Being a stay-at-home parent is a full-time job in itself, but making a little extra money on the side can help offset the costs of
staying home. One of the most common questions that stay-at-home parents ask is
what they can do to make money in their down time and there are lots of
possible ways to do it.
Freelance writing – There are a lot of opportunities for
parents who can write well these days. Despite a large number of parent blogs
on the net, ones that display good writing, unusual
circumstances or a certain amount of expertise can easily send a blog
to the top of everyone’s reading list. Using social
networks, making your topics search engine friendly and partnering with other
sites can help to make any blog a success. Other freelance writing
opportunities exist on large websites such as
The Examiner. People can apply from all over the country to write about various topics. Usually the pay
is based on the number of page views you can garner.
Social Media Updates – These days, every company has Facebook, Twitter and other social media accounts that need to be updated on a
regular basis. Learning your way around sites such as Facebook might seem like
a waste of time, but you can actually cash in on it by offering your expertise
to companies that need it. With applications available that allow you to
pre-load the updates made to the sites, the job allows you to
work when you have the time. Approach companies that you know and like or check
your local want ads to see which companies are searching for social media help.
Freelance and contract work in your field – Depending on
what your career was before you had a baby, you might be able to do freelance
work in your field. Real estate veterans can consult with
people looking to buy or sell. People good with finances are in high demand
right now to help balance budgets for businesses and individuals. If you worked
as a computer programmer, building a new app in your spare time could pay off
in the long run. Stick to the occupations that you have a history in and create
a profession out of consulting or small tasks.
Hobbies – These days it’s easier than ever to make a few extra bucks
with your creations.
Etsy allows artists of all types to display their talents
and make a little extra dough. Some parents have started making products like baby
slings out of their home only to find that they can make a living out of it. Talented artists can get paid to paint murals on
nursery walls. If you know how to sew, you can help people mend or
alter their clothes. Gardeners, cooks and bakers can sell their extra produce
through stands at local farmers markets or just through a network of friends.
Teach – Teaching has historically been a very
family-friendly career choice, but you don’t have to be a certified teacher to
make some extra money sharing your knowledge. Musicians can teach kids out of their
homes. If you’re an expert in gardening, cooking or some other hands-on
activity, you can host a class when it’s convenient for you for a small fee. Those
years practicing yoga could be put to use teaching a weekly class at your local
gym or in your home.
Ebay – Many people can make a decent living just selling
goods on Ebay. Troll your local yard sales, craigslist ads and auctions to find
goods that you can sell for a higher price than you purchased them for. If you can specialize in one type of item such
as vintage clothing, you can procure a loyal customer base.
Babysit – You probably have your hands full with your own
children, but offering to babysit other kids for a small fee can help bring in
a little extra cash.
Whatever income you can generate through these methods, it’s
important to research your local, state and federal guidelines depending on
what you are doing. For example, selling cooked or baked goods may require a
handler’s permit and any baby items you create need to conform to current safety
standards. You might also benefit by registering as a business, which means you
will have to report any income you make with the business but supplies become
tax deductible and you’ll have access to wholesale prices on items. Talk to any
local small business owners and your accountant to get a basic idea of what
will be involved.
Do you have a way to
make extra money?
