Please don't take wrong what I am about to say as I may be misinterpreting your post. I have two points to make in response.
FIRST: If you don't have a bookkeeping background I DO NOT RECOMMEND trying to be a bookkeeping VA. A bookkeeper is more than just someone who does data entry and prints checks/reports. Being a bookkeeper requires a SOLID background in accounting (IMO this is critical) and a LOT of experience working under someone WITH experience before going out on your own. Mistakes are easily made if you don't understand WHY something gets set up/entered the way it is and mistakes can be VERY costly not just to your client but also to you; E&O insurance is a necessity for a bookkeeper. I have been paid big bucks by clients who hired an inexperienced 'bookkeeper' with little or no background or a 'data entry clerk' for their QuickBooks entries and the client needed me to fix their incorrectly done accounting.
SECOND: Being a VA is NOT "something that would allow me to stay home with him while doing something valuable and interesting at least part time." A VA IS A BUSINESS OWNER. Being a VA and business owner requires a tremendous amount of time and commitment to set up the business in the first place, to maintain the business, and to attract/keep clients. Based on what I have read/experienced, it can take upwards of 6 months to obtain your first client and, in the meantime, the business is hemorrhaging money while being created. If your goal is to bring in extra income and have interesting work, there are lots of "work at home mom" (WAHM) jobs out there that are specifically designed for telecommuting which also allow a flexible schedule and bring in extra income at the same time.
That being said...
There are lots more ways to work as a VA than in bookkeeping. If you are interested in being a business owner rather than just bringing in extra income, you are definitely in the right place! I would recommend that you start by making a list of your skills, arrange them by experience, what you enjoy doing, and what CAN be done 'long distance', and use that as your 'jumping off point' for establishing a business. There are lots of great resources on this forum to help you set up your business (start with the Master List) and we are always happy to answer questions and/or guide you to the right place to research past questions/answers that will fit your particular situation.
Please accept my apologies if I misunderstood your focus. I wish you absolute luck in whatever goal(s) you are trying to achieve.
