Are you looking for a family friendly business that fits around caring for your children? This five-part series can help you find the best fit for you and your family.

For some mums it means a complete career change, for others it’s a case of adapting existing skills and experience to start a business that fits around your family. This six-part series looks at a range of family friendly business ideas that are well-suited to family life.

Child-related family-friendly business ideas

There is no shortage of ideas and opportunities to start a child-related business, as there is usually high demand from other parents who are looking for childcare or activities for their children.

Family friendly business idea 1: Childminding

Childminding can be an attractive option both for women who have a background in childcare (such as nannying or teaching) as well as professional women who choose not to return to their previous employment after having their own children.

The obvious advantage is that you can earn a regular income while continuing to look after your own children in your own home. Not only does this mean you don’t need to fork out for childcare costs yourself, it also gives you the flexibility to choose your hours and days, as well as decide on each day’s routine and activities.

Childminders must be registered with Ofsted and there are strict guidelines as to the number of children a childminder can care for, including their own. Your home will be inspected to ensure it is safe and suitable for children, and you are required to attend a childminding practice course which covers starting a childminding business and managing children’s behaviour.

Family friendly business idea 2: Baby and toddler classes

There is a range of baby or toddler classes that you could choose to run, such as:

• baby signing,
• baby and toddler exercise
• baby yoga
• baby swimming
• infant massage
• children’s music classes

You may be able to run them with your own baby or toddler, or you could run them out-of-hours or on weekends. Baby and toddler classes can be held in your own home, at a local hall or swimming pool or at the home of your client. Some training in the skill you plan to teach will be necessary, and it may be worthwhile gaining a first aid certificate.

Family friendly business idea 3: Creche

A creche provides a safe and secure place where parents can leave their children on an ad hoc basis, offering at least two and half hours of care a week. In England, they must be registered with Ofsted.

Creches are often attached to a permanent establishment, such as a place of work, a swimming pool, a fitness club or a shopping centre.

A creche can not be run by one person alone,  so you will need either a business partner or staff.

Family friendly business idea 4: Nursery

This provides continuous care for more than four hours, for children aged between three months and five years. The demand is high for day nurseries, but the start-up process can be quite lengthy.

Family friendly business idea 5: Playgroups

Playgroups provide sessional daycare for the under-fives. Many are not-for-profit, but there are some privately-owned businesses. There are still some grants available for running playgroups, so speak with your local council to see what they can offer you.

Also, with the government closing down many Sure Start centres, many mums will be looking for an alternative, so this could be a good time to start.

Family friendly business idea 6: Out-of-school and holiday club

After-school and holiday clubs provides care for children before or after school or during holidays. Some clubs are run as privately-owned businesses. This can be a fantastic opportunity for mums who want to run a business that works around their school-age children and their holidays, and it can mean that you gett he best of both worlds – working, while looking after your children.

Family friendly business idea 7: Children’s indoor play area

If you like doing fun activities with children, or are a qualified fitness or sports expert, then you could look into children’s indoor play area. Children’s indoor play areas provide a safe, yet fun, environment where children can play, and often a coffee shop for the parents to relax. The set-up costs and time commitment involved in starting a children’s indoor play area can be high, so this would be ideal for mums with some capital, or your could look into getting a grant or some investment.

Family friendly business idea 8: Children’s entertainer

If you like performing and dressing up with your children, you could provide the services of a children’s entertainer, performing a variety of acts for children (e.g. magic tricks, puppetry, juggling, clowning, face painting) usually at parties. Entertainers are often required on weekends or during holidays, but it can be hard work establishing yourself.

Family friendly business idea 9: Home nappy service

If you are looking for a child-friendly, yet eco-friendly business, a home nappy service may just be your answer. A home nappy service delivers supplies of cotton, cloth or terrycloth nappies, liners and over-pants to parents. You will need a car or van to transport the dirty and clean nappies and access to washing machines and tumble dryer.

The main issue to consider will be the premises, as there are strict rules on the amount of space needed, the location and safety of kitchens, toilet facilities and gardens.

This is part 1 of a four-part series on family friendly business ideas – if you are serious about finding a flexible way of working, the How to Stay at Home and Earn Money guide.

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