Balancing family life while earning extra money may seem challenging, but with the right side hustle, it’s entirely possible to boost your finances without sacrificing precious time with your children.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best side hustles for parents, how to fit them around your family schedule, and tips to maximise your earnings.
Why Consider a Side Hustle?
Raising a family comes with a never-ending list of expenses—childcare, school supplies, activities, and the occasional unexpected bill. A side hustle can help ease financial strain, provide a sense of fulfilment, and even open doors to new career opportunities. The best part? Many side hustles can be done from home and/or on your own schedule.
What to Look for in a Side Hustle
Not all side hustles are created equal, and as a parent, you’ll want something that ticks these boxes:
- Flexible Schedule: Can you work around school drop-offs, naps, and bedtime?
- Minimal Upfront Costs: Avoid side hustles that require large investments.
- Decent Earning Potential: Your time is valuable, so pick something with a good return.
- Enjoyable & Sustainable: If you don’t enjoy it, it’ll feel like another chore.
With that in mind, here are some options you could consider that will allow you to keep balancing family life
1. Freelancing
If you have a skill like writing, graphic design, or coding, freelancing is a great way to earn extra income. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour allow you to find clients and work on your own schedule.
How to Get Started:
- Identify your skills and what you can offer.
- Create a profile on freelancing platforms.
- Set realistic rates and build a portfolio.
- Market yourself through social media and networking.
Earning Potential:
£10-£50 per hour, depending on your experience. You have the ability to set your own rates so this truly depends on the skills you can offer.
2. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Virtual assistants help businesses with admin tasks like email management, scheduling, and social media. This is a fantastic option for parents with strong organisational skills.
How to Get Started:
- Take an online course if needed (Udemy, Skillshare).
- Create a LinkedIn profile showcasing your skills.
- Find clients on VA job boards like Belay or Time Etc.
Earning Potential:
£15-£30 per hour.
3. Selling Handmade Goods
If you love crafting, selling handmade products on Etsy or Shopify can be a great side hustle. Whether it’s jewellery, candles, or personalised gifts, there’s a market for handmade goods.
How to Get Started:
- Decide on your niche and create a few sample products.
- Open an Etsy or Shopify store.
- Market your shop on Instagram and Pinterest.
- Price your products competitively, factoring in time and materials.
Earning Potential:
Varies, but successful sellers make £500-£2000+ per month.
4. Print-on-Demand
If crafting isn’t your thing, print-on-demand is a great alternative. You design items like t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags, and a third party handles production and shipping.
How to Get Started:
- Use platforms like Printful, Redbubble, or Teespring.
- Create designs using Canva or Photoshop.
- Market your products through social media and SEO.
Earning Potential:
£200-£1000 per month, depending on sales.
5. Blogging or YouTube
If you enjoy writing or creating videos, blogging and YouTube can be lucrative. It takes time to build an audience, but once you do, you can earn through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
How to Get Started:
- Choose a niche you’re passionate about (parenting, finance, food, etc.).
- Start a blog with WordPress or Wix.
- Create engaging content consistently.
- Monetise through Google AdSense, affiliate links, and sponsorships.
Earning Potential:
£0-£5000+ per month (long-term effort required – consistent posting and content).
6. Babysitting or Childminding
If you’re already at home with your kids, why not look after another child for extra income? Parents are always looking for reliable childminders.
How to Get Started:
- Check local childcare regulations.
- Advertise through word of mouth, Facebook groups, or childcare websites.
- Set reasonable rates and create a safe, fun environment.
Earning Potential:
£10-£15 per hour.
7. Online Tutoring
If you have teaching experience or expertise in a subject, tutoring is a fantastic side hustle. Platforms like Tutorful, Preply, or VIPKid make it easy to connect with students.
How to Get Started:
- Decide on your subject (maths, English, science, etc.).
- Register with an online tutoring platform.
- Offer competitive rates and build good reviews.
Earning Potential:
£15-£50 per hour.
8. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Love animals? Pet sitting or dog walking can be a great way to earn while staying active. Apps like Rover and Pawshake connect pet owners with local sitters.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up for pet-sitting platforms.
- Offer competitive pricing and build client trust.
- Consider offering house visits, overnight stays, or walking services.
Earning Potential:
£10-£25 per hour.
9. Online Reselling
Selling second-hand items on eBay, Depop, or Vinted is a great way to declutter while making money. You can also buy and resell items for profit.
How to Get Started:
- Sell unused items from around the house.
- Research profitable items (vintage clothing, electronics, collectables).
- Take good photos and write clear descriptions.
Earning Potential:
£100-£2000+ per month, depending on effort.
10. Market Research & Surveys
While not the highest-paying side hustle, completing surveys, mystery shopping, or participating in focus groups can bring in extra cash with minimal effort.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up for survey sites like Swagbucks, Prolific, or YouGov.
- Join mystery shopping apps.
- Look for local research studies or product testing gigs.
Earning Potential:
£50-£300 per month.
Tips for Starting a Side Hustle While Balancing Family Life
- Prioritise Time Management: Set specific work hours to avoid burnout.
- Get the Kids Involved: If appropriate, let them help (e.g., packing orders).
- Use Productivity Tools: Apps like Trello and Notion can help you stay organised.
- Don’t Overcommit: Start small and scale up if manageable.
Finding a side hustle as a parent doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is choosing something that aligns with your skills, interests, and available time. Whether you go down the freelancing route, start an online business, or offer services locally, there are plenty of opportunities to earn extra income while still being present for your family and balancing family life.
Which of these side hustles sounds like the best fit for you? Let me know in the comments below!