[quote=no_such_reality]What if you create a contract with your child to “pay” for earned letter grades in school? Would that then be earned income?

Gifts and investments are out so you can’t go that route.[/quote]

Somehow I think the IRS would frown on that….
But, it’s not that hard to make them a legitimate employee if you have a small business, subject to your kid’s own motor skills, me thinks… But for instance if I need my papers sorted and filed, I could ask my kid to do it, I suppose provided it’s completely documented I think (and provided she can really sort and file)…Time to talk to an accountant….