Hiya Mamas! (and Dads) What's the best way to find a mother's helper in my area? Like a psuedo-nanny- couple days a week some weeks, one day other weeks, and what kind of rate is fair? I really need an extra pair of hands and another brain every once and awhile. I have a 6 month old and a two and a half year old. I have had some health problems recently which make it extremely difficult for me to multitask now.
TIA
put an ad up at your local community college, theres bound to be a million girls who would love that job!
neighbor kids and church are the best ways in my personal experience.
Word of mouth! I told EVERYONE I knew that I was looking for someone to help out with my kids during the summer. One of my middle schooler's friend's moms told some people at soccer practice, and one of them was the older brother of a teammate, and he said he had a friend who was looking for that kind of job...etc., etc. I talked to people, sent emails, and kept reminding them, until eventually it worked out and I found this GREAT girl who just graduated from high school. It took about 2 months but it worked! Good luck!
What age of person are you looking for???
School age, through the rest of the summer and after school?
College aged?
Another mom with one child? Maybe a teen mom????
Ask everyone you know (and respect) if they know of someone. Tell them exactly what you are looking for.
Put a message on your FB saying to message you if they know of anyone that fits your description.
Contact the local high school or college and see about putting up an ad.
Use www.care.com.
Spell out what you are looking for and how much you are willing to pay.
I was fortunate to have a young mom (age 16) that I'd been mentoring to help me around the house while I gave her a stable place to hang out with her baby. We did a lot of running around with all 3 girls and had a great summer! She was like family to us, and we miss her very much (we moved out of state).
Be choosy and interview them all before you make any type of contract (even verbal).
Try Sittercity
Go to the local summer camps and see if they have any counselors in training that they'd recommend. These are kids who have already demonstrated an interest and ability with children.
Also consider going to a senior center, seniors have a lot to offer.
Post in your local church, coffee shop, pool, home center, craft shop, auto parts store. A mother's helper is somewhat easier because you aren't leaving your children in their care unsupervised. You've just got to find someone who can take direction, follow through, and that you find agreeable as company.
Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.
We found ours on sittercity.com. She's been great so far :)
I have used www.sittercity.com and www.care.com for exactly this. Hth!
