Back in my youth my mom stayed home with my brother and I because those days both parents didn't need to work to earn enough to maintain a household.
As we all know those days are long gone! So as bad as it is to have to leave home and family every day to go to that annoying job, Sometimes it isn't that much of an advantage anyway with childcare, extra gas, and other expenses that go along with it.
So what can a mother really do to contribute to the household finances but still stay home with the kids as they grow and build memories? Following is a list of several options a stay at home mom can use to earn that income while staying at home and spending as little or as much time as necessary depending on how much money you want to make.

1. Paid Surveys.
   There are many, many paid survey companies out there.
   Some are better than others of course, so do your research before getting involved.
   The biggest drawback to this is it does take lots of time and many surveys to make it worth your while.
   But if you like to spend a bunch of time on the computer this may be for you.
   It is very easy and simple.
   
2. eBay.
   Sell stuff on eBay.
   Naturally we aren't talking about selling the stuff in your attic.
   If you want to use eBay to earn income you will need to find products in bulk and list them for auction.
   There are e-books out there that will teach you how to use eBay successfully.
   Again, do your research before paying for any learning programs because, like anything else, you can get scammed.
   
3. Etsy.
   com.
   If you are pretty handy making stuff you can sell them on a site called Etsy.
   com.
   It is pretty straightforward, just make it, list it, and sell it.
   
4. Affiliate Marketing.
   This involves building an affiliate business (selling other folks products) using various methods of paid or free advertising.
   The upside is you don't need your own product inventory and you can do it with little or no money invested.
   The downside is it usually takes a little while (weeks or months) to get the business established and creating a good income flow.
   It isn't as easy as some would have you believe.
   Be prepared to make some mistakes while learning the ropes.
   
5. Virtual Assistant.
   A virtual assistant is someone who performs data entry, customer service call center, and secretarial type work.
   Many companies hire for this type of work through various online sources.
   Go to one of these sites and apply if you are interested.
   This feels like a job to me because you are on their schedule, but it is something that can be done at home.
   
6. Medical Transcriptions.
   This is a health related positions where you transcribe voice recordings from doctors and other health professionals.
   To do this at home you will need the necessary training or experience, as well as the equipment.
   You can pretty much work this in around everything else you have going on daily.
   

There are plenty of other options with traditional things, but the internet gives you the best option for success.
You will also come across more work at home stuff that I haven't listed, but I consider the above to be the best of the bunch and your best chance for success.
If your goal is to be a stay at home mom, then stay focused on your goal and never give up!