Balancing parenting with earning money can be a challenge. Rising child care costs make the decision to stay home even tougher. But today’s flexible work options give you opportunities to add to family income while caring for your kids.
You can use skills from your past career on a more flexible basis, or try simple ways to earn extra cash that fit your schedule. Here are 23 side hustle ideas you can balance with parenting.
Ready to start your business? Create your website today or learn more about Shopify’s tools for selling online and in person.
Table of contents
Best side hustles for stay-at-home parents
Care and service-based side hustles
Creative and design side hustles
- Freelance graphic design
- Freelance video editing
- Freelance web development
- Printables or digital designs
- Content creation
- Voice-overs
Writing and content side hustles
Virtual business side hustles
Digital products and marketing side hustles
Care and service-based side hustles
1. Child care
Child care can be an ideal side business for stay-at-home parents. You’ll care for other children while being there for your own, using your parenting experience to help other families.
Pros:
- Your kids get built-in playdates and social interaction
- You can work from home in a familiar environment
- You’ll use skills you already have as a parent
Cons:
- Managing multiple children requires extra energy and attention
- Your home becomes a workplace
- Some states require licensing for informal home child care
Earning potential: Sittercity quotes the average hourly rate for sitters at $21.50, though rates vary by location and local market prices.
How to get started: Chat with other parents in your neighborhood and see if they need daytime child care.
2. Pet sitting
If you want to earn money caring for others without watching more children, consider dog walking or pet sitting.
Pros:
- Work around your family’s schedule
- Spend time outdoors with your kids while walking dogs
- Choose which services to offer based on your preferences
Cons:
- Some pets need special care or have dietary restrictions
- You may need to travel to clients’ homes
- High-energy pets require more attention and time
Earning potential: Pet sitters typically charge $25 for a 30-minute visit. Overnight pet sitting in your home can earn even more.
How to get started: Create profiles on Rover or Wag, or advertise your services on Nextdoor.
3. Fitness coaching
If you’re passionate about fitness, coaching could be your ideal side business.
Pros:
- Set flexible hours for in-person or virtual training
- Stay active while earning money
- Build connections in your community
Cons:
- May need to travel to gyms or training locations
- Child care costs could affect your earning potential
- Initial certification required
Earning potential: Fitness coaches earn between $40 and $100 per hour, with $60 as the national average. Your location and specialty will affect your rates.
How to get started: Get certified in your chosen fitness specialty, then contact local gyms about training opportunities.
4. Online tutoring
Share your expertise—whether it’s speaking multiple languages, knitting, or writing résumés—by teaching others online.
Pros:
- Reach students worldwide from home
- Set your own schedule
- Choose subjects you’re passionate about
Cons:
- Keeping students engaged virtually takes extra effort
- Competition from established tutoring platforms
- Finding consistent student bookings
Earning potential: Tutors typically earn $18 to $30 per hour through online tutoring platforms. Set your own rates when working independently.
How to get started: Connect with mentees live through networks like Wyzant and Preplay.
5. Photography
Turn your eye for capturing family moments into a photography services business. Many parents who’ve mastered photographing their own kids find success in child and family photography.
Pros:
- Schedule shoots around family commitments
- Work from home or on location
- Build a creative portfolio
Cons:
- Photo editing takes significant time
- Equipment costs can be high initially
- Managing client expectations and deadlines
Earning potential: Experienced photographers can earn $100 to $300 per hour, according to VSCO.
How to get started: Start by offering your services to families in your network and increase your portfolio and business through social media and word-of-mouth referrals.
Creative and design side hustles
6. Freelance graphic design
Use your graphic design skills to create logos, social media graphics, and marketing materials for clients.
Pros:
- Work remotely on your schedule
- Express creativity through work
- Choose projects that interest you
Cons:
- Building a consistent client base takes time
- Managing multiple project deadlines
- Staying current with design trends
Earning potential: The national range for freelance graphic designer is $19 to $48 per hour on average.
