Babysitting to make extra cash

A babysitter looks after children in the childs own home as opposed to a childminder who works in their own home. Babysitting is an ideal way to make extra cash at a time when you would normally be sat at home watching TV. Of course, you will need someone at home to look after your own children. A reliable, flexible and trained babysitter is always in high demand. It is worth being trained in paediatric first aid, both for your own peace of mind and parents. Some colleges offer babysitting courses, however your own experience of being a parent will stand you in good stead.  Finding work is usually by word of mouth, however there are babysitting agencies worth looking into, who will find the work for you. Sitters, is one such agency.

Child minding business

If you love children and enjoy spending time with them, becoming a registered child minder may be the ideal business choice for you. As a registered child minder you can choose what hours you would like to work and how many children you would like to care for, up to the limit set by ofsted. You can help to nurture a child in reaching their potential alongside your own children. No two days are the same and the enjoyment and fun involved in creating an environment to enable a child to develop and grow is very rewarding. Once you have decided that child minding may be the career for you, the next step is to contact your local authority in order to discuss the need for registered child minders in your area and to point you in the right direction of approved training courses.
It may be possible to apply for a grant to cover the cost of creating a home environment suitable for child minding. This could pay for safety equipment, toys, high chairs etc.
A training course must then be completed which covers all aspects of becoming a child minder, including child protection. You will also need to complete an approved paediatric first Aid course. An enhanced criminal record check (DBS) and public liability insurance is mandatory. Register with ofsted in order to get your home inspected.
Child minding is a business that I have personal experience of, I registered as a child minder when my son was young. It was an ideal way to spend quality time with my son and the children I child minded became his friends. I didn’t look after as many children as I could have as I enjoyed having the time to spend with just one or two extra children. When my son started school I stopped child minding as I felt I had moved onto the next stage of parenting, I also didn’t want the stress of having extra children in my house when my children returned from school tired and grumpy. I know many child minders in my area who have made successful and lucrative careers from child minding and it is certainly something I would consider doing again.

30 business ideas for busy parents wishing to work from home

 

This list is certainly not exhaustive and I will probably add to it as time progresses. I will concentrate on each business idea in subsequent posts. If anyone has any other work from home business ideas, I would love to hear about them. One day I may find something that works for me! Aim to choose a business that you are passionate about as this business is more likely to succeed. 

 

 

 

1. Child minder/babysitting services

2. Domestic cleaner

3. Online auctions

4. Virtual PA

5. Direct sales jobs e.g. Avon, Betterware, Usborne books

6. Blogging,

7. Surveys

8. Freelance writer

9. Tutor

10. Antiques dealer

11. Cake decorating

12. Catering

13. Bed and breakfast

14. Car boot sales

15. Flower arranging

16. Gardening

17. Crafts

18. Flat pack maker/handy person

19. Ironing

20. Leaflet distribution

21. Musician/DJ

22. Personal shopping

23. Pet grooming

24. Dog walking, pet care

25. Renting out equipment/driveway

26. Foreign student hosting  

27. Website designing

28. Photographer

29. Wedding planner/event planner

30. Writing letters/selling stories to magazines

Creating a work/life balance

As a very busy stay at home mum with four children I have spent years trying to create a work life balance. The mortgage needs paying, but the children still need me to be around and if I'm honest I enjoy being able to attend assemblies/sports days etc.
I'm still searching for the ideal solution for me, but have collated and researched many opportunities out there, which with enthusiasm and hard work could provide an income, Obviously the amount of money you could earn depends on how much time and commitment you put into the business, but the beauty of working from home is that you can increase the time you allow for your business as your life dictates. You will be able to work flexible hours around when your children are at school, nursery, napping and sleeping etc.
I'm not aiming to go into detail on tax implications of starting a business from home. It is important to remember you will need to register your business with HMRC and look into legal aspects relating to your chosen business.