The world is changing, fast. More and more of us are staying away from traditional workplaces, as we feel safer in our homes. This is impacting society as a whole, but perhaps none more so than parents. There’s pressure from elsewhere, too. Homeschooling kids, keeping them entertained, and the strain of having your hours cut or losing your job all put you under stress. 

How can busy parents balance the challenges of having children at home with the need to work and provide an income for the family? Fortunately, there are several businesses you can start where you can work from home, look after the kids, and earn some money.

Ecommerce Seller for Stay-At-Home Moms and Dads

An ecommerce seller is a merchant who sells products through their own website or via a third-party marketplace like Amazon or eBay. Because setting up your own online store can be a long and complex process, we recommend starting with one of these three to get started. 

Skills Needed to be a Successful Ecommerce Seller

A side job as an ecommerce merchant could be a good fit if:

• You’re good at understanding what people want to buy from online marketplaces.
• You understand concepts like profit margins, selling prices, and supplier agreements.
• You don’t mind a lot of competition. 
• You can afford to put some money into buying inventory.
• You have the time to learn how to sell through Amazon or eBay.

What an Ecommerce Seller Does

Here are the essential parts of being an ecommerce merchant:

• Identify products that are likely to sell to your target customers.
• Find a supplier that can provide you with those products.
• Source the products, have them delivered, and list them on the marketplace.
• Staying abreast of competitors and changes in prices.
• When items are purchased, send the products to the customer, or have Amazon do it for you.
• Deal with customer questions and returns.

Helpful Resources for Becoming an Ecommerce Seller

• How to start selling on Amazon.
• Become an Amazon seller.
• Start selling on eBay.
• 9 steps to make a living selling on eBay.

Blog Writer for Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads

There are millions of blogs in the world, and it takes some effort to stand out, but for those that do, it can be a satisfying and profitable way to work. Blog writing isn’t as simple as just sitting down and writing, though. You’ll need to bring a unique perspective, engage with your readers, and know how to rank with the search engines. 

Skills Needed to be a Successful Blog Writer

A side job as a blog writer could be a good fit if:

• You understand the type of content your target audience needs.
• You can provide a new and compelling way of explaining things.
• You have the discipline to write regularly, publishing at least three to four times per week.
• You’re patient (getting blog views can take several months).
• You can find your way around WordPress or another blog publishing platform.
• You understand affiliate marketing and publishing ads on your website.
• You understand search engine optimization—how to get your website to rank on Google and other search engines.

What a Blog Writer Does

Here are the essential parts of being a blog writer:

• Focus on what you can write well. Think about the topics where you have plenty of experience and expertise, those are great starting points. 
• Write and publish on a blogging platform. WordPress is the most popular, but websites like Blogger, Squarespace, Wix, and others all allow you to write blogs.
• Look at all the different ways you can monetize your blog, whether that’s through affiliate links, selling digital products, publishing ads, or offering supplementary services like coaching or speaking. 
• Keep at it, build relationships with your audience, and become an expert in your niche.

Blog Writing Resources

• 5 proven strategies to help you develop a profitable blog
• How to make money blogging
• How to monetize a blog

Sell on Etsy for Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads

Etsy is an online marketplace where people sell unique and interesting homemade, crafted pieces. Popular types of items include jewelry, accessories, clothing, vintage items, and art. Etsy merchants make money by selling one-of-a-kind products directly to customers.

Skills Needed to be a Successful Etsy Seller

A side job as an Etsy seller might be a good fit if:

• You can create one-off items that people will want to buy.
• You have the time, space, and equipment to make your products.
• You understand how Etsy works.
• You understand concepts like profit margins and selling prices.
• You don’t mind a lot of potential competition. 

What an Etsy Seller Does

Here are the essential parts of being an Etsy seller:

• Learn about the types of unique, home-crafted products that your customers might be interested in.
• Create beautiful products that people will want to buy.
• Create an Etsy store and list your items for sale.
• Be aware of your competitors.
• When items are purchased, send the products to the customer.
• Deal with customer questions and returns.

Etsy Seller Resources

• The beginner’s guide to selling on Etsy.
• Sell on Etsy.
• 7 steps to open your Etsy shop.

Become a Virtual Assistant for Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads

A virtual assistant provides essential support skills for executives or other busy people. Typical activities might include making appointments, sending and responding to emails, talking to the team, booking travel and hotels, preparing and keeping records, and a variety of other activities.

Skills Needed to be a Successful Virtual Assistant

A side job as a virtual assistant might be a good fit if:

• You have an excellent eye for detail.
• You’re good at communicating via email, phone, or other messaging services.
• You love administration.
• You work well on your own initiative.
• You can show the value you provide to your clients.
• You have a confident, friendly, straightforward, and flexible approach.

What a Virtual Assistant Does

Here are the essential parts of being a virtual assistant:

• Find clients who require your services.
• Provide clear and accurate descriptions and pricing for what you do.
• Ask a client what their requirements are.
• Setup active communications channels with the client.
• Carry out the services they requested, confirming with them as tasks are completed.
• Check in with them for additional work and to ensure they are happy with your services.

Virtual Assistant Resources

• How to become a virtual assistant with no experience.
• How to become a virtual assistant: everything you need to know.
• How to become a virtual assistant.

We hope you’ve found these business ideas for stay-at-home moms and dads to be useful. Each of these businesses requires discipline and understanding, but with the right approach, financial management, and skill set, you can be successful. Of course, there are some other areas you’ll need to think about: Financial management, whether you need to create a separate business, liability, insurance, legal requirements, business licenses, and taxes.

You’ll find more helpful business ideas in our local business guide.