General Chat

Hi all, just thought I'd ask if anyone out there knows of a job that a 13 year old can do (apart from paper round) as my daughter Georgie is driving me insane. She desparately wants a little job to earn some money and I can't think of anything other than a paper round. Can anyone help out there PLEASEEEEE lol Luv JoJo xx

I know that feeling! My daughter is fourteen and really wants a Saturday Job, after making enquiries at certain shops I was told that because of her age certain types of jobs she wouldnt be able to do because the shop owners are not covered on their insurance if she was to have an accident. Dont know how true this is. Maybe someone in the know could shed some light on it! Marie

Hi JoJo, most shops around here won't employ anyone until they're 16 because of the problems with insurance - even then they can't really leave them unsupervised. But how about putting an ad in a local shop window for dog walking or something like that. Perhaps (especially at this time of year) offering her services to visit an animal left at home while the owners are away, to feed and water it.

Perhaps she could revitalise the old 'bob a job' idea and let your neighbours know that she will do odd jobs for a set sum -watering the garden, washing up, ironing? nell

Hi again, My daughter does a bit of babysitting for local nieghbours at the moment but was hoping to learn something a little different, would something like a Saturday job in a Hairdressers be ok for a fourteen year old do you think? like washing hair and brewing up and sweeping up the shop etc, that way she would be with people all day long so that would solve the problem of being supervised but not sure how this lies with the insurance side of things. Marie

thanks for your ideas everybody, i'll look into some of them. she can't babysit just yet she is only 13 but it won't be long til she can. thanks again for adding comments Luv JoJo and Georgie xx

As a youngster, I had an Avon round. It had to be in my mum's name as you have to be 18, but I did the work & reaped the rewards. I have soled Avon on & off ever since; we have moved a lot with my husband's job & it is a great way to meet new people & your neighbours. I know of several 14/15 year olds now who do the same & they earn good money. Also fits in well with school work as no set hours. Good luck! Helen

You can't work in a factory, any 'industrial' environment, or any job where you are likely to be injured from carrying or lifting heavy items. If you are 13 you are only allowed what's classed as 'light' work in the following areas: Agriculture or horticultural businesses Newspaper delivery Shop work including shelf stacking Hairdressing salons Office work Cafes or restaurants Riding stables, kennels and catteries. From a Derbyshire Council site.

Thats an idea helen will look into it thanks JoJo

thanks for that Daniel didn't realise there was that much they could do. Luv JoJo xx

The best thing to do is ring your local council to find out what your daughter can and can't do, there are restrictions on hours etc. If you get the details then you can start looking at possible openings for her. Think babysitters have to be over 16, as if only 14 parents can be sued for leaving child with a minor. Best to check at your council or local library, or job centre maybe for rules and regs - then at least your daughter will know you are trying to help her and not think you are just putting a dampener on her ideas, for no reason. Good luck.

Don't know if its the same countrywide but in London retail shops will not take on any Saturday/holiday staff until they are 16 and 3 months. Jean x.