Question

Since summer is essentially cancelled, any great ideas of how to keep a 14 year old boy occupied this summer besides video games? Too young to get a job other than odd jobs from neighbors.  

Answer 1

A few boys in our neighborhood started a lawn mowing business. They charge $15-20 for a normal in-town size lot and bring their own mowers. I like my grass bagged, so the boy we hire does that. We provide the bags, but he will also sell us a bag if we run out and don't have one on hand.  

Answer 2

If he likes sports, can you put up a basketball hoop in the driveway? It can be hours of entertainment and outdoor activity near home? Also a baseball pitch-back in the yard maybe? I give these as examples because he doesn’t need anyone else to use them in case others are unavailable.  

Answer 3

Also, in Illinois 14 yr olds are allowed to work, but I remember we had to have a special permission form signed off by our daughter's school guidance counselor. I think it's more a precaution incase the students are working during the school year. It had sections on it that talked about how many hours they are allowed by law to work.  

Answer 4

Mowing people lawns can work. Maybe hang some flyer somewhere plus word of mouth goes around eventually. Maybe if you have fire pit out in your backyard you can roast marshmallow at dawn time.  

Answer 5

Volunteering. packing meals for starving kids abroad, helping organize and coordinate sports activities at a shelter, walking dogs, hugging babies. There is a real need for this work. Also, he can choose a senior citizen to help all summer. running errands, helping cook, clean and do yard-work. Or maybe have him be an "apprentice" if you know a contractor or someone who is great at landscaping/gardening. They are always looking for young and strong people to help out.  

Answer 6

Go to Wisconsin!  

Answer 7

Skates, skate board, bike, water guns, marbles, yard work, build a train set, art books. My mom use to find my brother plenty to do.  

Answer 8

If he’s mature and into studies, he take classes at COD, they r all online this summer