This article offers tips for parents to help them guide their children towards potential work opportunities. It also speaks directly to teenagers and younger kids about some of the possibilities!

For Parents
Talk to your teenagers or younger children about doing jobs that may be available in your community or nearby, such as delivering newspapers or flyers, or offering lawn mowing services to neighbours.

Take some time to review this article with your kids. Think about which paid work ideas might work best for each child, and whether they fit in with your family’s lifestyle and routines. Together with your kids, make a list of some of work-related ideas and objectives. The more you talk about it, the more likely you’ll all be on the same page when it comes time for your kids to take on paid work.

For Youth and Children
If you are an energetic young person and looking to earn extra money and boost your physical activity, then go for it!

Check in with your parents to discuss what types of jobs or tasks interest you and how you will manage your time, including school work, paid working hours, and your social life.

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Check Out These Ideas!
1. Be a Zebra!
Being a “zebra” (a referee of course!) is one of the most active jobs available to you as a teenager (or, in some cases to 12-year-olds). Most communities have refereeing opportunities available, in a variety of sports.

Due to the large volume of organized activities at different age levels, “reffing” is a good, early work opportunity for young teenagers because they can referee games for younger-aged children. This gives them a chance to gain valuable experience, and sets them up to continue being active (and earning decent part-time money) throughout their teen years, and often into adulthood.

Here are a few examples of refereeing opportunities involving regular physical activity:

• Soccer – Given the popularity of both indoor and outdoor soccer, this can be a year-round, part-time or casual job, with plenty of options.  You can start refereeing at age 12 and many local soccer associations offer training courses and certification.
• Basketball – Also available year-round, there are many age categories to choose from and a range of leagues, such as community leagues, seasonal leagues and school leagues.
• Hockey – Hockey leagues are everywhere; you can ref ice hockey in the winter and roller hockey in the summer!  Want to ref a fast-paced game on skates?  This is an excellent, active choice!

2. Aim for Outdoor Work
When you take a minute to think about it, there are plenty of opportunities for teenagers and younger children to work outdoors and be active, all year long. 

Here are just a few examples:

• Newspaper or flyer delivery – Delivering flyers, community or weekly publications, or daily newspapers is a great way to be active and earn money. Check out the possibilities in your area by contacting local flyer delivery firms, local newspapers or your community league. In some cases, children under age 12 are eligible. Ask your parents to help you find some contacts or companies, if needed. Soon, you’ll be actively walking your route; use a wagon in summer or toboggan in winter to help carry the load.
• Start a dog-walking service in your community! – This service can be for neighbours in your area. One way to get started is to offer the service to family friends that live nearby. Make sure you plan ahead and ask your parents for advice. Also make sure you know enough about dog handling and safety to give your client confidence that you can do the job.

If you are 12 or under, be sure to ask your parents for help as you get started. Teenagers should also get some parental advice. Of course, many young people are familiar with dog handling and readily able to responsibly carry out dog-walking duties, so good luck with launching your dog-walking service. Try serving one or two clients first. Then, once you have earned a good reference or two, you can offer your services to others.

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Be sure to set up a clear schedule so you know how many customers at a time you can handle, including how many dogs you must walk and the number of times per week you will need to be active. By offering your services at a fair price and meeting your commitments, you’ll be sure to earn regular part-time income.

• Offer outdoor chore services! – There are many outdoor chores to do, all year long. This can include snow shoveling, mowing lawns, weeding gardens and flower beds, raking leaves, lawn-edging, tree trimming, and more! Make sure you first know how to safely use the tools and machines that are needed for the work. Be sure to get some help and guidance from one or both of your parents before you begin, then get busy finding clients and building your income!
• Active volunteering! – Being an active volunteer in your community is another good way to be more physically active, while building up your experiences and contacts. For instance, consider checking out the Snow Angels chapter (or similar group) in your area and donate some of your time to help people who need assistance with snow shoveling, lawn mowing or other household tasks.

3. More Ideas for Active Jobs
Take some time to research and discover other types of active work opportunities in your area.

Here are two more possibilities for teenagers:

• Lifeguarding – There may be some opportunities for part-time lifeguards at swimming pools in your community. You’ll need to be an active swimmer and ready to work towards advanced levels of lifeguarding or teaching certification, but the training time and investment can really pay off!
• Children’s Programming  – Many communities offer active work positions for teenagers that involve leading children’s programs.  For instance, many communities offer summer positions at local parks or playgrounds where youth leaders get to show their skills and gain valuable experience. These are fun, busy and active positions that will keep you moving, and look good on your resume!

Active Work is Available!
Paid work opportunities for youth and children do not have to be sedentary or inactive! There are many active jobs out there which provide excellent work experience, a decent wage, and, best of all, the chance to be physically active while earning money.

Take some time to think about your work interests and preferences, as well as the types of physical activity you like best. Then aim to match your goals with the available jobs that are out there in your community or nearby.

Spend as much time as you can researching your choices, then “get active” and start making your plans, applying for work, or offering your services. Good luck – and good going!

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Learn More
Alberta Basketball Officials Association
Information about refereeing basketball at a variety of levels, including courses and certification steps.

Alberta Soccer Association
Information about refereeing soccer at a variety of levels, including courses and certification steps.

Alberta Recreation and Parks Association
Information about a wide variety of community-based programming, including HIGH FIVE® Certification and links to local initiatives.

Canadian Red Cross
Lifeguarding certification information and much more!