The Best Side Hustles for Stay-at-Home Parents

Gig Economy Jobs

Being a stay-at-home parent is a full-time job, but many parents also want to earn extra income without sacrificing time with their kids. The good news is that there are plenty of flexible, beginner-friendly side hustles you can do from home—even with a busy family schedule. In this guide, well walk you through the best side hustles for stay-at-home parents, how they work, what to expect, and how to get started safely.

Table of Contents

Online Surveys and Reward Sites

How It Works

Online survey and reward sites pay you to share your opinions, watch videos, play games, or try new products. You sign up, complete tasks, and earn points or cash. Popular sites include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie.

Earning Expectations

Most surveys pay between $0.50 and $3 each, depending on length and topic. Realistically, you can earn $20“$50 a month in your spare time. It wont replace a full-time income, but its a simple way to earn extra cash or gift cards.

Time Commitment

You can work whenever you have a few free minutes—during nap time, after bedtime, or while waiting in the school pickup line.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • A smartphone, tablet, or computer
  • Reliable internet connection
  • No upfront costs—legitimate sites are free to join

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Very flexible, no experience needed, quick payouts, low risk.
  • Cons: Low earning potential, some surveys may not be a good fit, beware of scams.

Beginner Tips

  • Sign up for several reputable sites to increase your earning opportunities.
  • Never pay to join a survey site—legitimate sites are always free.
  • Cash out your earnings regularly to avoid losing points or rewards.

Real-World Example

Sarah, a mom of two, spends 10“15 minutes a day on Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. She earns about $30 a month in Amazon gift cards, which she uses for diapers and household essentials.

Scam Warning

Avoid any site that asks for payment, bank info, or promises huge earnings. Stick to well-known platforms with positive reviews.

Freelance & Gig Work

How It Works

Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect you with clients who need help with writing, graphic design, data entry, social media, and more. You set your rates and choose the projects you want.

Earning Expectations

Rates vary by skill and experience. Beginners might earn $5“$15 per hour for simple tasks like data entry or basic writing. With specialized skills, you can earn much more.

Time Commitment

You control your workload. Some parents take on one project a week; others work a few hours each day.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Computer and internet access
  • Basic skills in your chosen area
  • No upfront costs, but some platforms take a small fee from your earnings

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Flexible schedule, wide variety of work, higher earning potential as you gain experience.
  • Cons: Can take time to find clients, some competition, may require building a portfolio.

Beginner Tips

  • Start with simple gigs to build your reputation and reviews.
  • Be honest about your skills and deadlines.
  • Never work for free—legitimate clients will pay for your time.

Real-World Example

Tom, a stay-at-home dad, writes short blog posts for small businesses on Fiverr. He earns $100“$200 a month working around his kids school schedules.

Selling Products Online

How It Works

You can sell new or used items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark. Some parents create handmade crafts or print-on-demand products to sell on Etsy or Redbubble.

Earning Expectations

Income varies widely. Selling unused household items might bring in $50“$200 quickly. Handmade or print-on-demand products can become a steady side income with effort.

Time Commitment

Listing items and shipping orders can take a few minutes to a few hours a week, depending on how much you sell.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone or camera for photos
  • Shipping supplies for physical products
  • Optional: small investment in craft supplies or design tools

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Declutter your home, creative outlet, scalable income.
  • Cons: Requires shipping, customer service, and some upfront effort.

Beginner Tips

  • Start by selling things you already own to learn the process.
  • Take clear, well-lit photos and write honest descriptions.
  • Research similar items to price yours competitively.

Real-World Example

Lisa, a mom of three, started by selling outgrown kids clothes on Facebook Marketplace. She now makes custom t-shirts on Etsy, earning $100“$300 a month.

Virtual Assistant Jobs

How It Works

Virtual assistants (VAs) help businesses with tasks like email management, scheduling, research, or social media. You can find VA jobs on sites like Belay, Time Etc, or Upwork.

Earning Expectations

Entry-level VAs typically earn $10“$20 per hour. With experience or specialized skills, rates can go higher.

Time Commitment

Many VA jobs are part-time and flexible, making them ideal for parents. Some require set hours; others let you work anytime.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Computer, internet, and basic office skills
  • No upfront costs, but professionalism is key

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Professional experience, flexible hours, steady income potential.
  • Cons: May require learning new tools, some roles need set availability.

Beginner Tips

  • Highlight your organization and communication skills.
  • Start with small tasks or freelance gigs to build confidence.
  • Be clear about your availability with clients.

Real-World Example

Jenna, a mom of one, works 10 hours a week as a VA for a real estate agent, earning $150 a week while her child naps.

Childcare and Pet Sitting

How It Works

If youre already home with your kids, watching another child or pet can be a natural fit. Care.com and Rover connect you with families in need of childcare or pet care.

Earning Expectations

Rates vary by area, but babysitting can pay $10“$20 per hour; pet sitting or dog walking often pays $15“$30 per visit.

Time Commitment

You choose your schedule and how many clients to take on. Many parents watch one extra child during the week or walk dogs in the neighborhood.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Background check (often required for childcare)
  • Comfortable home environment
  • No major startup costs

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Pairs well with parenting, social for your kids, steady local demand.
  • Cons: Responsibility for others children or pets, may require insurance or licensing.

Beginner Tips

  • Start with friends or neighbors to build references.
  • Be clear about your schedule, rules, and rates upfront.
  • Check local regulations for home daycare or pet care businesses.

Real-World Example

Mike, a stay-at-home dad, watches his neighbors toddler three afternoons a week. He earns $150 a week and his own son has a playmate.

FAQ

  • Are these side hustles safe and legitimate?

    Yes, if you stick to well-known platforms and never pay upfront fees. Always research companies and read reviews before signing up.
  • How much money can I really make?

    Most side hustles start small—$20 to $200 a month. With time and effort, some can grow into part-time or even full-time income.
  • Do I need special skills or experience?

    Many options (like surveys or selling online) require no experience. Others (like freelance work or virtual assisting) may need basic computer skills or willingness to learn.
  • How do I avoid scams?

    Never pay to join, beware of too good to be true offers, and use trusted sites with positive reputations. When in doubt, search for reviews or ask in parenting groups.
  • Whats the best side hustle for beginners?

    Online surveys and selling unused items are the easiest places to start. As you gain confidence, try freelance gigs or virtual assistant work.

Summary & Next Steps

The best side hustles for stay-at-home parents are flexible, low-risk, and fit around your familys needs. Whether you want to take surveys, freelance, sell online, assist businesses, or help neighbors, theres an option for every schedule and skill level. Start small, stay safe, and build your income at your own pace.

Ready to explore more ideas? Check out other guides and reviews on Survey Soda for honest, practical ways to earn extra money from home. Youve got this!