband and I's relationship. So I want you to know that is not your fault either, if anything like that is happening.
Sending well-wishes your direction right now! They got you! Best of luck, Luis.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
466
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Good for you to be thinking about helping your family! Suggest you make a list of all the possible things you can do for neighbors, relatives or friends. For example, running errands, child care, garden helper, clean windows, grocery shopping, etc. Prepare a nice list and include when you're available. Hand out copies to everyone in your area.
With every good wish and many blessings!
With every good wish and many blessings!
Thanks for the information! I understand that I can’t get employed as a young person because I need to be a teenager and thanks for the information so I can have a couple years to learn the laws and what job I need. Thank you
Luis
Logan Wilson
7
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Logan’s Answer
At 12, you won’t be able to get traditional jobs because of labor laws, but there are plenty of ways to help your family and earn a bit of money. You could:
- Do small jobs for neighbors or family like lawn mowing, dog walking, babysitting younger kids, or car washing.
- Offer to help with chores at home and ask if family friends would pay a small amount.
- Sell handmade crafts, baked goods, or digital artwork online with a parent’s help.
- Collect and recycle cans or bottles if your area has a program.
Also, learning skills like basic coding, graphic design, or writing now can help you earn more opportunities when you’re older. Starting small and safe is key.
- Do small jobs for neighbors or family like lawn mowing, dog walking, babysitting younger kids, or car washing.
- Offer to help with chores at home and ask if family friends would pay a small amount.
- Sell handmade crafts, baked goods, or digital artwork online with a parent’s help.
- Collect and recycle cans or bottles if your area has a program.
Also, learning skills like basic coding, graphic design, or writing now can help you earn more opportunities when you’re older. Starting small and safe is key.
Daniele Brown
Financials Crimes Associate
20
Answers
Hinesville, Georgia
Updated
Daniele’s Answer
Hi Luis!
I’m really impressed by your strong work ethic at such a young age! Even though you might not be able to get a contracting or full-time job yet, this is a perfect time to start your own business. You could try a landscaping or cleaning service. Create a social media page to advertise, and ask friends and family to help spread the word. There are also places like car washes or local grocery stores where you can earn tips. You'll have even more opportunities when you turn 14!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Daniele
I’m really impressed by your strong work ethic at such a young age! Even though you might not be able to get a contracting or full-time job yet, this is a perfect time to start your own business. You could try a landscaping or cleaning service. Create a social media page to advertise, and ask friends and family to help spread the word. There are also places like car washes or local grocery stores where you can earn tips. You'll have even more opportunities when you turn 14!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Daniele
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7089
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Luis!
For safety it is preferable for you to work from home until you are 14-years-old. Doing internship work as a consultant, running searches for academics would be ideal. If you are interested in health care, you could use PubMed. [Medical Sciences search engine]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
You could easily tutor students online, helping them with their assignments. In 1975 I took on tutoring students. Now you can do that remotely. There are many students that can contact you for help with their assignments.
SEE https://theinterviewguys.com/jobs-for-12-year-olds-that-pay/
The List Of Jobs Below Are For When You Turn Fourteen:-
1. Pet Sitter
2. Babysitter
3. YouTube Creator
4. House Cleaner
5. Gardener
6. Fence Painter
7. Video Game Streamer
8. Garage Cleaner
9. Tutor
10. Hobby Coach
11. Yard Sale Helper
12. Junior Camp Counselor
13. Model
14. Tech Support
15. Elderly Helper
16. Artist
17. Bike or Skateboard Mechanic
18. Car Washer
19. Organizer
20. Voice Actor
21. Produce Picker
22. Farmhand
23. Mowing
24. Food delivery
25. Selling lemonade.
There is strong evidence that good nutrition supports academic success. You can explore various studies on this topic through these links for more information.
⦁ EVIDENCE FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION IN THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:-
#1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16014126/ (Nutrition and student performance at school Howard Taras 1)
#2 https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/how-important-is-nutrition-to-academic-success (How important is nutrition to academic success?)
#3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
#4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27599886/ (Is there an association between dietary intake and academic achievement: a systematic review T Burrows 1, S Goldman 1, K Pursey 1, R Lim 2)
#5 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
#6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28487248/ (Associations between selected dietary behaviors and academic achievement.)
#7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36047050/ (Dietary intake and educational outcomes among Australian university students: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations Lena Babaeer 1, 2, Michalis Stylianou 3, Jacqueline L Walker 3, Sjaan R Gomersall 1, 3)
#8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27015180/ (Dietary Habits Are Associated With School Performance in Adolescents So Young Kim 1, Songyong Sim, Bumjung Park, Il Gyu Kong, Jin-Hwan Kim, Hyo Geun Choi)
#9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39439747/ (Association Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Cognitive Performance Among Adolescent Students From Underdeveloped Cities in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study - João Victor Laurindo Dos Santos 1 2, Ingrid Sofia Vieira de Melo 2, Clara Andrezza Crisóstomo Bezerra Costa 2 3, Layanne Cabral de Almeida 2, Dafiny Rodrigues Silva 4, Débora Cavalcante Ferro 1, Déborah Tenório Costa Paula 1, Mateus de Lima Macena 4, Nassib Bezerra Bueno 1, 4)
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30810252/ (Higher diet quality in university students is associated with higher academic achievement: a cross-sectional study. M C Whatnall 1 , A J Patterson 1 , T L Burrows 1 , M J Hutchesson 1).
