20 flexible part-time and summer jobs for parents
Hey, $mart parents 👋
Teach money lessons at home with Greenlight’s $mart Parent newsletter. Money tips, insights, and fun family trivia — delivered every month.
Juggling work and family life is no small feat. Whether you're looking to earn extra income, pursue a passion, or simply keep busy during the kids' summer break, the right part-time or seasonal job can make a big difference. Here’s a curated list of job ideas designed with parents in mind—ones that offer flexibility, purpose, and the potential to fit seamlessly into your family routine. Bonus: Some of these also make great jobs for retirees or even summer job ideas for teens, too.
Why parents seek part-time and summer jobs
From covering the cost of summer camp to saving for a future family trip, there are plenty of reasons parents seek seasonal work. Some are reentering the workforce after a caregiving break. Others may be looking for a change that allows for more time with kids during school breaks. The key is finding work that supports—not complicates—your lifestyle.
Best part-time jobs for parents during the school year
1. School-based roles
These roles include substitute teaching, classroom aide, cafeteria support, or helping out as a crossing guard.
How to get started: Visit your local school district’s website or administration office for open positions and application requirements.
Why it works: These roles typically follow the school calendar, meaning your work hours match your child's school schedule.
Flexibility: School-day hours only, with holidays and summers off.
2. Virtual assistant
Provide administrative support to businesses remotely, including managing emails, scheduling meetings, or organizing data.
How to get started: Build a profile on platforms like Belay, Zirtual, or Upwork, or reach out to small business owners in your network.
Why it works: You can work from home and take on tasks that fit your skills and availability.
Flexibility: Completely remote with the ability to choose your workload and hours.
3. Customer service representative
Assist customers via phone, chat, or email for companies in various industries, helping them resolve issues or place orders.
How to get started: Look for part-time remote roles on job boards like FlexJobs, Indeed, or directly through company career pages.
Why it works: Many companies offer flexible shifts, including nights and weekends, making it easier to work around parenting duties.
Flexibility: Offers both remote work and scheduling variety.
Be a financially smart family!
4. Childcare provider
Care for other children in your home or theirs, either full-time, part-time, or during after-school hours.
How to get started: Register on platforms like Care.com or Sittercity, or spread the word through school networks and local groups.
Why it works: You can earn income while staying home and caring for your own kids at the same time.
Flexibility: Choose your own hours and client base.
5. Freelance writing or editing
Write content for blogs, websites, or publications, or edit and proofread existing content.
How to get started: Use freelance job boards like Contently, Freelancer, or ProBlogger, or pitch to websites directly.
Why it works: You set your rates, choose your clients, and decide how many projects to take on.
Flexibility: Project-based work you can do anytime, anywhere.
6. Bookkeeping
Manage invoices, expenses, and financial reports for small businesses or entrepreneurs.
How to get started: Take a beginner-friendly course (like on Coursera or LinkedIn Learning), then promote your services online.
Why it works: It’s a high-trust job that typically requires just a few hours of work per client each week.
Flexibility: Often remote with tasks you can complete on your own schedule.
7. Tutoring
Help students succeed academically through one-on-one sessions in subjects like math, reading, or SAT prep.
How to get started: Sign up with online platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors, or advertise locally in schools or libraries.
Why it works: High demand makes this a steady gig, and you can set your own hours and rates.
Flexibility: Teach online or in-person with full control over your schedule.
8. Pet sitter or dog walker
Visit homes to walk dogs or care for pets while their owners are away.
How to get started: Create profiles on Rover or Wag, or promote your services through neighborhood social media groups.
Why it works: It's ideal for those who love animals and want short, active breaks throughout the day.
Flexibility: Work only when you're available; morning, midday, or evening options.
9. Social media manager
Plan, create, and schedule content for social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for businesses.
How to get started: Learn best practices through free or low-cost courses, then reach out to local businesses that need help.
Why it works: You can do this job entirely from home and tailor your workload.
