familypursuits.com

There is nothing like some extra pocket money from using their hands to encourage your kids to learn arts and crafts. This site offers you a catalogue of American companies that want you to outwork for them.

I don’t know about American conditions, but here in Australia the trade unions cripple business, and the only way to get a job done without fighting both the trade unions and the government is to outsource it.

That is what these American companies are doing. They don’t have to pay for your health insurance, or workers’ compensation insurance, or superannuation, or holidays if they pay you for each job that you complete in your own home.

Of course, if you are greedy, you will see these businesses as parasitizing your efforts. If you are realistic you will realize that they are giving your children a great chance to make extra money from craftwork. After all, why on earth should a company help you to make money without taking a cut for themselves? There is no profit in that!

I paid for my first sewing machine by doing machine embroidery for the local football club, and my first knitting machine with an out-workers contract to make baby knitwear - just like the contracts offered here.

Once your kids are producing their crafts reliably you can point out to them how much money the businesses are making from your kid’s efforts, and encourage them to start selling their work locally.

The money they make isn’t really very important. Develloping sales ability is the most important skill that they will ever learn. You can’t get any job without selling skills to persuade an employer that you are the best applicant. If you are good at selling you can go through your life without any danger of long-term unemployment.

However, the extra money will be very important to your kids - they won’t really be thinking tens of years ahead.

Oh, you may be wondering what sort of work is available. There is an immense variety. Look at these examples

• baby burp pads
• dough art
• potpourri
• jewelry
• toys and gifts
• doll house furniture
• hand painting
• stuffed animals
• needle work
• string art
• electronic components
• wood products
• leather products
• wood puppets
• holiday decorations

An Australian mother in Sydney said "I can not believe it,the crafts found in your catalog are so easy to do, A 5 year old could do them. They are a lot of fun too. Both me & my husband now work at home as our own boss making really good money, We love it and so do our children."

I was very interested in that comment because it showed me

1. work isn’t confined to the USA.
2. it is a great family pursuit if a 5 year old can enjoy it.