How to get started: Create a portfolio of your work, including logos, social media graphics, and marketing materials. Then, connect with potential clients through freelance networks like Upwork or Dribbble.
7. Freelance video editing
With 88% of businesses prioritizing video marketing but lacking time to produce content, freelancers with video editing skills are in high demand.
Pros:
- Work remotely on flexible hours
- Choose from diverse projects, including YouTube videos, vlogs, social media ads, and TV commercials
- Set your own rates
Cons:
- Balancing video editing with child care
- Managing multiple project deadlines
- Keeping up with editing software updates
Earning potential: Rates vary by experience. Beginners can earn $20 to $50 per hour, on average, while. intermediate editors charge $50 to $100. Experienced editors are looking at $60 to $120 per hour.
How to get started: Share your portfolio with businesses, publishers, and editors who need help editing footage.
8. Freelance web development
Web development jobs are growing 16% faster than average, creating opportunities for parents with technical skills.
Pros:
- Work remotely with flexible hours
- Stay current with industry trends
- Choose projects that match your expertise and interests
Cons:
- Meeting tight deadlines
- Managing client expectations
- Balancing complex projects with family time
Earning potential: Web developers typically earn around $75 per hour.
How to get started: Get started with web development by applying to freelance opportunities on sites like LinkedIn or Indeed.
9. Printables or digital designs
If you’ve got artistic talent or are developing your design skills, creating and selling digital designs or printables can be a profitable side business.
Pros:
- Create flexible, scalable income selling digital products
- No inventory or shipping costs
- Work on your own schedule
Cons:
- Competitive market
- Takes time to build visibility
- Requires consistent new designs
Earning potential: Your income will vary based on your competition and pricing strategy. Research similar products in your niche to set competitive prices.
How to get started: Create original art and then decide where you’d like to sell it. A great option is to start your own Shopify store.
10. Content creation
For creative and driven stay-at-home parents, content creation offers exciting opportunities to build a business around your interests and expertise.
Pros:
- Work on your own schedule
- Build multiple income streams like sponsored posts, brand partnerships, affiliate links, or even your own online store
- Express creativity daily
Cons:
- Income can be unpredictable
- High competition
- Takes time to build an audience
Earning potential: Influencers creating content for businesses like blog posts, social media posts, or videos earn $30 to $50 per hour at entry level, and $100 to $150 per hour with expertise.
How to get started: Choose a niche, decide on a platform (like TikTok or Instagram), and start creating. If you’re going the corporate route, a detailed portfolio is essential.
📚 Learn more: What Is a Content Creator? Definition and How To Become One
11. Voice-overs
With a quiet space and proper equipment, you can build a voice-over business from home. You’ll find opportunities to narrate commercials, audiobooks, video games, and educational content.
Pros:
- Work from any quiet space
- Choose diverse projects
- Set flexible hours
Cons:
- Competitive industry
- Requires quality equipment
- Need a consistently quiet environment
Earning potential: Rates range from $35 to $850 per hour, depending on the type of work, according to Career Sidekick.
How to get started: Create a demo reel, set up a home studio, and join voice-over websites to connect with clients.
Writing and content side hustles
12. Freelance writing
Put your copywriting skills to work creating content for magazines, blogs, websites, and other publications. Whether you excel at long-form articles or snappy copy, there’s demand for skilled writers.
Pros:
- Set your own schedule
- Work independently—writing is a great side hustle for introverts
- Choose your writing projects
Cons:
- Meeting strict deadlines
- Managing multiple projects on top of parenting responsibilities
- Income can vary monthly
Earning potential: Your earnings will depend on your experience, industry focus, and the types of content you create. Writers can build substantial income by developing expertise in specific niches.
How to get started: Create a portfolio of writing samples, then connect with potential clients through networks like LinkedIn, Superpath, Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr.
13. Freelance proofreading and editing
If you have a sharp eye for detail and strong language skills, proofreading and editing can be an ideal side business.
