Tweens can be pretty independent, and many are ready and willing to begin earning their own spending money, or learn new skills around the home. Fortunately, there are numerous jobs for children, and especially preteens, that will get them started on their working life. Remember to be there for your child when he or she begins something new, whether it's working as a mother's helper for a neighbor, or tackling a new job at home. Your tween is likely to have questions, and providing your child with the skills he'll need to conquer his task will give him the confidence he'll need to get the job done.

1. Put Them to Work

Mother's helper, pet sitter, babysitter. They're all great jobs for children and preteens who are mature and responsible enough to take them on. Be sure your child is truly ready to conquer her duties, and be there to answer questions and troubleshoot possible problems. If you don't think your tween is ready for a certain responsibility, such as babysitting or mowing lawns, help your child find another job that you think will work better for him.More »

2. Be a Mother's Helper

When you think about possible jobs for children and preteens, don't forget about the job of a mother's helper. A mother's helper is sort of a babysitter-in-training. Mother's helpers care for young children while the children's parents are still at home. A mother's helper gives parents the chance to catch up on chores, work, or rest. And it's a great way to acquire the skills needed to become a great teen babysitter.More »

3. Is Your Tween Ready to Babysit?

How do you know if your tween is ready to babysit? What are the skills a preteen needs before taking charge of younger children? While there's no set age at which a child can babysit, there are certain questions you should ask yourself before allowing your child to take on such a big responsibility. And don't worry if your preteen isn't ready for the challenge. Some tweens and preteens aren' cut out for babysitting, but that doesn't mean they can't find other jobs that are right for them.More »

4. Babysitting 101

If you think your tween is ready to babysit, either siblings or other children from the neighborhood, your first step is to find a babysitting course. A babysitting course will make sure your child has the skill set to take on the challenges of babysitting, and give your tween the confidence she needs to make the most out of the experience.More »

5. Chores - Jobs for Children at Home

One of the best ways to prepare your child for taking on the responsibility of a job is to give them chores at home. Chores teach skills and independence, and when children successfully tackle chores it can boost their self-esteem. Rotate house chores so that your tween doesn't get bored, and so that he or she learns how to do everything from unloading the dishwasher to washing the car.More »

6. How to Write a Chore Contract

A chore contract makes tackling household chores easier for parents and kids. A contract will outline the jobs your child is responsible for finishing, and make it clear if consequences will follow if those chores aren't completed. Plus, contracts can make tweens feel more grown up, and that can encourage them to take their jobs a little more seriously.More »

7. What Was Your First Job?

Do you remember your first job? Did you petsit or babysit for neighbors? Or, did you mow lawns or do something completely different? Are there jobs for children that you wouldn't recommend? Are there jobs that you think are fun and safe for tweens? Share your ideas and thoughts on jobs for children, and you might just inspire a preteen to become a kid entrepreneur.More »