There are plenty of ways kids can earn money before they’re old enough for jobs.

Don’t let those pesky child labor laws get in the way of teaching your kids the value of financial rewards that accompany hard work. There are plenty of income ideas they can put into action and none require a W2 form (though legally – our accountant Lisa Grossman tells us — we’re supposed to report the income on the child’s individual tax return.)

Here are a few ideas to give your kids the earning power and pocket money you want them to have, says Hollis Harman, an Emmy award-winning financial literacy expert and author of Money Sense for Kids.  

Help the neighbors: Knock on the house across the street – the one where the elderly lady lives – and say, “How can I make your life easier?” Plant-watering? Dog walking? Getting the mail? (If you don’t know these people make sure you accompany your kid.)

Garage sales: Your kids can organize a small business that has also has a nice philanthropic element, considering it will also serve to clear away the clutter in your home. (It’s the least they can do for your letting them live there….)   

Start a Sunday bagel delivery service: Yes, this one means most likely you’ll have to drive pick-up and delivery but admit: you’ve been looking for an excuse to eat bagels, anyway.

Polish silver: All your child needs is a box of specialized polishing cloth sold at any home store and the ability to wipe things. Everyone has tarnished frames and silverware they’d like to see shine.

Coach or tutor younger kids: If your kid is a math star or a baseball hero, don’t wait for college scholarships to bring in the cash. Use those skills to make money now by helping out little kids. Oh, and charging their parents.

Recycle: Bottles and cans bring in cash. Just be careful to set rules, such as prohibiting their rummaging through public trash cans, where dangerous objects can lie.