Having multiple streams of income will alleviate financial concern if you lose business, your business does not gain ground quickly, or a project or investment becomes costly. Live is uncertain as home based professionals we cannot afford to put all our eggs in one basket. However, we also are not clones of ourselves to go out to work, take on a side job, and start a few businesses to support our ultimate goal. A solution is not to start several businesses that will take a lot of your time but build smaller side businesses for the sole purpose of support not profit. It is great if you can profit off of a small sideline but the point in having one is to support your household or your main business.
Side Businesses to Consider
Babysitting: While not ideal for every situation, it may provide the funds and playmates for your children. I had a home daycare for years and did quite well from it. I would warn you not to make it a full time business if you plan to use it only as support.
Tutoring: You can make a decent amount of money tutoring students. It is also work that only takes a few hours of week, depending on how many students you take on. However that aspect is up to you, making this a great side business.
Catering: You can cater special events, for moms who just had babies, for the holidays or whatever suits your schedule.
Computer Tech: Everyone has trouble with their computer every now and again. Most will look to someone who knows how to fix it for help. With so many people needing computers for work and wanting it for entertainment, most will not know how to troubleshoot when something goes wrong. If you have that knowledge, you can work fairly part time helping others.
Housecleaning: This job and be quite flexible. You can work on your own terms and hours, taking on as many or few clients as needed. You can also make a sideline to your sideline by offering to clean up for special events such as weddings, parties, etc.