Are you a stay-at-home mom or dad looking for ways to earn extra money from home? You’re not alone! Many parents are searching for the best side hustles for stay-at-home parents that are easy, flexible, and don’t require a lot of time or experience. In this guide, I’ll show you simple, beginner-friendly ideas to help you make money while still being there for your kids.
Why Side Hustles Are Perfect for Stay-at-Home Parents
When you’re raising kids, your time and energy are limited. You need flexibility and something you can start without a ton of money. That’s why side hustles are perfect—they let you earn cash on your schedule, from your couch (or even while waiting for the laundry to finish!).
Benefits of side hustles:
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Flexible hours
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No need for a babysitter
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Can start small and grow over time
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Work while your kids nap, are at school, or watching a cartoon
I started my first side hustle when my third child was still in diapers. I only had about an hour a day, but I still made enough to cover groceries. It felt so good to contribute financially again.
1. Freelance Writing
If you like writing, freelance writing can be one of the easiest side hustles for stay-at-home parents. You don’t need a degree. You just need decent grammar and something to say!
How to Start:
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Pick a topic you enjoy (like parenting, food, pets, health, or tech)
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Create a few writing samples using Google Docs
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Sign up on freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or WriterAccess
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Apply for simple writing gigs (product descriptions, blog posts, etc.)
Pro Tip: You can also promote yourself on Facebook groups and LinkedIn. Let people know you’re offering writing services.
2. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Businesses are always looking for help with email, customer service, social media, and more. If you’re organized and know your way around a computer, being a VA might be perfect for you.
Tasks You Might Do:
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Answer emails
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Schedule posts on social media
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Manage calendars
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Do basic research
How to Get Started:
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Make a list of things you’re good at
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Create a simple VA resume (Canva has templates)
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Join Facebook groups for VAs
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Create a profile on Belay, Zirtual, or PeoplePerHour
Bonus Tip: You can offer VA services to bloggers, Etsy sellers, or coaches who need help staying organized.
3. Start a Blog
Blogging takes time to grow, but it can turn into passive income. You write helpful articles, add affiliate links, and earn money when people click or buy through your links.
How to Start a Blog:
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Pick a niche (example: budget-friendly meals for busy moms)
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Get a domain name from Namecheap
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Use a platform like WordPress or Wix
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Start writing helpful posts (like this one!)
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Join affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, etc.)
SEO Tip: Use keywords in your titles and headings, like “easy dinners for toddlers” or “how to save money on baby stuff.”
My Story: I blogged about free homeschool resources and made money recommending printables and books I used with my kids.
4. Online Tutoring
If you’re good at math, reading, or even a second language, you can help students learn online. Parents are always looking for tutors, especially since so many kids learn from home now.
Where to Find Tutoring Gigs:
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VIPKid (if you have a degree)
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Outschool (teach your own classes!)
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Wyzant or Tutor.com
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Local Facebook groups
Pro Tip: You don’t need to teach kids in other countries. You can help kids in your own town who need help with homework.
5. Sell Stuff Online
You probably already have stuff around your house you can sell. Once you get the hang of it, you can even flip items for a profit.
What to Sell:
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Kids’ clothes and toys
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Books
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Handmade crafts
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Thrift store finds
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Printables or digital downloads
Where to Sell:
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Facebook Marketplace
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Poshmark
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eBay
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Etsy (for crafts or digital stuff)
True Story: I sold my old baby gear on Facebook Marketplace and made $300 in a weekend!
6. Social Media Manager
Do you enjoy TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest? Small businesses need help managing their accounts, and this is something you can do in short bursts throughout the day.
Services You Can Offer:
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Create content
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Schedule posts
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Reply to comments
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Set up Pinterest pins
Where to Start:
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Offer your services to a small local business
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Share before-and-after photos of accounts you’ve helped
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Use Canva to create posts
Pro Tip: You can charge $300–$1000 per month per client, depending on what you offer.
7. Data Entry or Microtasks
If you want something super easy to start with, data entry or small tasks might be your best bet.
Where to Find Gigs:
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Clickworker
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Amazon Mechanical Turk
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Microworkers
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Appen
You won’t get rich doing these, but they’re perfect if you only have 15–30 minutes at a time and want to make a few extra bucks.
8. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing means you share links to products or services, and if someone buys, you get paid a commission.
How to Do It:
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Sign up for programs like ClickBank, List Infinity, or Traffic Hoopla
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Share your links in blog posts, emails, or social media
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Focus on products you actually use and love
Helpful Tip: Facebook groups and Pinterest are great places to share affiliate content (just follow the rules!).
9. Online Surveys & Apps
Not a full-time hustle, but it’s an easy way to earn gift cards or small amounts of cash while watching TV or waiting in the pickup line.
Legit Survey Sites:
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Swagbucks
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InboxDollars
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Pinecone Research
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Survey Junkie
Install apps that give you cashback like Rakuten and Fetch Rewards too!
10. Become an Email List Builder
This is a lesser-known but powerful way to earn. You use free traffic strategies to build an email list, promote helpful tools, and earn commissions when people sign up.
How to Start:
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Join a system like List Infinity (you can earn $7, $25, or $100 per signup)
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Share your link in traffic exchanges and viral mailers
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Use simple lead capture pages
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Copy-and-paste emails they give you to promote your list
It’s perfect for beginners and super low-cost to start. I started with zero experience and made my first $25 in a few days.
Tips to Be Successful With Any Side Hustle
✅ Pick one hustle to start. Don’t try to do everything at once.
✅ Set a schedule. Even 30 minutes a day adds up.
✅ Keep learning. Watch YouTube videos, join groups, and ask questions.
✅ Celebrate small wins. Your first $10 online is a big deal!
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Being a stay-at-home parent is already a full-time job, but it is possible to earn extra money from home too. Whether you’re writing blog posts, flipping baby clothes, or growing your email list, you’re creating real income on your schedule.
There’s no one “perfect” side hustle—just the one that works best for you and your family. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: even $100 a week can make a big difference.
Want a Simple Place to Start?
If you want to copy-and-paste your way to earnings, I highly recommend trying List Infinity. It’s easy, beginner-friendly, and gives you all the tools (even emails!) to get started building your own income stream from home.
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