Mother's Helper: A Valuable Support for Parents

Parenting is one of the most rewarding jobs but can also be challenging. Even as a stay-at-home mom or work-from-home parent, it can often feel like there’s never enough time in the day.

Hiring a full-time nanny can be expensive, time-consuming, and overkill for some families. A mother’s helper, on the other hand, is a practical and affordable solution. In this article, we’ll explain what a mother’s helper is, the typical duties they perform, and how the role differs from that of a nanny.

What is a mother’s helper?

As the name implies, a mother’s helper is a person who assists a mother or stay-at-home parent with childcare and some household tasks.

A mother’s helper is typically someone new to childcare who helps engage children in play, supervises activities, helps with meals or homework, goes grocery shopping, tidies play areas, supports newborn or sibling care, and performs other light household chores, all under the mother’s active supervision. 

This frees up time for the parent to do other things and gives young caregivers experience in childcare before they take on more responsibility.

Mother’s helper vs nanny: Key differences

The most significant difference between a mother’s helper and a nanny is in the autonomy and supervision.

A mother’s helper works alongside the parent or under the direct supervision of the parent, which means the parent is present in the home and continues to oversee the children’s care. The parent gives specific instructions about what needs to be done or occasionally steps in if the children need more attention.

In contrast, a nanny is solely responsible for caring for the children and works with minimal supervision. They are expected to manage the children's daily routines, make decisions about their care, and handle situations independently, especially when the parents are not around.

Another key difference is the qualifications and experience required. A nanny is more experienced and will likely have child care certifications, such as the Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification or the Newborn and Infant Care Professional (NICP) certificate. On the other hand, a mother’s helper doesn’t require formal training or extensive childcare experience. The role is often filled by teenagers or college students with limited experience working with children but seeking more exposure.

Additionally, the scope of work for a mother’s helper is more limited and centered around assisting the parent with household and childcare tasks. This could include playing with the children, helping with homework, or doing light household chores like meal prep, laundry, or organizing. The mother’s helper serves more as an extra pair of hands than an independent caretaker.

A nanny, on the other hand, has a much broader scope of responsibilities. They are expected to manage the child’s day-to-day activities, plan educational and recreational activities, prepare meals, and ensure they follow their routines, including naps and bedtime. Nannies are also often responsible for running errands, transporting children to activities or appointments, and handling emergencies when they arise. 

What does a mother’s helper do?

A mother's helper is primarily there to assist the parent with childcare and household chores while the parent remains actively involved. They may also take on light housekeeping duties or even serve as a cleaning helper to assist with tidying up the home.

Here’s a detailed list:

• Child supervision, playing with the children, and reading to them.
• Engage kids in activities like games, arts and crafts, puzzles, or going to the park.
• Help older children with schoolwork or reading practice.
• Watch the children for short periods while the parent runs errands, attends appointments, or works at home.
• Assist with preparing simple meals or snacks for the children.
• Help with feeding toddlers and cleaning up afterward.
• Support parents in potty training.
• Assist with bath time for younger children and help to dress them.
• Help pick up toys, organize books, clothes, or other belongings around the house, and make the children’s beds.
• Assists with sorting and folding the children’s clothes and putting laundry in the washing machine.
• Help run small errands around the house or neighborhood.
• Soothe the baby, change diapers, or help with nighttime feedings.
• Feed or walk family pets.

How to find a mother's helper

When looking for a mother’s helper, focus on qualities like reliability, trustworthiness, and a willingness to learn. While formal childcare experience isn’t always necessary, you’ll also want someone responsible, personable, proactive, and comfortable working around children. 

Here are some suggestions for finding the right mother’s helper:

• Use personal referrals through friends, family, neighbors, or fellow parents in your community. Word-of-mouth referrals often lead to the best candidates with good experience and reputation.
• Check online job boards and platforms. You can read reviews, view qualifications, and learn about an applicant’s experience and availability.
• If you prefer to find someone locally, post on community boards at the library, community center, or coffee shops. You can also check with local high schools or colleges for students looking for part-time work.
• Use babysitter or nanny agencies.

Mother’s helper rates

On average, mother’s helper rates range from $10/hr to $15/hr, depending on the location, the helper’s age, experience, the number of children, and the scope of the tasks. 

In high-cost areas like San Francisco, New York, and Chicago, a mother’s helper can earn as high as $25/hr. In contrast, a mother’s helper rate can be as low as $8/hr in places like Houston and Philadelphia.

In general, mother’s helpers are paid less than nannies due to the lower level of responsibility and experience required.

The bottom line about mother's helpers

A mother’s helper assists you while you’re home. Think of them as your extra set of hands, not a replacement. They are cheaper, flexible, and ideal if you just need occasional support without the cost or commitment of a nanny. Plus, it’s an excellent way for younger caregivers to gain experience.

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