14 Best Online Side Hustles for Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads

Are you a stay-at-home parent looking to earn some extra cash while taking care of your family?

You’re not alone!

Many moms and dads are turning to online side hustles to supplement their income and make the most of their time at home.

A side hustle is an opportunity to earn additional income alongside your main role as a parent. It involves taking on extra work or projects to earn more money and may also serve to explore hobbies and entrepreneurial ideas or acquire new skills in various areas.

In this post, we’ll explore 14 of the best online side hustles that you can start today and the benefits of starting one.

We’ll also share some tips on how to balance parenthood with your side hustle, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

If you’re saving up for a family vacation or just want some extra spending money, these online side hustles are sure to help you reach your goals.

Online side hustle benefits

The daily routine of a stay-at-home parent is packed with responsibilities like looking after the kids, cleaning, meal planning, and more. Yet, these crucial tasks often go unrecognized and uncompensated.

That’s where an online side hustle can make a significant difference. Here are some key benefits:

• As living expenses continue to rise, many parents seek additional income without compromising time with their kids. An online side hustle offers the flexibility to earn extra money from home.

• It’s not just about the immediate financial gain; side hustles can also help parents maintain skills or even explore new career paths for future opportunities.

• Even if it’s a temporary fix or the start of a new professional journey, online side hustles offer versatility and potential for growth.

• Engaging in a side hustle provides a creative space that offers a break from the demands of parenting.

• Online side hustles give parents the freedom to work on their own terms, fitting tasks into their schedules whenever they find the time.

• Beyond financial benefits, a side hustle can instill a sense of purpose and accomplishment beyond the role of a parent, adding fulfillment to everyday life.

14 online side hustles for stay-at-home parents

Let’s get started! Here are our top picks for online side hustles for parents looking to earn some extra cash from home.

1. Freelance writing or editing

If you have a way with words, freelance writing or blogging could be your perfect online side hustle. Sharing your parenting journey or creating engaging content for businesses opens up plenty of opportunities to flex your creativity.

Freelance writing offers stay-at-home moms and dads a flexible way to earn income while refining their writing skills. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients, or you can reach out directly to companies you’re interested in working with.

With freelance writing, you set your own rates and choose projects that align with your interests and expertise. Plus, starting a blog allows potential clients to see your writing style before hiring you. Over time, freelance writing can become a lucrative source of income from the comfort of your home.

2. Virtual assistant services

As a stay-at-home mom or dad, becoming a virtual assistant can be an ideal online side hustle. This role allows you to juggle tasks like email management and scheduling for businesses while keeping an eye on your little ones at home.

Virtual assistants can handle a variety of tasks, including data entry, scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, email marketing, social media management, event planning, and managing meetings.

Platforms like Upwork connect you with businesses looking for your organizational skills, making it easy to find clients. Job boards like FlexJobs are also great places to start looking for opportunities, and networking in business groups can also help you find clients.

In this role, you can offer administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs remotely, either daily, weekly, or monthly.

To stand out as a VA, you need to be organized, reliable, and proficient in office software. The flexibility of this online side hustle means you can choose clients and tasks that fit your schedule and skills.

Depending on your skills, you can easily charge $20-$30 per hour or more for VA work. Many companies hiring for VA jobs offer 100% remote roles, either part-time or full-time.

This makes it an excellent choice for stay-at-home parents looking to earn extra income while balancing family responsibilities.

3. Dropshipping or online resale

An online side hustle in resale or dropshipping can be a fantastic way for parents to make extra money while managing their households.

Start by selling items you no longer need on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Kids outgrow things fast, leaving behind lightly used items perfect for resale.

Spending a few hours decluttering your home helps you, not only to make money, but also to create more space at home.

And if you have an eye for good finds, purchasing items from thrift stores and reselling them online can be very profitable.

If you enjoy selling, dropshipping might be another good option for you. Dropshipping allows you to run an online retail business without holding any stock. When you receive an order, the company that has the stock ships the product directly to your customer. This reduces overhead costs and eliminates the need for storage.

4. Graphic design services

If you love using Photoshop or platforms like Canva, why not turn your graphic design skills into an online side hustle?

Offering graphic design services can be a profitable side hustle. This can include creating logos, marketing materials, design websites, or social media graphics for businesses or individuals.

Websites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find projects that match your creative skills and let you work from home and often on a flexible schedule.

This online side hustle can help you boost your income while letting you be creative and work around your family’s schedule.

5. Selling online courses

Imagine crafting a course on your favorite topic once, and then selling it over and over again.