JC
For safety it is preferable for you to work from home until you are 14-years-old. Doing internship work as a consultant, running searches for academics would be ideal. If you are interested in health care, you could use PubMed. [Medical Sciences search engine]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
You could easily tutor students online, helping them with their assignments. In 1975 I took on tutoring students. Now you can do that remotely. There are many students that can contact you for help with their assignments.
SEE https://theinterviewguys.com/jobs-for-12-year-olds-that-pay/
The List Of Jobs Below Are For When You Turn Fourteen:-
1. Pet Sitter
2. Babysitter
3. YouTube Creator
4. House Cleaner
5. Gardener
6. Fence Painter
7. Video Game Streamer
8. Garage Cleaner
9. Tutor
10. Hobby Coach
11. Yard Sale Helper
12. Junior Camp Counselor
13. Model
14. Tech Support
15. Elderly Helper
16. Artist
17. Bike or Skateboard Mechanic
18. Car Washer
19. Organizer
20. Voice Actor
21. Produce Picker
22. Farmhand
23. Mowing
24. Food delivery
25. Selling lemonade.
There is strong evidence that good nutrition supports academic success. You can explore various studies on this topic through these links for more information.
⦁ EVIDENCE FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION IN THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:-
#1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16014126/ (Nutrition and student performance at school Howard Taras 1)
#2 https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/how-important-is-nutrition-to-academic-success (How important is nutrition to academic success?)
#3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
#4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27599886/ (Is there an association between dietary intake and academic achievement: a systematic review T Burrows 1, S Goldman 1, K Pursey 1, R Lim 2)
#5 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
#6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28487248/ (Associations between selected dietary behaviors and academic achievement.)
#7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36047050/ (Dietary intake and educational outcomes among Australian university students: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations Lena Babaeer 1, 2, Michalis Stylianou 3, Jacqueline L Walker 3, Sjaan R Gomersall 1, 3)
#8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27015180/ (Dietary Habits Are Associated With School Performance in Adolescents So Young Kim 1, Songyong Sim, Bumjung Park, Il Gyu Kong, Jin-Hwan Kim, Hyo Geun Choi)
#9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39439747/ (Association Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Cognitive Performance Among Adolescent Students From Underdeveloped Cities in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study - João Victor Laurindo Dos Santos 1 2, Ingrid Sofia Vieira de Melo 2, Clara Andrezza Crisóstomo Bezerra Costa 2 3, Layanne Cabral de Almeida 2, Dafiny Rodrigues Silva 4, Débora Cavalcante Ferro 1, Déborah Tenório Costa Paula 1, Mateus de Lima Macena 4, Nassib Bezerra Bueno 1, 4)
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30810252/ (Higher diet quality in university students is associated with higher academic achievement: a cross-sectional study. M C Whatnall 1 , A J Patterson 1 , T L Burrows 1 , M J Hutchesson 1).
JC
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2625
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you possess great commitment to your family. You may be too young to work. You may need to check the local labour law of minimum age to work.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Discuss with your parents how you can help. Probably they would prefer you to focus on your school work and help on some house work so that they can focus on their work.
2. Explore any working opportunities in school, eg library, administration,etc
3. Check with your neighbours whether they need any help, eg baby sitting, gardening, etc
4. Explore any working opportunities in the neighborhood, eg groceries, education centre, etc
Before you start any job, discuss with your parents. You safely is most important.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Discuss with your parents how you can help. Probably they would prefer you to focus on your school work and help on some house work so that they can focus on their work.
2. Explore any working opportunities in school, eg library, administration,etc
3. Check with your neighbours whether they need any help, eg baby sitting, gardening, etc
4. Explore any working opportunities in the neighborhood, eg groceries, education centre, etc
Before you start any job, discuss with your parents. You safely is most important.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1221
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Luis,
It's admirable that you are already thinking about helping your family - although you shouldn't have to. You need to comply with the child labor laws of your state. Generally speaking, children under 14 can not be employed in Arizona. There are some exceptions like delivery of newspapers. Once you turn 14, you can look for formal employment. There are restrictions as to what type of work you can do and how many hours you can work for each age category. A work permit is not required in AZ. I left some links for you below.
At your current age, you can look in your neighborhood if you can help someone with household chores, babysitting, tutoring younger kids, helping in the garden etc for money.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://lawofarizona.com/child-labor-laws-arizona/
https://www.azica.gov/labor-youth-employment-hours-restrictions
https://www.azica.gov/labor-youth-employment-occupational-restrictions
It's admirable that you are already thinking about helping your family - although you shouldn't have to. You need to comply with the child labor laws of your state. Generally speaking, children under 14 can not be employed in Arizona. There are some exceptions like delivery of newspapers. Once you turn 14, you can look for formal employment. There are restrictions as to what type of work you can do and how many hours you can work for each age category. A work permit is not required in AZ. I left some links for you below.
At your current age, you can look in your neighborhood if you can help someone with household chores, babysitting, tutoring younger kids, helping in the garden etc for money.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: