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Ever had a Mother's Helper? Please help!

New to DCNew to DC
in Two Under 2

I have a 19-month-old son and another due in September.  I could use some advice!  As I get closer to my due date, I find it more and more difficult to care for my 19-month old.  I'm a SAHM and I am constantly struggling to find the energy to keep up with him...not to mention my intense Braxton Hicks contractions.  Has anyone been in this situation?  What did you do?  We do not have family near to help out.  I've been thinking about hiring a Mother's Helper.  If you have experience with a Mother's Helper, I would love to hear from you.  We are interviewing a few ladies this week.  What all did the helper do?

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Re: Ever had a Mother's Helper? Please help!

  • mrswags05mrswags05

    I don't have any experience personally, but my roommate during grad school worked as a mother's helper for several years.  She would pretty much take care of the little one all day long.  Mom would pop in to play with them occasionally, but it was my friend who prepared meals, changed diapers, etc. while she was there.  She also did some light housework - toss the laundry in while she was there, wash dishes, etc.  And in her case, she travelled with the family a lot so that they always had a sitter along on trips.

    Here in Chicago it's not unusual for moms to hire younger kids - like young high schoolers - as mother's helpers for a few hours a day after school.  The teens pretty much just entertain the toddler for a couple of hours so mom can take a shower, take a nap, etc.  They are often younger girls who you wouldn't quite trust to babysit, but who do a good job of playing with your LO when you are in another part of the house.  And it's WAY cheaper than hiring a babysitter.  ($4-6/hr while babysitters run $12-15/hr here).

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  • McCutieMcCutie

    I have one right now since I have a 5 week old, 15 month old and a 4 year old....I found her at www.sittercity.com

    She is great and basically helps with the older 2 esp. the 4 yr old. Keeps her active and busy...She is a teacher so she also can help with tutoring. She also prepares lunch for the kids as needed etc etc....Really good to have around too, for my sanity : )

    We hired her also because my hubby travels quite a bit for business and I couldn't manage without some help. We just moved to a new area and my family lives out of state so someone recommended the site and I interviewed her and did a backround check..

     Let me know if you have any other questions~

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  • middlemarch26middlemarch26 member
    imagemrswags05:

    Here in Chicago it's not unusual for moms to hire younger kids - like young high schoolers - as mother's helpers for a few hours a day after school.  The teens pretty much just entertain the toddler for a couple of hours so mom can take a shower, take a nap, etc.  They are often younger girls who you wouldn't quite trust to babysit, but who do a good job of playing with your LO when you are in another part of the house.  And it's WAY cheaper than hiring a babysitter.  ($4-6/hr while babysitters run $12-15/hr here).

    This is common here as well.  My little brother is in high school, and when I was in the midst of first trimester exhaustion, I would pay him to come over in the afternoons and entertain DS so I could get things done around the house and nap.  It's an inexpensive way to buy yourself a little sanity, IMO.  :)

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  • New to DCNew to DC
    Thanks so much for the advice, Ladies.  Is $10/hr reasonable?
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  • McCutieMcCutie
    I think $10 is reasonable....That is what we pay so it comes out to $400 cash a week.
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