Be a pet’s pal. Pet owners who don’t like to use a kennel are often in a dilemma at vacation time. Pass out fliers in your neighborhood, and offer to pet sit. Do the sitting in your home, garage, or fenced yard, if your parents agree. Otherwise, make regular visits to the pet’s home. Wick weeds away. Are weeds taking over your neighbors’ flowerbeds? Then offer to get them back into shape. Before you get started, find out which green things are plants or flowers that have not yet bloomed. When in doubt, ask before you pull up something. Hose the ground lightly to loosen roots, then pull weeds from rock beds, shrubbery, and cement cracks. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Dispose of weeds properly. Trade in duds for dollars. Have you hit another growth spurt? Ask your parents if you can consign your clothing and split the profits. Look online for consignment shops in your area. Find out their policies, and then get your clothing ready. Wash and de-wrinkle, then hang or fold neatly. Don’t forget shoes, jackets, and pajamas, too. Run errands for the elderly. Are there handicapped, disabled, or elderly persons in your neighborhood? If so, they’re apt to need some help. Offer to run errands within walking or biking distance. Attach a basket to your bike or carry a backpack for easy transporting of goods. Promenade with a furry friend. If you’re looking for a new summer pal, why not make it man’s best friend? Pass out fliers to offer your pet-walking services. www.sonomafamilylife.com
Wax on. Wax off. Round up your friends, and get ready for some cool, wet fun! Hold a car wash in your driveway or a parking lot, with permission from the property owner. Make a large, colorful “Car Wash” sign, and include your cost, which should be no more than your local car wash charges. Have your supplies handy: a bucket of soapy water, rags or sponges, a hose, and plenty of dry towels. Spread the news. Hop on your bike or blades, and deliver an old-fashioned newspaper. Apply for a route. Placing newspapers either in a newspaper box or on the front porch will ensure they stay dry and may even increase your tips. Old McDonald needs you. You don’t have to be raised on a farm to make a good farmhand, although it’s certainly a bonus. Visit area farms, and offer your help. Work may include laboring in fields or feeding and caring for livestock. Visit farmtrails.org to
learn how you can take a tour of area farms open to the public. Patrol a pool. If sunbathing is your thing, then this is the job for you! Find out the age and certification requirements for lifeguard duty, and then apply at your community pool, YMCA, or nearby beach. While keeping an eye on swimmers and soaking up the sun, keep your skin safe by using a good sunscreen. Nurture nature. If you’re a nature lover, don’t forget about your local parks. Possible positions may include assisting with planned activities and events, maintaining park grounds, and tending ticket booths. Call area parks to find out what jobs they offer and how to apply. See nps.gov/ aboutus/jobsforstudents.htm for jobs available at local national parks and parks.ca.gov/?page_id=848 for jobs at local state parks. Kimberly Blaker’s articles have appeared in more than 200 newspapers, parenting and women’s magazines, and other publications throughout the US.
Pave the Way to Success Follow these tips to keep the loot rolling in: • Get your parents’ permission before accepting a job, and make sure they know where you’ll be. • Dress for the type of job; wear old clothes if they could be ruined. • Discuss payment in advance to avoid disputes or hard feelings. • Do your best. Not only will you earn respect and feel good about yourself, it will likely affect whether you are hired again and can use that person as a reference. • If you make a mistake, don’t ignore it or try to cover it up. Inform your employer, offer your apologies, and ask what can be done. Your honesty will likely make your employer overlook the error. • Be on time. Call right away if you’ll be late or can’t make it.
July 2016
SonomaFamilyLife 23