You only get one chance to raise your children, so you want to do it right. However, the cost of living means that it helps when two parents earn money. These two things don't have to cancel each other out if you learn how to make money while being a mom staying at home. Today it's easier than ever to work from home and earn significant income.

The other option is for both parents to work outside the home. Many families choose this route; often both mom and dad have full-time employment. It's also possible for one parent to work days, another nights. Of course, the sacrifice of family time is obvious with either scenario.

There is really no need for a mom to give up staying home to keep the house and the children in order. One tried and true option is to care for one or more children that are not your own while their parents are at work. Many parents prefer private daycare to a pre-school that may have dozens of children. This kind of work is confining, since from eight to five you'll probably be doing nothing but childcare, but so is any job. After all, you can't run out to the grocery store while you're working in an office.

The computer age offers different opportunities to stay-at-home parents. Buying and selling online is one way people earn thousands of dollars yearly. This can be fun, if you enjoy shopping and are informed on the value of things people will buy. In addition, there is no costly commute, no need for extra clothes suitable for the office, and no daycare or after-school expenses for your own children.

Bloggers have developed other ways to earn money online. A popular blog attracts advertising. It is possible to get commissions on traffic directed to other websites. There are many ways that blogs can generate income; check out the how-to sites online. It's also fun, if you have a passion for something which may be totally unconnected with raising children and taking care of a home.

Just because you are not in the public marketplace doesn't mean you can't market your skills or your wares. Many artists and crafters sell through their own websites. Antique dealers have found that online exposure to the world wide web boosts their business. People who sew, knit, or crochet can sell their handiwork and original patterns, do custom work for clients, and even offer classes. People will pay for virtual coaching.

There are ways to earn with freelance writing. International companies solicit original writing that will be sold to magazines, blogs, and other outlets. Some of this work is fairly undemanding and therefore low paid, but it can be fun for those who love to write and are starved for adult conversation. Other work posted online requires skilled writers willing to do thorough research; these writers can be compensated handsomely.

As in any other line of work, some succeed wildly working from home, while others plod along at whatever level they are happy with. Talent will out, so find something you really want to do and then do it well. It's very satisfying, and making your own money is a great ego boost.