In an ideal world, stay-at-home parents would receive a generous salary from their partner, their partner’s employer, and all the other people and institutions that benefit from their labor. But, unfortunately, things don’t work that way. So instead, some stay-at-home moms and dads choose to earn extra money by finding flexible jobs that play to their strengths.
Table of contents
13 ways to make money as a stay-at-home mom or dad
- Freelance writing
- Selling your expertise
- Data entry
- Customer service rep
- Tutoring
- Test products or take surveys
- Selling used goods
- Selling homemade items
- Pet sitting
- In-home day care
- Social influencing
- Monetizing your assets
- Virtual assistant
Working isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition—you don’t need a full-time job to generate income. There are many ways to make money online working freelance or part-time jobs. The flexibility of part-time work makes it well-suited to the demanding schedules of a stay-at-home mom or dad. Here are some of the best flexible jobs for stay-at-home parents:
Freelance writing
If you have a background in media or marketing, you may be well-suited to work as a freelance writer or social media manager. Companies often hire freelancers to write blog posts or create social media posts that support their content marketing initiatives.
Selling your expertise
Consider selling your strengths via online courses. Think about turning your stellar time-management abilities or impressive cooking skills into a side hustle as a life coach or health coach. You could offer coaching services to clients in one-on-one sessions or create a series of videos to develop an educational online course.
Data entry
Freelance data entry is a simple skill to pick up, and you can do it on your own time. All you need to get started is a computer. You can look for part-time data entry gigs on websites like Upwork and Fiverr.
Customer service rep
A retail background may qualify you for freelance customer service work, which typically involves answering customer emails or calls and helping them navigate issues. The job requires patience and excellent people skills.
Tutoring
If you enjoy helping your own child with their homework, consider offering professional tutoring services. It’s best to focus on subjects you enjoy and understand to be able to answer student questions. Try contacting local schools to identify potential clients. Your child’s teachers may be aware of families looking for academic support.
Test products or take surveys
Brands often conduct research by circulating surveys or hosting focus groups and paying participants for their feedback. You can sign up to take surveys online through websites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie.
Selling used goods
Look around your home—do you see any clothes or toys your kids have outgrown? Selling these items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark can be a quick way to generate extra income. Scouring high-quality clothing, furniture, or household items at local thrift stores is another option. Vintage resellers turn their thrifty finds into cash by selling goods online at a markup.
Read more: Ultimate Guide to Sell Vintage Clothing Online
Selling homemade items
Create an online store to monetize your craft skills. Ecommerce solutions like Shopify make it easy for anyone to launch an online store. This may be a great choice if you already have a hobby you enjoy. Online selling sites like Etsy shops are another popular choice for selling handmade goods, including items like homemade soap, knitted garments, and jewelry. Ecommerce is a flexible business model—you can expand your business and invest as much time as you like.
Pet sitting
Starting a pet-sitting business can be an enjoyable way to earn extra cash. Pet owners may need care for their animals when they travel or during the work day. Websites like Rover and Wag can help get you started. In a crunch, you can have your family members help out. Bringing your kids to feed or walk animals can help teach responsibility.
In-home day care
If you’re a stay-at-home parent, you’re already a child care provider. Why not throw a few more kids into the mix? In-home day care services can help support other busy parents and generate extra income. You can spend time with your own kids and others while you perform your duties. Consider offering add-on options like a laundry service for children’s clothing.
Social influencing
Influencers create content online to generate income using a variety of platforms. Social media accounts with significant followers can attract paid brand partnerships.
Launching your own blog or creating a YouTube channel can generate ad revenue. If you start a blog, following search engine optimization (SEO) best practices can increase traffic and help you earn more money. Content creation is accessible to individuals with any level of education, and it doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree or even a high school diploma.
Monetizing your assets
Put assets like cars and real estate to work. Renting out vehicles or apartments can generate passive income—once you’ve set up your rental system, you earn money without investing additional time.
Virtual assistant
If you’re efficient and have good organizational skills, you can do remote work as a virtual assistant for a busy executive or business manager. Tasks might include handling their appointment calendar, reviewing and categorizing email, or preparing memos.
Tips for making money as a stay-at-home mom or dad
- Look for flexibility
- Focus on remote jobs
- Design a schedule
- Designate a workspace
- Keep track of your finances
- Charge what you’re worth
- Give yourself time to rest
Taking on additional work as a stay-at-home parent isn’t for everyone. There’s no human resources department when you work for yourself, so it’s up to you to create the ideal work-life balance and manage relationships with customers or employers.
When you consider how to make money as a stay-at-home mom or dad, keep these tips in mind while you look for a sustainable job that fits your lifestyle.
Look for flexibility
Because being a parent is job No. 1, a flexible schedule is essential for any stay-at-home mom. Jobs that allow you to set your own hours make it easier to balance familial and professional duties. Depending on your family’s schedule, you may want to focus on parenting tasks during the day and log your work hours in the evening.
Focus on remote jobs
Look for remote work opportunities. A work-from-home job allows you to switch to parenting mode if child care needs arise.
Design a schedule
Whether it’s a simple to-do list or a color-coded spreadsheet, a schedule helps you keep track of both work and parenting tasks. Consider designating a set time for yourself to increase your efficiency and productivity.
Designate a workspace
It can be difficult to avoid distractions when your living space is your office. Creating an area just for you may help you get into a working mindset.
Keep track of your finances
Freelancers typically are responsible for invoicing clients and recording their work hours. Submitting accurate invoices promptly ensures that you’re paid on time. Maintaining records of your earnings also helps you file your taxes. Taxes aren’t automatically withheld from freelance payments, so setting aside a portion of your earned income can prepare you for the day the bill arrives.
Charge what you’re worth
Taking on work means giving up a few hours of your precious free time. Take this into account when determining just how much money to charge for your services. Set rates that reflect the value of your time and make any extra commitment worthwhile.
Give yourself time to rest
Being a stay-at-home mom or dad is already a full-time job, and overloading your schedule risks burnout. Setting aside time for yourself lets you recover and may help you accomplish more in the long run.
How to make money as a stay-at-home mom or dad FAQ
How can you realistically make money as a stay-at-home mom or dad?
The best way to earn money as a stay-at-home parent depends on your professional background, your individual skill set, and how much time you have to devote to your venture. Selling used items, offering in-home child care, working as a freelance writer, and pet sitting are services that can start making money on short notice.
How do you make a passive income?
Passive income often requires an upfront investment of time or money. This category includes income generated from rental properties or stocks. It could also include royalty income from previously created work or ad revenue from existing YouTube videos.
What are the best jobs for stay-at-home parents?
When considering how to make money as a stay-at-home mom or dad, the best jobs will vary depending on your skill set and availability. Parents often benefit from jobs that offer flexible hours and remote work opportunities.
