“Kim, I love the idea of having a side hustle, but I’ve got three young kids under the age of eight. By the time I’ve done school drop-offs, cleaned up breakfast, broken up arguments over toys, folded washing, cooked dinner, and finally sat down at night, I feel completely exhausted. Is it even realistic for someone like me to build a side hustle? Where do I start?”
Kim’s Answer
First of all, let me tell you something.
You’re not behind.
You’re not lazy.
And you’re definitely not the only parent asking this question.
In fact, I’d argue that mums with young kids are some of the hardest-working people on the planet.
I’ve worked on construction sites, in car dealerships, laboratories, and aged care facilities. Every one of those jobs had a knock-off time.
Parenting doesn’t.
The challenge isn’t that you’re unwilling to work.
The challenge is that you’re already working all day.
That’s why building a side hustle with three young kids requires a different approach than what you’ll see on social media.
Forget the videos showing people working twelve-hour days while drinking expensive coffee in trendy offices.
Your reality is different.
And that’s okay.
The Biggest Mistake Parents Make
Most people think they need to find extra hours.
They don’t.
You can’t magically create time.
What you need is a side hustle that fits the life you already have.
I see many people get excited about a business idea and then quickly realize it requires forty hours a week.
That’s not a side hustle.
That’s another full-time job.
When you’ve got three young kids, your side hustle needs to fit into the cracks of your day.
Maybe that’s:
- Thirty minutes during nap time
- One hour after bedtime
- A few hours on a Saturday morning
- Small tasks completed on your phone while waiting for sports practice to finish
The goal isn’t speed.
The goal is consistency.
A little bit done every week beats a huge burst of effort followed by burnout.
Start With What You Already Know
One thing I’ve learned from years of trying different side hustles is this:
People often overlook the skills they already have.
As a mum, you’ve probably developed skills that people will happily pay for.
Think about things like:
- Organizing schedules
- Budgeting
- Meal planning
- Cleaning systems
- Childcare knowledge
- Crafting
- Baking
- Social media
- Administration
You might not think these are valuable.
Someone else does.
The easiest side hustles often grow from things you’re already doing anyway.
Don’t Build a Side Hustle Around Your Fantasy Life
Build It Around Your Real Life
This is where many people go wrong.
They choose a side hustle based on who they wish they were.
Instead, choose one based on who you are right now.
For example:
If your youngest child still wakes during the night, don’t start something that requires early mornings.
If your afternoons are chaos, don’t promise clients you’ll be available then.
If you only have three hours per week, pick something that works within those limits.
Your side hustle should serve your family.
Your family shouldn’t serve your side hustle.
Side Hustles That Work Well Around Young Kids
Here are a few options I often suggest.
Freelance Services
Many businesses need help with:
- Data entry
- Virtual assistance
- Customer service
- Social media posting
- Bookkeeping
These can often be done from home during quiet periods.
Selling Items Online
Many mums start by selling:
- Children’s clothing
- Toys
- Household items
- Handmade products
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace can be surprisingly effective.
Pet Sitting
If you’re already home most days, pet sitting can fit nicely around family life.
Blogging
This won’t make money overnight.
But if you’re willing to play the long game, blogging can eventually become an asset that works for you.
That’s one of the reasons I created SideHustleQuest.com.
I wanted a place where people could learn about side hustles honestly, without being sold a dream.
Printables and Digital Products
Parents often create:
- Budget planners
- Meal planners
- Family calendars
- Educational worksheets
Once created, they can be sold repeatedly.
Mystery Shopping
I’ve done plenty of automotive mystery shopping over the years.
Many companies need feedback about customer service and store experiences.
Some assignments can fit around your existing errands.
Forget Perfect
Aim For Better
One trap I see all the time is waiting for the perfect moment.
The kids will get older.
Life will calm down.
Things will become less busy.
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Life has a funny way of filling every spare minute.
If you wait for perfect conditions, you could be waiting forever.
The better approach is to start small.
Very small.
Maybe your first goal is earning ten dollars.
Not a thousand.
Not ten thousand.
Ten.
Why?
Because earning your first ten dollars proves something important.
It proves someone will pay for what you offer.
That’s a huge milestone.
Use the Tools Available to You
One thing I wish existed when I started exploring side hustles years ago is the range of tools available today.
If you’re struggling to decide what side hustle suits your personality, lifestyle, and available time, I’ve created a custom GPT Side Hustle Matchmaker tool.
The idea is simple.
You answer a few questions, and it helps point you toward side hustles that actually fit your circumstances.
Not what works for someone on YouTube.
Not what worked for somebody living on the other side of the world.
What might work for you.
I’ve also put together a free e-book called “101 Side Hustle Ideas” that gives you a huge list of practical possibilities.
Sometimes all you need is one idea to spark another.
You can find both resources through SideHustleQuest.com.
Talk To Your Partner
If You Have One
This part gets overlooked.
A side hustle affects the whole household.
If you’re partnered, sit down together and talk honestly.
Questions worth discussing include:
- How many hours can realistically be dedicated each week?
- What support might be needed?
- What income goal are you chasing?
- What happens if things get busy?
Even one extra hour of support each week can make a massive difference.
Your First Goal Isn’t Freedom
It’s Momentum
People often start a side hustle because they dream about freedom.
That’s perfectly understandable.
But freedom comes later.
The first goal is momentum.
Then consistency.
Then income.
Then options.
Trying to jump straight to freedom is like trying to build a house starting with the roof.
You need foundations first.
My Final Thoughts
If you’re raising three young kids and wondering whether you can build a side hustle, my answer is yes.
But don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.
Your path will probably look slower.
Messier.
Less glamorous.
That’s normal.
You’ve already proven you can handle responsibility.
You’re already managing a household, schedules, appointments, meals, budgets, and everything else that comes with family life.
Those skills aren’t weaknesses.
They’re strengths.
Start small.
Stay realistic.
Focus on progress rather than perfection.
One hour at a time.
One customer at a time.
One sale at a time.
And before long, you’ll look back and realize you’ve built something valuable without turning your life upside down.
That’s how many successful side hustles begin.
