"Money doesn't grow on trees!"

Parents often hurl this oft-repeated line at their teenage children, exasperated by their unending demands. Let your children find this out on their own.

Teenagers across the globe are used to sweating a bit for that extra cash while their Indian counterparts still coax it out of their parents. "But our kids have a lot of studies to do," some parents complain. True, but they also have longer vacations. These can be used to not only make an extra buck but also to learn life skills and understand the value of money.

Here are some options.

Tutoring or Coaching

If your daughter is good at a subject, she can help smaller children get over their difficulties during the summer. Is your son on his school basketball team? He can teach juniors to shoot hoops.

Tech it or Leave it

Finally, endless hours in front of the computer monitor can pay off. Tech-savvy children have hordes of opportunities. Professionals, small businessmen, your neighborhood bookstore; almost everyone wants a website now. If your son has a fair idea about html and designing software, suggest website designing to him.

Besides this, there are many online surveys to be taken and maybe your daughter can help. And if you thought computer games are a waste, you will be surprised to know many gaming software companies pay users who try out their new games.

A techie child can also offer to teach computer skills to many uninitiated ones in the locality. The number of takers for the course might just take you by surprise.

Creative Opportunities

There are endless opportunities for those who are good with pen, paints or paper. Designing a letterhead for a local establishment can be a cakewalk for your artistic daughter.

The local bakery or gift shop will find it hard to turn down hand-made beautiful envelopes, gift baskets and hampers.

Gift of the Gab

No matter how big or small a city is, it has its own share of fairs and exhibitions. Companies who put up their stalls usually need confident people who can give demos to visitors. Teenagers usually fit the bracket and can earn a decent amount over a short-term assignment.

Networking Helps

Parents never cease to wonder how there are always new faces in their children's friends group. Your child's popularity can actually pay! There are hundreds of surveys being taken that target the teenage group. All your daughter has to do is pass on survey forms and collect information.

Consider This

For enterprising teens, the options are unlimited:

• Selling homemade items like cookies and chocolates.
  
  
• Growing exotic plants and selling them in the neighborhood.
  
  
• Tele marketing can be done for small firms, clubs, and event organizers in city.
  
  
• Direct selling is a good option. Many cosmetic and consumer brands sell their items through Direct Selling Agents and most don't even require you to buy a starter kit.

Tread Cautiously

Safety, of course, should be your first preference. Let your child start working only in safe environs. And no matter how passionate your child might become about his new venture, studies should be his first priority. Encourage your child to be organized and professional in his enterprise. Don't let failure dampen his spirits. Tell him stories of business moguls who struggled tremendously before tasting success.