When my son was 9-years-old, he asked me if I thought walking dogs would be a great way for him to make money, I jumped all over the chance to let him know I thought it was a great idea. There is something to be said for developing a strong work ethic.
Now, both of my older children have been dog walkers for two summers. Schedules, commitment, completing a task, making a promise and keeping it, and building a reputation of reliable dependability. And, there is something to be said for learning some level of humility by picking up dog poop.
A lot of parents want to shield their children from anything difficult and have, instead, created a group of kids who expect adults to do everything. It's not nice to have conflict, so kids now have PC words, soft dodge balls, cartoons with no explosions, and any number of ways for the adults to take away learning opportunities. A standard parent doesn't want his/her child to feel bad about them self, so every child gets a trophy and mediocre has become something to celebrate. Mommy will talk to your teacher and Daddy will threaten your bully's parent with a lawsuit.
There is something to be said for standing up and trying to find one's way in the world. Walking a dog teaches a child how to handle different situations, personalities, and possible conflicts. It is also a perfect chance for kids to learn their own limits, confront fears, and find way to work through problems.
Wanting to walk a dog has become another way for me, the parent, to help my children learn more about the way the world works.
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