A mother’s helper is someone who helps out with childcare while the parent is in the home. The concept of a mother’s helper is gaining popularity as parents cope with the dual responsibilities of homeschooling and juggling work from home. As many parents are discovering, it can be a struggle to stay on task with both activities occurring simultaneously in the home, making a mother’s helper a viable option when it comes to childcare.
What Does a Mother’s Helper Do?
What Is the Difference Between a Nanny and a Mother’s Helper?
Who Is the Best Candidate for a Mother’s Helper?
How Old Should a Mother's Helper Be?
How Is a Mother’s Helper a Cost-Effective Childcare Option?
Mother’s Helper vs. Nanny: What’s the Difference?
How Do I Find A Mother’s Helper?
A mother’s helper generally works under close supervision to assist with taking care of children, completing basic chores around the home, providing meal preparation, and running errands. Other tasks and duties of this role may include:
There are many responsibilities that a mother’s helper can assist with and will largely depend on your household and specific priorities. The job is a flexible position, can be part-time or full-time, and is paid hourly or salaried.
The biggest difference between a nanny and a helper is that a nanny’s responsibility is focused on the care of the children, whereas a mother’s helper assists the mother with needs in addition to childcare. A nanny generally will have sole responsibility caring for the children with the parent(s) in or out of the home. A helper works more to assist the mother and cares for the children under loose supervision while the mother is in the home or nearby.
Considering your needs and where you seek the most help will be the first step in determining a candidate. This will be useful when deciding how to proceed with interviews and marketing of your job advertisement. Ask yourself the following questions:
If you only need occasional help, then you might consider a middle school or high school student. They generally can be paid a bit less and can do simple chores while helping to keep the children occupied as you tackle work and other projects. School-age helpers are an option but may have limited flexibility in scheduling. College students and retirees are great to consider if you are in need of occasional full-on childcare, potential long-term help, transportation for the kids’ activities, or flexibility/availability for longer shifts. The hourly rate will typically be a bit higher for someone of this caliber and can be either hourly or salaried depending on preferences and duties.
The age of a mother’s helper can vary widely, but they are typically younger than traditional babysitters or nannies, often starting around 11-16 years old. The helper’s maturity and comfort level with the responsibilities are more important than their exact age. Parents should assess the individual’s ability to follow instructions, communicate well, and engage positively with children. For younger mother’s helpers, parents or guardians are generally still in the home to provide oversight.
Mother’s helpers are generally more affordable than babysitters or nannies since they are often less experienced and do not provide independent care. They assist with basic tasks like entertaining children, helping with simple household chores, or preparing snacks, all while a parent or guardian is present. This allows mothers to get a break or focus on other tasks without paying the higher rates associated with nannies or fully trained babysitters.
For families who don’t need full-time childcare or who work from home, a mother’s helper provides valuable support at a more budget-friendly rate. Many families find this arrangement a good balance between cost and the need for an extra set of hands with child-related tasks.
A mother’s helper and a nanny differ mainly in experience, responsibilities, and level of independence in caregiving. Here’s a breakdown of the distinctions:
| Aspect | Mother’s Helper | Nanny |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | Often younger (11-16 years old) | Typically adults with more experience |
| Supervision | Works under the supervision of a parent | Works independently, often with minimal supervision |
| Responsibilities | Light tasks: entertaining children, light chores | Broad range: cooking, educational activities, full childcare |
| Experience Level | Limited; often gaining initial childcare experience | More experienced, often with certifications or formal training |
| Cost | Lower rate; budget-friendly option | Higher rate; reflects experience and responsibility |
| Commitment | Usually part-time, occasional | Often full-time, with a regular schedule |
| Training Requirements | Minimal, though basic knowledge is helpful | Often CPR certified, trained in child development |
| Role in Family’s Routine | Supportive; helps parents in their role | Takes on primary caregiving responsibilities |
Word of mouth is a great place to start when looking for a mother’s helper. Ask around in your mom and play groups, church family, book clubs, at your gym, etc. Teens and tweens are often looking for ways to gain babysitting experience and can make great helpers. Set up a meeting between the potential mother’s helper and her/his parents to make sure all are in agreement if you decide to interview a school-age helper. Be certain to establish boundaries and explain your children’s habits, likes and dislikes. If you are looking for an older helper, an internet search may yield options for more established caregivers through an agency. This may be the most reliable and safe option. Also consider making a post on social media in local parenting and babysitting groups, posting on college campuses. It is recommended to do a background check on any candidate who makes it to your final rounds of interviews.
To post your own questions about a mother’s helper or to see what other parents are talking about check out the Winnie community. Winnie is a childcare platform that can be used to search preschools and daycares in your area.