Flexibility: Work remotely and adjust tasks to fit around family life.
10. Library assistant or bookstore clerk
Help customers find materials, manage book checkouts, or restock shelves in libraries or bookstores.
How to get started: Check with your local library or bookstore for part-time openings.
Why it works: Calm, family-friendly environments with regular daytime shifts.
Flexibility: Usually daytime shifts, perfect for parents with school-age kids.
Top summer jobs for parents
1. Camp counselor or coordinator
Plan and supervise activities at summer day camps or overnight programs for kids.
How to get started: Apply early with local rec departments, YMCAs, or private camps—staffing begins months in advance.
Why it works: Often, your children can attend the same camp at reduced or no cost.
Flexibility: Seasonal, with daytime hours that align with your child’s schedule.
2. Lifeguard or swim instructor
Ensure pool safety or teach swimming lessons at community pools or private clubs.
How to get started: Earn certification through the Red Cross or a local aquatics program.
Why it works: Provides good pay and plenty of fresh air, especially great if you enjoy being active.
Flexibility: Choose from early morning, midday, or weekend shifts.
3. Retail associate
Assist customers, stock shelves, or run cash registers in stores that see summer foot traffic spikes.
How to get started: Apply to chain stores, local shops, or seasonal pop-ups as early as spring.
Why it works: Part-time shifts are often available and schedules can be tailored week-to-week.
Flexibility: Options for evenings, weekends, or mid-day shifts.
4. Food truck or farmers market staff
Take customer orders, handle transactions, or prep food at outdoor venues.
How to get started: Connect directly with vendors or market organizers at the beginning of the season.
Why it works: It's typically short shifts in the morning or afternoon—plus, you’re often done before dinner.
Flexibility: Mostly seasonal and great for early risers or weekend workers.
5. Event staff
Help set up, manage, and break down events like concerts, sports games, or weddings.
How to get started: Join an event staffing agency or apply directly to local venues.
Why it works: Many events happen evenings or weekends—ideal if you have a partner or sitter available.
Flexibility: On-demand gigs that let you accept jobs when you're free.
6. House sitter or plant care provider
Take care of someone's home, pets, or plants while they're on vacation.
How to get started: Register on house-sitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters, or share availability on local boards.
Why it works: Low time investment with minimal tasks—perfect for families staying close to home over summer.
Flexibility: Self-directed with flexible timing.
7. Gig delivery work
Pick up and deliver groceries or takeout orders via apps like Instacart, DoorDash, or Uber Eats.
How to get started: Apply through the app, complete a background check, and start accepting orders.
Why it works: You can work around nap schedules, camp pickups, or weekend plans.
Flexibility: Total schedule control with pay-per-delivery.
8. Tour guide or museum assistant
Welcome visitors and guide them through tours, exhibits, or ticketing operations.
How to get started: Reach out to local attractions, museums, or historical societies.
Why it works: Engaging work in educational settings, with part-time hours and a predictable schedule.
Flexibility: Daytime shifts, often two to four days a week.
9. Temp agency worker
Fill in on short-term assignments in office administration, hospitality, or retail support.
How to get started: Sign up with a staffing agency and specify your summer availability.
Why it works: Try out different roles without long-term commitment or intensive training.
Flexibility: Accept only the shifts that suit your availability.
10. Summer school aide
Assist teachers in classrooms during school-run summer sessions or enrichment programs.
How to get started: Check with your local school district or apply through afterschool and summer learning nonprofits.
Why it works: Follows a school-day structure and often doesn't require prior teaching experience.
Flexibility: Structured schedule that mirrors your child's day.
Making work work for your family
While part-time and summer jobs help bring in extra income, it’s important to find something that fits your values, energy, and availability. And the good news? There are more flexible jobs for parents than ever before.
Empower kids to earn and learn. Manage chores, jobs, and allowances. Teach kids to earn, save, and invest with the Greenlight app. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†
This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.
Share via
