In today’s world, the term “stay-at-home parent” isn’t exclusive to women. A growing number of men are now part of this group, with about 19% of stay-at-home parents being men, a statistic that’s no longer surprising in modern households. Whether you’re a man or a woman, if you’re caring for children at home, you may be facing the challenge of balancing the cost of daycare with the need to contribute financially. This blog explores solutions to help stay-at-home parents find ways to generate additional income while managing their household responsibilities.

The Daycare Dilemma: Why Parents Are Looking for Income Options

Daycare costs have skyrocketed, making it a significant financial burden for families. In Nevada, daycare for an infant averages about $1,037 per month, while care for a four-year-old costs around $808 per month. For a family with both an infant and a toddler, this adds up to nearly 48% of their net monthly income, based on the median wage in Nevada(2).

It’s no wonder many parents feel stuck: they can’t afford daycare but also need to find ways to supplement the household income. The good news is that technology has opened up countless opportunities to work from home. The shift to remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, has made it possible for many stay-at-home parents to generate income without sacrificing their child-care responsibilities.

Your Value as a Stay-at-Home Parent

Before diving into money-making ideas, it’s important to recognize the financial value of the work you’re already doing at home. Studies show that the tasks a stay-at-home parent performs—cleaning, cooking, childcare, and managing the household—would cost a family between $4,000 to $5,200 per month if outsourced(2). Over 20 years, this adds up to more than $1 million in some major U.S. cities. So, while you may not receive a paycheck for your efforts, you’re providing substantial value to your family.

But if you’re looking to add some cash to the household bank account, there are many ways to do so from the comfort of your home. Here are some practical ideas to help you get started.

Income Ideas for Stay-at-Home Parents

1. Remote Work with Your Current Employer One of the first places to start is by talking to your employer. Many companies now allow remote work, and if your job can be done from home, this could be a win-win. You’re able to maintain your career while still being present for your children.
2. Selling or Reselling Items Online If you have a knack for finding deals or enjoy hunting for hidden treasures, consider reselling items online. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy provide a great way to buy items at a low price and sell them for a profit. Whether it’s household goods, clothes, or even collectibles, this side hustle can be surprisingly lucrative with minimal upfront costs.
3. Start a Blog If you’re passionate about a particular topic—be it parenting, cooking, or a hobby—starting a blog could be a creative and profitable outlet. With the right audience, blogs can generate income through advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. It’s not a quick fix, but with persistence and quality content, it can turn into a solid income stream.
4. Online Courses and Teaching Do you have expertise in a particular field? Consider creating an online course or offering lessons through platforms like Udemy or Teachable. Whether it’s a skill from a previous job or a hobby like photography, cooking, or music, people are willing to pay for online education in nearly every niche.
5. Create a YouTube Channel Don’t underestimate the power of YouTube. Whether you’re sharing tips on parenting, crafting tutorials, or even documenting your daily life, YouTube has become a platform where ordinary people can earn significant income through ad revenue, paid memberships, and even product sales. The key is building a following, which can take time but has a lot of potential once established.
6. Freelancing or Consulting If you have professional skills in areas like marketing, design, writing, or accounting, freelancing might be the right fit. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer make it easy to find clients for short-term projects, allowing you to work on your own schedule.

Conclusion: Embrace the Opportunity

If you’re a stay-at-home parent feeling the financial pinch, there’s never been a better time to explore these income opportunities. With technology making remote work more accessible, it’s possible to contribute to your family’s finances while still being present for your children. Whether it’s selling items online, blogging, or freelancing, the possibilities are vast, and the rewards can be substantial.

Ultimately, staying at home to raise your children is invaluable work, and now, more than ever, it’s possible to add financial value to your household from the comfort of your own home.

To learn more on this topic, go listen to The Jon Sanchez Show, episode “How to Make Money as A Stay At Home Parent”, streaming on any of your favorite podcast platforms!

Sources

1. Foreman, N. (2023, June 14). Child care costs are heavy burden for Nevada families, strain child well-being. The Nevada Independent. https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/child-care-costs-are-heavy-burden-for-nevada-families-strain-child-well-being 

2. Staff, C. N. (2024, April 21). Stay-at-home parents do thousands of dollars worth of tasks each month, study says. https://www.wbko.com. https://www.wbko.com/2024/04/21/stay-at-home-parents-do-thousands-dollars-worth-tasks-each-month-study-says/