Questions about mothers' help

[hoppermum]

I have a 2yo and newborn and thinking of getting a mothers help when my husband goes back to work after paternity leave. I only want someone to help between tea time and bed-time (5-7) 3 or 4 days per week. Is it realistic to think I can find someone to work these hours? Also, how would it work in practical terms, what can I expect them to do?

In my head I want someone to entertain the toddler while I'm cooking dinner, help with bath time and take care of bsby while i put toddler to bed. Maybe straighten up living room (tidy away toys etc)

Sorry for the huge paragraphs..6 day old is cluster feeding and it's been a long day!!

(Ps please don't contact me to offer services)

[Mellors]

Hi

Congratulations!

I had exactly this when my third was born. I had somebody to come in from about 4.30 - 6.30 a few days a week until I got on my feet. I found her via here - she was a lovely speech therapy student. It was summer so she basically played with the older two in the garden (age 3 and 4 at the time) whilst I fed the baby loads. She then did the big ones supper (I just had pasta & sauce, fishfingers etc in). I did baby bath and settled baby down to sleep whilst she bathed the older two and got them in the their pajamas and then I took back over at 6.30 - 7 for stories etc with the big ones. It was a lifesaver - it meant I got baby in a good, peaceful routine early on, and still got quality time with the older ones after he was in bed rather than being a shrieking wreck!

As I was in the house anyway I wasn't as fussed about somebody with r.g. nanny qualifications - just somebody hands on, fun and helpful.

I hope thats useful - PM me if you need any more info.

Mel

[Mellors]

She did also tidy up toys, leave bathroom clean after the kids were in their pajamas, sorted out milk for older ones etc. I paid by the hour, and she was flexible on timings - all extra cash for her as she finished Uni mid afternoon :)

[alieh]

My friend found the same pretty easily - in her case I think she found a nanny that was between jobs for a few months. She just paid by the hour too as it was a temporary arrangement. She described it as a lifesaver too!

[sillywoman]

or a handy teenager working her way through 6th form?

[Strawbs]

How much per hour would you normally pay someone to come and do this? My second is due in march and it might not be a bad idea!

[alieh]

My friend paid ?10/hr I believe.

[Ann]

A student or sixth former would probably work for less.

[Mellors]

?8 - ?10 an hour.

[golden boy]

yeah, sure, you would find a person you need, my cousine had such lady who was coming at 4-30 and leaving at 6. Was convenient for both.

[Pugwash]

An active older woman whose kids have grown up but would welcome a little extra money doing something they enjoyed.

[claralou]

I'm also thinking of trying to find someone like this. Which forum on here should you post in to try to find someone like this?

[fl0wer]

claralou, just go to the other 'Family' section, where people both ask for and recommend nannies, etc

[claralou]

thanks for this reply fl0wer - am getting on the case now!