Jobs You Can Do with Your Kids

If you don’t live in a major city, it is hard to find quality childcare at a reasonable rate.  In many smaller towns and suburbs, good childcare can cost over 25% of a family’s income, and in many rural areas childcare simply isn’t available.  This is what I discovered when my family recently moved to a rural community in New Mexico.  In my town, there is only one quality pre-school, and they refuse to accept children below the age of three.  With over 30,000 families in my area, many people have had to get creative about earning money while taking care of small children.  Below are a few of the ways people where I live have earned money.

Art 

Everything from writing novels to making jewelry can be done at home with children of any age.  While many artists with older children have their kids involved with their projects, younger children can be provided with distractions such as toys and books.  Of course, some projects (or parts of projects) can only get done while children are asleep, making some parents come up with some unique work schedules.  Projects are sold on etsy, craigslist, and a variety of writing websites, as well as craft stores, flea markets, and farmer’s markets.  Earnings typically range from $50 to $500 a month.

Seamstress 

Even a basic sewing ability and a simple machine will allow you to hem pants and fix buttons.  Some people expand their business to include sewing home décor items such as curtains and pillow shams, then selling the sets online or at craft shops.  Place ads on craigslist, on community bulletin boards, and in craft stores.  Earnings typically range from $100 to $600 a month.

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Off-Hours Childcare 

Most states allow you to care for up to three children in your home for less than 30 hours per week per child.  This means that you can babysit in the evenings or on weekends without having to obtain a childcare license.  Some people only offer childcare on school holidays or only after school to supplement income from other part-time jobs.  Rates start at $5 per hour, per child but can get higher during holiday seasons.

Pet Sitting/Walking  

Rates charged by vet offices for pet boarding can add up fast for people with more than one animal or who need to go on extended trip.  Keeping an extra pet or two around the house isn’t too hard for people who already have an animal and a fenced in yard.  Of course, make sure you introduce the animal to your child, and plan for an adjustment period.  Rates start at $10 per day, but get higher for additional pets and services (walking, giving medicine, etc.).