That’s the beauty of online courses, they offer a path to passive income that fits perfectly into the busy lives of stay-at-home moms and dads. From teaching arts and crafts to academic subjects like math or history, there’s no limit to what you can share.

To succeed, you’ll need to know your stuff and create content that keeps learners engaged. The best part? You set your own pace and decide when and where to work. It’s a flexible way to earn while still being there for your family.

Many parents love the convenience of learning from home, skipping the commute to a traditional classroom. Plus, starting an online course requires minimal upfront investment, just your expertise and a bit of research if needed. The key is choosing a topic that sparks interest and curiosity, whether it’s something you’re an expert in or a subject you want to explore.

6. Data entry or transcription services

Data entry jobs involve inputting data into systems or spreadsheets. While these roles may not be glamorous, they’re in high demand and offer competitive pay, often with the flexibility to set your own hours.

As a transcriptionist, on the other hand, your main task is to listen to audio recordings (medical records, podcasts, academic lectures, etc.) and convert them into written documents. This role requires excellent grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills, along with a fast typing speed.

Typically, transcriptionists can earn more than $25 per hour depending on their efficiency and the complexity of the tasks. Some jobs may require specialized training or certification, but if you’re detail-oriented and quick on the keyboard, you’re well-suited for these roles.

Many companies offer remote, part-time, or freelance opportunities, making it easier to balance work with your family commitments.

Do your research to find reputable employers or platforms that match your skills and schedule. With a reliable computer and internet connection, you can start earning extra income right from your living room.

7. E-book publishing

Becoming an e-book author is a great way to share your stories or expertise while balancing your responsibilities as a stay-at-home parent.

Writing an e-book allows you to explore digital storytelling whenever you have a moment to spare, like during naptime or after the kids are asleep. You can craft engaging fiction or share valuable insights on a niche topic, there’s an audience out there that wants to read what you have to say.

Once your e-book is published, you can earn a steady income through royalties as readers purchase your work online. It’s a flexible way to earn extra money without leaving the comfort of your home.

Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing make it easy to self-publish your e-books and reach a global audience. You retain control over pricing and promotional strategies, giving you the freedom to manage your e-book business on your own terms.

Start brainstorming ideas, outline your chapters, and begin drafting your manuscript. With determination and dedication, you can turn your passion for writing into a profitable online side hustle that complements your role as a stay-at-home parent.

8. Podcasting

If you’ve ever been told you have a great voice for radio, this could be the perfect online side hustle for you.

Podcasting allows you to explore topics you’re passionate about, whether it’s sharing parenting tips, discussing conspiracy theories, or exploring the world of personal finance.

All you need are good communication skills, knowledge of your topic, basic skills in recording and editing audio, and the ability to tell a good story.

Successful podcasters excel at keeping their audience engaged and are adept at growing their listener base over time.

As your podcast gains traction, you can monetize it through sponsorships, advertising, and even selling merchandise related to your show. It’s a flexible way to earn extra income while sharing your passions with a community of like-minded listeners.

9. Social media management

Brands now recognize the importance of a strong online presence across platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

Managing social media for small businesses is an ideal online side hustle for stay-at-home moms and dads. By offering your expertise, you’ll manage a client’s social media accounts, plan strategies, create posts, schedule them, and interact with followers.

This role requires good communication skills, creativity, and a solid understanding of various social media platforms. Keeping up with the latest trends and taking related courses can improve your skills, making your services more valuable.

Also, you can use social media management platforms to schedule posts to go live at times that work best for you.

Many parents are already good at using social media, sharing updates about their kids and following influencers they like. This makes social media management a great job for stay-at-home moms and dads.

10. Photo editing

With a bit of creativity and knowledge of photo editing software, you can transform ordinary photos into stunning images. This side hustle lets you work from home and on your own schedule, making it a flexible option for busy parents.

Photo editing involves tasks like adjusting lighting, enhancing colors, removing blemishes, and even adding special effects. Many businesses and individuals need these services to make their photos look professional. You can edit pictures for social media posts, websites, advertisements, or personal projects like family albums.

To start, you need a good computer and photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. If you’re new to photo editing, there are many online tutorials and courses available to help you learn the basics and improve your skills. As you get better, you can offer more advanced services, which can help you earn more money.

Marketing your photo editing services can be done through social media, online job platforms, and by creating a portfolio of your work to show potential clients.

11. Virtual bookkeeping services

As a bookkeeper, you will manage financial records, process invoices, and prepare financial reports for small businesses. This job requires a solid understanding of accounting principles and proficiency with accounting softwares.

