Action Gigs for Tweens (A Money System That Builds Real Skills)
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- 7 days ago
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Updated: 5 days ago
Tweens are in that in-between stage: they want more independence (and spending money), but they still need a lot of structure and coaching.
That’s exactly why Action Gigs work so well for ages ~9–12.
They give your tween a way to earn money by creating real value—without turning every basic family contribution into a transaction.
Why Action Gigs are perfect for tweens
Tweens are ready to practice:
Initiative: noticing needs and taking action
Follow-through: completing a job to the agreed standard
Time management: choosing gigs that fit their week
Money skills: saving, spending, giving, and goal-setting
Communication: clarifying expectations (without a meltdown)
And parents get something, too: less nagging, fewer “Can I have money?” conversations, and a system that feels calmer than negotiating every request at the checkout line.
The Two Rules That Make This Work (Without Drama)
Rule #1: Basics are still basics
Action Gigs are extra. Your family’s baseline expectations (like clearing your own plate, putting clothes in the hamper, basic respectful behavior) stay in place.
If you pay for everything, two things tend to happen:
the price goes up over time, and
the attitude goes down.
Rule #2: “Done” has a definition
A gig isn’t complete because your tween started. It’s complete when it meets the agreed standard.
A simple line you can use:
“I’m happy to pay for it when it’s done the way we agreed.”
Setting Prices Without Turning Your House into a Payroll Department
Instead of paying based only on time, think in three categories:
Quick wins ($0.50–$2): small tasks that help the household
Bigger impact ($3–$7): longer, more effort, more responsibility
High responsibility ($8–$15+): tasks that require skill, planning, or careful work (often with supervision)
If you’re unsure what’s fair, try this:
Pick a price you can afford consistently
Adjust after 2 weeks based on effort + results
Keep prices stable long enough to build trust.
Action Gigs for Tweens: A Ready-to-Use List
Below are tween-friendly Action Gigs you can post on the fridge and price for your home. (These are starting ideas—feel free to adapt for your season, your space, and your tween.)
Kitchen & Meals
Create a grocery list
Make family breakfast
Make family dinner
Parent note: For cooking, define “done” (clean counters, load dishwasher, label leftovers, etc.) and set clear safety rules.
Deep Cleaning (Bigger Jobs)
Clean entire kitchen
Clean inside of fridge
Clean inside of oven
Clean entire bathroom
Help clean the garage
Parent note: If you’re using stronger cleaning products, keep it supervised and choose kid-safe supplies.
Pet Care
Walk the pet
Bathe and brush pet
Clean up poop or litter box
Trim pet nails
Parent note: Nail trimming can be a “team gig” until your tween is truly confident—and your pet agrees.
Laundry & Linens
Wash, fold, & put away laundry
Iron clothing
Fold towels/blankets
Wash pet linens
“Done” definition idea: Clothes are put away correctly, not just folded and left on the couch.
Yard & Outdoor Work
Mow the lawn
Shovel snow
Skim pool
Rake leaves
Mulching
Weed the garden
Parent note: Power tools (like mowers) require maturity, safety training, and supervision—use your judgment and local safety guidelines.
Car Care
Wash family car
Refill windshield washer fluid
Restock car emergency kit
Parent note: Emergency kit restock is an underrated life skill. Great “leadership” gig, too.
Organizing & “Reset” Projects
Organize a closet
Pack car for family trip
Help decorate for holidays/events
Clean out pantry
Pro tip: Organizing gigs work best with a “before and after” photo and a clear finish line (ex: “All snacks in bins, expired items tossed, wipe shelves”).
Home Projects (Often with Supervision)
Assemble furniture
Help mount TVs
Clean dryer vent
Lubricate door hinges
Clean carpets
Help drain water heater
Check/test smoke detectors
Safety note: Several of these should be parent-led with your tween assisting. That still counts—because they’re learning.
How to Introduce Action Gigs (A Simple Script)
Try this at dinner:
“We’re starting something new called Action Gigs. These are optional jobs you can choose to earn money by creating extra value for our family. We’ll keep a list on the fridge with what each gig pays. If you want extra money, you can pick a gig, confirm the expectations, and when it’s done, you’ll get paid.”
Then add one key boundary:
“Your regular responsibilities are still your regular responsibilities. Action Gigs are extra.”
Keep It Peaceful: 5 House Rules for Action Gigs
Claim it before you start it
No surprises, no duplicate work, no “I did a thing… pay me.”
One gig at a time (until trust is built)
Especially helpful for tweens who get excited and overcommit.
Quality counts
If it’s half-done, it’s not done. (Kindly said. Repeated often.)
Payment timing is clear
Same day? End of week? Add it to a running total? Choose one and stick with it.
Attitude doesn’t earn a bonus
You can be empathetic and keep the boundary:
“I get that you didn’t feel like doing it. And you did choose it—thank you for following through.”
FAQ: Action Gigs for Tweens
1) What age counts as a “tween” for Action Gigs?
Typically, 9–12, but readiness matters more than age. If your child can follow multi-step directions and complete a task to a standard, they’re ready.
2) Should I pay an allowance and offer Action Gigs?
You can. Many families do either:
Small base allowance (to practice budgeting) + Action Gigs for extra earning, or
No allowance + Action Gigs only
Either works—pick what you can sustain and what supports your goals.
3) Do Action Gigs replace regular chores?
No. Action Gigs are optional extras. Regular responsibilities are about being part of a household; Action Gigs are about earning through added value.
4) What if my tween only chooses the “easy” gigs?
That’s fine—at first. If you want to nudge growth, you can:
Limit how many “quick win” gigs are available per week, or
Create “levels” (complete 5 basic gigs → unlock higher-paying gigs)
5) What if my tween does a gig poorly and still wants to get paid?
Keep it calm and specific:
“This isn’t ready yet. If you want to finish it to the agreed standard, I’m happy to pay you.”
If needed, show them what “done” looks like once—then let them try again.
6) How do I keep Action Gigs from becoming constant negotiation?
Post clear prices and clear definitions of done. The more you decide upfront, the less you debate later.
7) Are some gigs unsafe for tweens?
Yes. Anything involving power tools, heavy lifting, ladders, harsh chemicals, or mechanical/utility systems should be supervised or parent-led. Your tween can assist and learn, but safety comes first.
8) How much money should tweens earn per week?
There’s no universal number. Aim for an amount that:
feels motivating to your tween,
is affordable for you,
matches the value created in your home, and
supports your broader money goals (saving, giving, spending)
One small next step for this week
At dinner (or in the car), try this simple question:
“What was something hard today—and what helped you get through it?”
You’re not just collecting information.
You’re teaching your child:
Struggle is normal. Support is available. And you can do hard things.
Download the Free Resource
If you want to start building healthy money awareness without pressure, this is a simple place to begin. No charts. No lectures. Just thoughtful questions that fit into everyday life.
Financial literacy starts with conversation. And even the smallest conversations can shape how kids understand responsibility for years to come.
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