It might seem like being a Mom takes up all your time, but however much you love your children, you do sometimes need to take time for yourself. Creating and running your own business can give you a sense of personal achievement that even being a Mom can't match.
Here are some business ideas that can be fitted around the busy life of a full-time Mother. They can be carried out in the day while your children are at nursey or play-group, or they can be done in the evening while they are asleep or being looked after by their father or a babysitter.
Starting a home business can really bring out the best in you, and if you are the best you can by, then your child will benefit from having a happy, successful Mom. The extra money is always usefull, too!
Typing
Many people still don't have access to a computer, and even if they do, many are not confident enough to lay out or type a letter themselves. Offer your services to people who want a one-off letter written to a lawyer, for example, or offer your services as a work-from-home typist to small companies. You could even offer to pick up and deliver letters once they are signed.
Laundry
Not as labor-intensive as it may sound with today's appliances. Pick up and deliver the laundry of busy people. Offer to take dry-cleaning in for them as an added extra. If you don't want to offer the whole laundry service, you can also make money just doing ironing or picking up dry cleaning.
Pet walking
Walk someone's dog during the day when they don't have enough time to give it the exercise it deserves. Sometimes pets just need a bit of attention during the day. You could offer to go to people's homes and feed their caged pets while they are on holiday, too.
Pet grooming
If you are confident at grooming your own pet, why not offer the service to other pet owners? Invent a name for your company, pack up your brushes and scissors, and jump in the car - mobile pet boutique!
Childminding
You will have to get the appropriate registration for this, but if you are at home with your own children, then this could be for you.
Internet Auction Sites
Start by getting rid of your unwanted goodies, then pick up things from charity shops or garage sales - one man's junk is another man's treasure.
Photo scanning and retouching
Lots of people would like their photos transferred to CD or DVD, but don't have the necessary equipment or know-how to do it. Offer this service in the local newspaper or online.
Offer to scan in people's old photos and touch up the faults. This can range from 'mending' a tear or age spots from old photos to reducing red-eye or unsightly fat bulges from wedding pictures.
Hairdressing
Obviously, you would need to be trained to do this, but it's a wonderful business to do from home. You could even have your clients calling at your house instead of going to them.
Make-up
If you are good at make-up you could offer make-overs or special occasion make-up. Link up with a hairdresser to offer the full service.
Gardening
Many people would like a gardener to come in regularly 1-2 hours a week to keep their garden tidy.
Flower craft
Flower arrangements are really expensive. Offer to do the flowers for people's party tables, and watch your business grow!
Children's Party Organiser
Great job if you like children. You don't actually have to do all the entertaining yourself - just arrange for someone to come in.
Dinner Party Cook
Some people who are happy to cook for themselves and their families would still like someone to cater at dinner parties, either because they are not confident cooks or because they would like time with their guests.
Party Plan
Join one of the standard companies like Avon, Tupperware or Anne Summers, or start producing your own range of products like jewellery, and get going.
With all these ideas, the key is great advertising. Get a good company name, and talk about it all the time! Put up posters, leaflets and flyers everywhere and advertise in local shops.
While your business grows, remember that your first job is being a Mom. Don't sit your child in front of the TV while you do paperwork or drag them around to meetings when they should be at the playground. These are jobs that dovetail with your work as a Mom, and don't overshadow it.
Plan carefully and everyone's a winner!