One of the best things about virtual bookkeeping is the ability to work from home, offering flexibility in your schedule. You can balance your work around family needs, making it perfect for stay-at-home parents. Bookkeepers can earn between $30,000 and $60,000 per year, depending on their workload and client base.

The startup costs for virtual bookkeeping are low, mainly requiring a computer and internet access. With digital tools, you can handle tasks like sending invoices, balancing accounts, tracking payroll, and processing payments from virtually anywhere. This makes bookkeeping a highly accessible side hustle.

Building a reputation for reliability and accuracy can help you attract more clients and ensure long-term work. Many small businesses need help managing their finances but cannot afford a full-time bookkeeper, so there is a consistent demand for these services.

12. Digital designs or printables

This side hustle involves creating downloadable products like graphic design templates, organizational tools, or artwork. You don’t need to be a professional designer or tech-savvy to get started. Many printable makers earn between $100-$1,000+ a month by selling their creations online.

This side hustle is stress-free and generates passive income since you don’t need to package or ship items. Once you create a digital product, it can be sold repeatedly without any additional production costs. Platforms like Etsy or your own website are perfect for selling these digital products.

Success in selling printables requires some design skills and an understanding of what your target market needs. By creating useful and attractive designs, you can build a loyal customer base. Marketing your products and establishing a strong online presence are crucial for attracting buyers.

You can find out more at How to Make Money Selling Printables Online

13. Translation services

If you’re fluent in multiple languages, offering language translation services is a fantastic online side hustle for stay-at-home moms and dads.

This role involves translating documents, websites, or even providing real-time translation for meetings and conferences. It’s perfect for those quiet moments when you can focus on converting text from one language to another.

This side hustle needs you to be very good at both languages and able to capture the right tone and details accurately. It’s not just about word-for-word translation; it’s about preserving the meaning and context.

Freelance translators can find work through various agencies or by marketing their services directly to clients. This offers the flexibility to choose projects that fit your schedule and interests. Additionally, translation work can be done entirely from home, making it an ideal choice for parents managing household responsibilities.

For those with a background in law and multiple language skills, translation can be particularly lucrative, allowing you to work with diverse clients and content types.

Posting your services on third-party websites can help you reach a broad audience and secure consistent work. You can also connect with local organizations in need of translation services to expand your client base.

14. Handmade crafts or products

If you’re skilled in crafts, you can turn your hobby into a profitable online side hustle by selling handmade goods. Platforms like Etsy provide a great marketplace for artists to sell unique items like jewelry, home decor, clothing, or handmade toys. This side hustle needs creativity, skill in your craft, and some knowledge of e-commerce and marketing.

You can set your own prices and work at your own pace, making it a great option for stay-at-home moms and dads. This side hustle is a fulfilling way to connect with a community of fellow crafters and customers who appreciate handmade, personalized items.

Selling online requires quality photos of your crafts to help their uniqueness shine. You can use platforms like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace, or even set up your own e-commerce store. Local markets are also a good place to sell your creations.

Tips to balance parenthood and side hustles

Balancing parenthood and an online side hustle can be challenging, but it’s possible with some practical tips:

Create a schedule

Establish a structured daily routine that incorporates dedicated time slots for both parenting and your online side hustle.

Prioritize tasks

Make a list of tasks and prioritize them based on urgency and importance to manage your time effectively.

Utilize quiet times

Take advantage of early mornings, nap times, or after bedtime to focus on your side hustle without interruptions.

Set realistic goals

Break down your goals into manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed and stay motivated.

Delegate responsibilities

Delegate household chores and involve family members in childcare to free up more time for work.

Designate a workspace

Create a designated workspace where you can concentrate on your online side hustle comfortably.

Use technology wisely

Utilize productivity tools and apps to streamline tasks such as scheduling, communication, and project management.

Communicate boundaries

Clearly communicate your work hours and boundaries with family members to minimize distractions.

Take breaks

Schedule regular breaks to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Connect with supportive communities

Seek support from online communities or fellow parents managing side hustles to share experiences and tips.

Conclusion

To sum it up, finding the right online side hustle as a stay-at-home parent can be a game-changer.

You can offer services like virtual assistance or tutoring, sell handmade crafts or digital products, or explore freelance opportunities in writing or design, there’s something out there for everyone. The key is to use your skills and passions, manage your time effectively, and stay persistent.

Remember, starting small and growing gradually is okay.

Join online communities for support and advice, and don’t hesitate to learn new skills along the way. Every small step counts towards building a fulfilling side hustle that complements your family life.

Stay focused on your goals, stay adaptable to changes, and most importantly, believe in yourself. Your journey towards financial independence and personal satisfaction starts with taking that first step.

You’ve got this!