Pros:
- Flexible working hours
- Work from anywhere
- Choose your projects
Cons:
- Managing tight deadlines
- Coordinating with writers and content managers
- Balancing multiple clients
Earning potential: Income varies widely based on your experience, skill set, and clients. Check resources like the Content Marketing Salary report from Superpath to benchmark your rates against industry standards.
How to get started: Build your client base through freelance platforms like Upwork or join editing communities like Editage for networking opportunities.
✨ Get inspired: Personal Branding Strategies Every Entrepreneur Needs
14. Podcasting
Give yourself a creative outlet and connect with others by starting a podcast. You can record episodes on your schedule while sharing your expertise or discussing topics you love.
Pros:
- Record on your own schedule
- Discuss topics you’re passionate about
- Start with minimal equipment
Cons:
- Competitive market
- Takes time to build an audience
- Regular content creation required
Earning potential: You can earn through sponsorships, ads, or listener support once you build an audience, but income varies widely.
How to get started: Identify a theme, decide on a format, get recording equipment, and record your first episode.
15. Social media management
Turn your social media expertise into a business by helping small businesses grow their online presence. If you’ve built a following on TikTok, you can leverage that experience to make money from your hobbies.
Pros:
- Work remotely with flexible hours
- Use your digital marketing skills
- Choose your clients and projects
Cons:
- Requires consistent online presence
- Long hours monitoring feeds
- Fast-paced environment
Earning potential: Beginning social media managers typically earn $25 to $35 per hour, according to SocialPilot. Rates vary based on experience and whether you charge hourly or per project.
How to get started: Build a strong online presence, create a portfolio showcasing your skills, and find opportunities through Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn.
Virtual business side hustles
16. Virtual bookkeeping
Put your financial management skills to the test by helping businesses track their finances. Managing your family’s budget gives you valuable experiences in tracking expenses and managing cash flow—skills that could lend themselves to a bookkeeping side hustle.
Pros:
- Work remotely from home
- Set flexible hours
- Use existing financial skills
Cons:
- Handle sensitive data
- Stay current with tax laws
- High attention to detail required
Earning potential: Experienced bookkeepers typically earn $60 to $80 per hour.
How to get started: Choose a bookkeeping platform like FreshBooks or QuickBooks, create a professional website, and start marketing your services online.
📚 Learn more: A Beginner’s Guide to Ecommerce Accounting
17. Virtual assistant
Your skills in multitasking, time management, and organization make you ideal for helping busy professionals manage their work. Virtual assistants handle schedules, meetings, emails, and other tasks remotely.
Pros:
- Work from home
- Set your own hours
- Use organizational skills
Cons:
- Workload can be unpredictable
- Tasks may be repetitive
- Needing to find reliable clients
Earning potential: Virtual assistants earn around $19.19 per hour on average.
How to get started: Connect with potential clients through freelance networks like Upwork or Fiverr.
18. Online customer service
Help businesses support their customers through chat, email, or phone. Many companies need customer service representatives during all hours of the day.
Pros:
- Work while kids are at school or asleep
- Use communication and problem-solving skills
- Choose flexible hours
Cons:
- Can be emotionally demanding
- Requires patience
- May need specific hours
Earning potential: Customer support reps typically earn $8 to $20 per hour.
How to get started: Learn popular customer service tools like Gorgias, Intercom, and Zendesk. Take customer service courses through Shopify Academy or Coursera, then apply for online customer service positions.
19. Data entry
Put your attention to detail to work entering information from documents, updating records, or transcribing audio files. Data entry jobs can fit well around your family schedule and don’t require extensive technical skills.
Pros:
- Start with basic technical skills
- Work flexible hours
- Easy to learn
Cons:
- Work can be repetitive
- Lower pay than other options
- Competition for jobs
Earning potential: Data entry specialists typically earn $10 to $30 per hour.
