Tips on Earning Money as a Stay at Home Mom

Earn money at home! How many times have you seen that particular ad in the back of the National Enquirer or some other classified ad?

I gave up a well paying career 20 years ago to become a stay at home mom, although never lost interest in making money. Maddeningly, my career wasn't the type that could be done from a home office. Instead, of giving up, I took a long look at my lifetime of experience in all sorts of other tasks; many which could be adapted into a career suitable for a stay at home mom.

So what kind of jobs are available for stay at home mom? There's more than you might think. Here a some ways in which my friends and I have managed to contribute to our family income:

Child care

Yep, part of being a mother is that you get really good at caring for children. Many of my friends provide child care for a couple of infants, which brings in anywhere from $600-1000 a month. While I like my own babies, watching someone else's infant wasn't as interesting to me. Instead, I put my years of hospital nursing experience to good use and only cared for children who were sick and couldn't go to their regular daycare or school. Average salary, $3-5 an hour.

Bookkeeping

Most mothers are great at balancing the checkbook and managing household accounts; some of us we even prepare our household tax forms. Are you adept with money management? Providing a home bookkeeping service is a great way to earn money. Small non profits, irrigation districts, charities, are some of the businesses that typically use part time bookkeeping help. Average salary $10-12 hour.

Alterations & Sewing

Several of my friends make wonderful incomes by designing and sewing custom clothing, accessories, wedding dresses and draperies. Got a great pattern for a fabric tote or warm infant hoodies? Whip up a selection and sell them exclusively at a downtown boutique. Average salary $500-2000 a month.

Crafting

Bookkeeping can be an ideal job for a stay at home mom.

Credit: Jeanne Nelson

Copyright: Jeanne Nelson