If you're raising teenage kids they're probably very familiar with computers and all its applications. Instead of investing their time and creativity into video games channel it into starting an online business. Here are 5 ideas to get you started.

1. Help with repetitive tasks of parent's online business

As a parent who runs a web design and marketing business, I have many repetitive tasks I would willingly have my teenage son do for a small hourly wage. I will not only have an employee I trust, but save money by not hiring a professional marketer. My child benefits by earning money for himself.

Here are some tasks I could pass on:

• Submitting articles to article directories
• Link building
• Simple updates to customers' web sites
• Blog posting
• Writing articles
• Social media marketing
• Video production

2. Blogging

If your child has a passionate interest in something why not get them to blog about it and make money from adsense ads. It could be their favorite video game, sport or hobby. Blogs are one of the easiest web sites to set-up, and search engines index them quickly.

Get your child to add content to his blog at least 3 times a week. After 30 or so blog posts add adsense ads to each post so he can begin making money from the blog. It won't make him rich overnight however he can easily make a dollar a day and more as he adds more content on a consistent basis.

3. Affiliate programs

Large companies use affiliate programs to market their products. By becoming an affiliate you receive a commission every time you sell one of their products. Visit the clickbank market place to find an affiliate product to promote. They offer up to 75% commissions.

Research information about the product on the Internet then write a review page for it on your blog. Introduce the product at the end of your content and include the affiliate link.

4. Online research

Many online marketers don't have time to research new content for their web sites. Your kid can offer their time to do research and get paid for it by the hour. I'd suggest setting up a web site that offers all the services your kid offers.

5. Online store

Creating an online store enables you to sell any number of products. There are companies that will offer their affiliates a free store to sell their products. All you have to do is market the store by driving traffic to it and you earn a commission. For example eBay and Amazon are 2 large companies which allow you to create an affiliate store and sell their products.

Whatever online business you choose, make sure it's built upon your passion. If not, you will soon lose interest and fizzle out.

You never know if your small part-time hobby will develop into a full-fledged online business.