Chapter 8: Contracts, Confidence & Knowing Your Worth
LESSON GOAL
BY THE END OF THIS LESSON,
you’ll understand what a contract is, why it matters, and how it helps protect both sides when someone offers or accepts a job. You’ll learn how to keep things clear and fair — and why even kidpreneurs need to know the basics.
💬 let’s break it down
Let’s say someone says they’ll pay you $10 to clean their garage.
You clean it, work hard, and then… they say, “Oops, I changed my mind.”
😳 Not fair, right?
That’s where a contract comes in.
📝 A contract is a written (or sometimes spoken) agreement that says:
What will be done
When it’ll be done
How much it costs (or what the reward is)
What both people agree to
It keeps things clear, fair, and professional — even if you’re just a kid!
It doesn’t have to be fancy. You can write it on paper, shake hands, or even talk it out. But written is best, so everyone remembers the details.
Contracts help:
You do your best work
The person paying you know what to expect
Avoid confusion, arguments, or broken promises
🧠 ANALOGY: A Contract is Like a Recipe Card
Imagine baking cookies with no recipe — you might forget the sugar or put in way too much salt 🧂🍪
A recipe gives you a plan to follow so you get the result you want.
A contract is the same — it gives both people a clear “recipe” for success.
🤔 critical thinking questions
Why do you think people use contracts instead of just promises?
What could happen if you don’t have a clear agreement?
Can a contract still be helpful even if it's between friends or family?
What would YOU want included in a contract for your next job?
✍️ journal entry: “My First Contract (Just for Practice)”
Make up a pretend job and write a sample contract in your journal. Include:
Who is doing the job
What the job is
How much they’ll be paid (or traded)
When it should be done
Any “bonus” or “rules”
Then sign it like a real pro!
👨👩👧👦 ACTIVITY WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS: Contract Role Play
What You’ll Need:
Blank paper or printable contract sheet
Pens
One “employer” and one “worker”
What to Do:
Take turns pretending to offer and accept a job (like washing the car or babysitting).
Work together to write a mini contract: What, when, how much.
Sign it and shake hands!
Talk about how it felt to make things official.
🎯 What This Teaches: Clear agreements make work more respectful, organized, and fair — and gives everyone confidence.
💵 real-life practice: Use a Real Contract This Month
The next time you do a paid job (even at home), try writing a simple contract first.
Include:
Job title
Description of work
Payment or reward
Deadline
Then keep it in a folder or take a photo with a parent’s phone. You’re building real-world business habits now!
🌟 Bonus: Create a “Kid Contract Kit” with blank sheets, pencils, and stickers to make signing fun.
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