Mommy's Helper

Rachel Goldstein · July 2013

Hello Ladies!

Before the boys I used to work from home refinishing furniture for a living and I'd love to get back to it now that the boys are of a healthy weight and getting older (3+ mos).

I'm thinking I should get a Mommy's Helper because if I understand the way it works they just help you out while you're home, correct? I would literally be in the garage and could have the baby monitors on out there if I was needed.

My questions are:

When did you get a Mommy's Helper?

How old was your MH?

How much did you pay them, and did they stay all day?

Thanks Ladies! Just trying to figure out whats the best way for me to get back to "work".

Dragonfly1226 · July 2013

I am a SAHM. We have a college student who comes three mornings a week from 9-12. She mostly helps with DS and also helps me to get all three kids out so I am not stuck at home all week. So sometimes she just takes DS and sometimes we all hang out together at the playground or library etc. We are in a high cost of living area and she gets $15/hour.

PumpkinAndThePeanut · July 2013

Hi Rachell! I will reply to your PM soon!

I have a MH for the summer but she's a high school student and I wouldn't leave her alone to deal with both babies at once, even if i was in another part of the house. I'm full on hands on with her and the girls all day [she works 11 to 4 Monday through friday]. If you're going to be in another part of the house or outside and busy working, I would get someone a little older and more experiened. I am in the Chicago area and pay her 8 dollars an hour. She does a lot of chores around the house for me as well as helping with the girls.

Of course, it also depends on how easy your boys are to take care of when they're both awake and as we discussed, my girls kind of catnap at different times throughout the day, while your day is a lot more structured than mine right now...

txcyclist · July 2013

I hired a doula to help in the evenings since my dh works out of state during the week and I'm solo with the twins and my 10 y/o ds. She works 6 pm to 1 am and helps with the babies, dinner, light chores. She's certified with 20 years experience and I pay 24 an hour. I'm waiting to see if insurance covers it but either way I need the help, especially when I return to work in a week.

ETA she stays late to do a feed while I sleep because sadly my babies don't sttn yet.

radiant05 · July 2013

I'm also considering finding someone to assist as a mommy's helper. As far as finding one, people have suggested asking around to neighbors, co-workers, your church, nearby daycare center. I'm not sure on the rate yet either, but we pay $10-$12 for a babysitter, so I was thinking maybe around $8?

I'll be watching this thread to see others' recommendations

fanofanne · July 2013

hi there...so when i went back to work after summer vacation last year (twins were 5 months-ish), my mom and dad watched our babies...full time. but then due to health issues my dad had to cut back a bit and so we got a mh for three days a week when the twins were about a year old. she's at the house from 8-3 and we pay her $10 an hour. someone has always been around in the house (not necessarily the same room) and she basically does small chores around the house...wipe down kids' toys, play mat, high chairs, etc. I highly recommend getting an mh, because at first, I felt guilty about it, but then my kids deserve a less stressed mommy. good luck!

mommaoftrips · July 2013

I have triplets and pay 14/hour, so a little more. Initially, I tried hiring for 11 and got lots of replies but when they came for interviews they all wanted more. I think for the one who wanted to hire at 8/hr that you won't get anyone worth while. These are your kids, in the grand scheme of things "you get what you pay for". GL

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