How to get started: Develop your typing skills, build a portfolio, and search for opportunities on LinkedIn, Fiverr, and Indeed.
20. Consulting
Use your professional experience to help businesses enhance performance, solve problems, and achieve their goals. Consulting lets you use your expertise without committing to full-time work.
Pros:
- Leverage your industry experience
- High hourly rates
- Choose your clients
Cons:
- Can have demanding deadlines
- Income may be irregular
- Building client base takes time
Earning potential: Your rates will depend on your experience, industry, location, and specialty. Research competitors with similar experience to set appropriate rates.
How to get started: Create a strong LinkedIn profile showcasing your expertise. Reach out to prior work connections and ask if they need support, or apply directly to part time consulting jobs online.
Digital products and marketing side hustles
21. Online courses
Share your experience by creating and selling online courses. If you’re a stay at home parent who’s knowledgeable in a particular niche, online courses can generate ongoing income once you’ve done the initial work.
Pros:
- Create passive income
- Reach a global audience
- Work at your own pace
Cons:
- Significant upfront time investment
- Competitive market
- Platform fees may apply
Earning potential: Income varies widely based on your topic, audience size, and marketing strategy.
How to get started: Create video lectures and course materials on platforms like Udemy and Teachable.
22. Dropshipping
Start an online dropshipping business to earn passive income without managing inventory by having suppliers ship products directly to your customers.
Pros:
- Minimal overhead costs
- No inventory management
- Unlimited opportunity for growth
Cons:
- Competitive market
- Initial time investment needed
- Managing supplier relationships
Earning potential: Is dropshipping worth it? The industry is expected to be worth more than $500 billion by 2026. Your earnings will depend on your products, pricing, and marketing strategy.
How to get started: Research profitable niches like dropshipping CBD products, jewelry, or one of 100 other dropshipping ideas.
23. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing lets you earn commission by driving traffic or sales to other companies’ products through your social media presence, blog, or website.
Pros:
- Create content about topics you enjoy
- Work from anywhere
- Choose products you believe in
Cons:
- Requires strong marketing skills
- Time-intensive content creation
- Income can be unpredictable
Earning potential: New affiliate marketers typically earn $0 to $1,000 per month, with potential to grow.
How to get started: Join affiliate programs like the Shopify Affiliate Program or Amazon Associates and start creating content to promote products you love.
Become a Shopify Affiliate
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Get started right away with Shopify
Ready to turn your skills into a business? Shopify gives you the tools you need to build a professional online presence and start earning extra income as a stay-at-home parent.
Whether you’re building social media strategies, trying your hand at podcasting, or offering pet sitting, you’ll find everything you need to create a professional website, process payments securely, market your services, and manage your business on the go.
Don’t let your great idea sit on the shelf. Start exploring how Shopify can help you build a sustainable business that works around your family life.
Side hustles for stay-at-home parents FAQ
How do I find clients or customers for my side hustle?
Finding clients or customers takes different approaches depending on your business. If you’re looking to work with established companies, reach out to past colleagues and see if they have any opportunities. You can also build your LinkedIn presence and apply for part-time consulting roles. For online businesses, focus on creating a strong digital marketing strategy, building an engaged social media following, and networking in relevant online communities.
How much time do I need to dedicate to a side hustle?
Side hustles can fit around your family commitments. Many options offer flexible hours and remote work, making them ideal for parents. You might start with a few hours per week during nap times or after bedtime, take on weekend side hustles when you have support, or scale up gradually as you find your rhythm. Remember that your earning potential often relates to the time you invest, but start at a pace that works for your family.
What’s a good side hustle for a stay-at-home mom?
The best side hustles match your skills, interests, and schedule. Many stay-at-home moms find success with affiliate marketing, freelance writing, content creation, podcasting, pet sitting, photography, and bookkeeping. Choose something you enjoy that fits your available time and existing skills. Check our full list above for more ideas that could work for your situation.
