Why a Home-based business makes sense for stay-at-home parents

So you are a stay-at-home Mom or Dad wondering if you should start a home-based business.  Starting a business at home carries many risks, and is often pursued by those who have un-realistic expectations about its opportunities and downsides. We address this in “7 things to think about before starting a home-based business.” 
However, this paper addresses the unique advantages a home start-up can have for a stay-at-home parent

1. Save on day care expenses
According to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), day care expenses in the U.S.  total an average  $11,666 per year. 
Depending on your tax rate, you have to earn considerably more than that to pay those yearly costs.  For many parents, day care costs can wipe out the bulk of one parent’s annual earnings, especially after commuting costs are added.  Working from home eliminates this major expense, as well as the worry created by having someone else watch your children every day.

2. More family time
Running your own home-based business allows you more time for your friends and family and for the things you love. For starters, you eliminate time getting dressed for work and commuting. You can use those precious minutes to spend quality time with your children.

3. Stay connected with market trends
Are you considering staying home with your children and setting aside an active career? One major concern for you may be that you begin to lose critical jobs skills. 
Basing a business out of your home is an effective way to keep your professional skills up-to-date and stay in touch with the market trends. 

4. Additional family income
You can contribute to the family income through your home-based business earnings. True, it takes some initial investment, but the paybacks can be quite rewarding. 

5. Less stress and more flexibility
Running a home-based business owner means being your own boss, having your own office and being able to adjust to the unplanned crises that come with children. 
Traditional work environments don’t easily accommodate unplanned sicknesses or afternoon visits to school events. Working for your business from home offers a lot of flexibility. If your child is sick, you don’t have to call up your boss asking for a day off.

6. You have a large network
Home-based businesses thrive on network marketing and local leads. As a stay-athome  parent you probably have a lot of interaction in and around your locality. 
Whether it is through PTA meetings, from taking your child to the park every day, or through the 10 minute chat that you have with your next door neighbor when you go to collect your mail, you have a lot of networking opportunities that are going untapped. A home-based business allows you to cash in on those opportunities.
Being a parent is a full-time job anyway…so what you need is a part-time venture that you can run at your own pace, by your own rules and your own business may be the answer.