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Alright, so you’re home with the kids, trying to keep up with everything – school runs, snack demands every 15 minutes, laundry that never ends – you get it. You love being there for your kids, but wouldn’t it be nice to bring in a bit of extra cash, too? Maybe something that won’t eat up all your time or make you lose your mind trying to fit it in?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Loads of stay-at-home parents are finding ways to make money on the side, and it doesn’t have to mean giving up your precious few minutes of “me time” or adding to your already busy day. In fact, some of these ideas might even add a bit of fun. Here are eight of the best side hustles that fit around family life and don’t feel like a second job.
Best Side Hustles!
1. Freelance Writing or Editing
If you’ve got a way with words or can spot a spelling mistake a mile off, freelance writing or editing might be right up your alley. It’s basically getting paid to write about different topics, from parenting tips to product descriptions, or even editing someone else’s work. And you can do it whenever you have a moment to yourself, like after the kids are in bed or during that blessed hour when they’re actually napping at the same time.
How to Start: Check out sites like Upwork or Fiverr to get going. You don’t need a fancy portfolio – just a few samples of your writing. Or, if you’re confident, try reaching out directly to small businesses that might need help with blogs or newsletters.
Why It Works for Parents: You pick your own projects, meaning you can work around your schedule – like squeezing in a couple of hours when the kids are watching Peppa Pig (again).
2. Virtual Assistant Services
Being a virtual assistant is a bit like being someone’s personal organiser but from home. You might help with managing emails, scheduling appointments, or even posting on social media. It’s basically all the multitasking you’re already doing as a parent but with a paycheck at the end!
How to Start: Look up sites like PeoplePerHour or Time Etc. where they list virtual assistant jobs, or even better, join a few Facebook groups for business owners looking for a bit of admin help.
Why It Works for Parents: This one’s flexible – you can get the work done when it suits you. Plus, it’s perfect for anyone who likes organising things (or just wants to get paid for the kind of juggling act they’re already doing every day).
3. Online Tutoring
Got a knack for a particular subject? Online tutoring is a brilliant way to make some money without leaving the house. Whether it’s GCSE maths, English, or even teaching English as a Foreign Language, there’s a lot of demand for online tutors. And the best part? You get to help someone learn something new, which can be really satisfying.
How to Start: Try platforms like MyTutor or Tutorful if you’re in the UK, or VIPKid if you’re interested in teaching English online. You’ll need a solid understanding of the subject, but you don’t always need formal teaching qualifications.
Why It Works for Parents: A lot of tutoring sessions happen in the evenings, which fits perfectly around family life. And if you enjoy helping kids learn, this one won’t even feel like work.
4. Reselling and Flipping
Ever found a bargain at a charity shop and thought, “I could totally sell this for more”? That’s basically reselling. You find items – maybe toys, clothes, or home decor – that you can get cheap, clean them up or make them look nice, and resell them for a profit. It’s almost like a treasure hunt, and it can be surprisingly addictive once you get the hang of it.
How to Start: eBay, Vinted, and Depop are great places to start. You don’t need a massive budget – start with things around the house or from the charity shop and see where it goes.
Why It Works for Parents: It’s flexible, and you can do it at your own pace. Plus, if you’re already on a budget, flipping items you find on sale or at boot sales can be a fun way to add some extra cash.
5. Selling Handmade Crafts or Printables
Are you the crafty type, or do you love spending time on design? If so, making and selling handmade items or digital printables could be for you. Whether it’s homemade candles, knitted scarves, or even printable planners, people love unique items that are made with care.
How to Start: Etsy is the go-to for handmade crafts and digital downloads. If you’re into creating things like planners or checklists, you can design them once and sell them over and over again as digital downloads.
Why It Works for Parents: You can get creative, and it’s something you can work on when you have a spare moment. Plus, printables are a great way to earn passively – make it once, and it can keep selling!
6. Babysitting or Pet Sitting
This one might seem a bit “old school,” but if you’re already home with the kids, babysitting could be a natural fit. Or, if you’d rather look after something a bit fluffier, pet sitting can also be a great option. You’d be surprised how many people need someone to keep an eye on their pets during the day or pop in for a quick walk.
How to Start: Apps like Bubble are handy for babysitting, and Tailster is great for pet sitting. Just make sure you’re comfortable with it – kids and pets can be a handful, but if you’ve got a good routine, it can work.
Why It Works for Parents: You’re already in parent mode, so babysitting won’t feel like much extra work. And if your kids love animals, pet sitting can add a bit of fun to their day as well!
7. Social Media Management
Do you know your way around Instagram or Facebook? Then social media management could be a great side hustle for you. Small businesses and bloggers often need help with their social media, and if you’re already familiar with the platforms, you could turn those skills into a steady income.
How to Start: Reach out to local businesses, or look for gigs on job boards. You could even offer to manage the social media for a friend’s small business to get some experience under your belt.
Why It Works for Parents: You’re probably already spending some time on social media anyway, so why not get paid for it? This side hustle can be done in short bursts, which is perfect for fitting around family life.
8. Blogging or Content Creation
If you’re passionate about a particular topic – whether it’s parenting, cooking, or budgeting – blogging or creating online content could be a fun, creative outlet that earns you money in the long run. You won’t make money overnight, but over time, you can earn through ads, sponsored posts, or even affiliate links. It’s a great way to build something that’s entirely yours.
How to Start: Platforms like WordPress make it easy to start a blog. Or, if writing isn’t your thing, you could create videos for YouTube or TikTok. The key is to start with something you genuinely enjoy – that way, it doesn’t feel like work.
Why It Works for Parents: Blogging is super flexible – you can do it in the evenings or on weekends, and if you’re passionate about the topic, it might even feel like a bit of “me time” rather than work.
There you go – eight side hustles that don’t need to turn your life upside down. Each of these ideas lets you earn a bit on the side while still being there for your kids. So, why not give one a try? You might just find that perfect balance of making some extra money and enjoying the journey. And who knows – one of these could even turn into something bigger down the line.
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