Being a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) is a full-time job in itself, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore ways to earn some extra income on the side. Passive income is the dream — money that flows in with minimal effort, allowing you to earn even while you sleep.
While it does require effort, especially in the initial stages of your gig, stories about SAHMs now working 2 hours a day, earning significant amounts of money, are floating around the media. Which means it’s possible and there’s no reason that couldn’t be you!

What is passive income?
Passive income is the kind of income that, once set up, requires little to no daily involvement, making it perfect for busy moms juggling family responsibilities.
The key characteristic is that after the initial effort to create or set up the income stream, it continues to generate revenue on its own. This differs from active income, which requires you to trade your time for money directly, such as a traditional job or freelance work.
For SAHMs, passive income offers the flexibility to stay present with your family while also contributing financially.
Let’s explore some easy-to-start ways to generate passive income as a SAHM.
1. Dropshipping
One of the most popular ways to generate passive income is through ecommerce, particularly dropshipping. This model allows you to sell products without having to stock inventory or handle shipping. Here’s how you can get started:
Steps to start dropshipping:
- Choose a niche: Find a product category that interests you and has a market demand. It could be anything from baby products to home decor.
- Set up an online store: Research how to sell on Wix, Shopify, WooCommerce, or other ecommerce platforms and create your online store. Choose a platform that is user-friendly and offer various templates to make your store look professional.
- Find suppliers: Websites like AliExpress, Oberlo, and SaleHoo can connect you with suppliers who will ship products directly to your customers.
- Market your store: Use social media, SEO, and paid ads to attract customers to your store. Instagram and Pinterest are particularly effective for visually appealing products.
- Automate: Use tools and apps to automate order processing and customer service, minimizing your daily involvement.
2. Creating an online course
Is there something you’re particularly good at? Well, maybe you can turn it into an online course! It can be a great way to earn passive income and platforms like Teachable, Udemy, and Skillshare make it easy to create and sell these courses.
Steps to create an online course:
- Identify your expertise: Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable and passionate about.
- Validate your idea: Research to see if there is demand for your course topic. You can use surveys, forums, and keyword research to gauge interest.
- Create content: Develop your course content. This could be video lessons, written materials, quizzes, and assignments.
- Set up your course: Use an online platform to host your course. These platforms handle payments, student management, and delivery.
- Promote your course: Market your course through your website, social media, email newsletters, and collaborations with influencers.
3. Self-Publishing eBooks
If you enjoy writing, self-publishing eBooks can be a lucrative source of passive income. With platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), it’s easier than ever to get your book out there.
How to self-publish an eBook:
- Write your book: Choose a genre or topic that interests you. It could be fiction, non-fiction, guides, or even children’s books.
- Edit and format: Make sure your book is well-edited and properly formatted for e-readers.
- Design a cover: A professional-looking cover is crucial. You can design it yourself using tools like Canva or hire a designer.
- Publish: Upload your book to a self-publishing platform like Amazon KDP. They provide guidelines to ensure your book meets their standards.
- Promote: Use social media, your website, email lists, and book promotion sites to get the word out about your book.
4. Stock photography
If you have a knack for photography, selling stock photos can be a great way to earn passive income. Websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock allow you to upload your photos and earn royalties whenever they are downloaded.
How to sell stock photos:
- Take high-quality photos: Ensure your photos are of high quality and meet the requirements of stock photo websites.
- Upload to stock photo sites: Create accounts on stock photo platforms and upload your best shots.
- Keywording: Properly keyword your photos to make them easily discoverable by potential buyers.
- Promote your portfolio: Share your stock photo portfolio on social media and your website to increase visibility.
Wrap up
Generating passive income as a stay-at-home mom is not only possible but can also be incredibly rewarding. Imagine being able to cover your family’s extra expenses, save for the future, or even fund a dream vacation, all while being present for your kids. By exploring all your options, you can find the right fit for your skills and interests.
The beauty of passive income is that it grows over time. What starts as a small trickle can turn into a steady stream with consistency and effort. Each step you take towards building passive income is an investment in your family’s financial future and your personal empowerment.
So go ahead, take that first step today. The journey might just surprise you with how fulfilling and exciting it can be, not to mention the invaluable lesson of entrepreneurship you’ll pass on to your children.
