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Mother's Helps are generally unqualified live-in nannies working alongside
a mother, rather than having sole charge of the children. Mother's Helps
may work well for parents who work from home or parents who work part-time
and want housework and childcare combined.
Duties:
- Mother's helps are expected to 'muck in' more than nannies and as
well as caring for the children under mum's supervision, they are expected
to help out with light housework, shopping etc. Perfect for mums who
needs another pair of hands but don't expect days of sole charge care.
- As the mother's help gains more and more experience, they may be
able take more responsibility and ultimately sole charge. Some girls
start out as a mother's help and gain enough experience to be considered
for nannying posts in their next job.
Qualifications:
A mother's help must be at least 18. She may have no formal qualifications
but she should have good experience with children. She may have cared
for siblings, done regular babysitting or helped out at a local playgroup.
Cost:
A mother's help earns between £150-£200 per week.
Hours:
Mother's helps expect to work about ten hours a day for live-in, although
two nights babysitting are included in her salary (babysitting is extra
for a live-out).
Where do I find a Mother's Help?
- Most mother's helps are available through agencies - look at our BestBear.co.uk childcare search to find a recommended agency in your area that deals with mother's helps.
- Alternatively you could place an ad in your local toy shop, post
office or playgroup to tap the local grapevine.
Mums own tips:
"My mother's help has been brilliant, not only has she given me
the freedom to start a little business at home, it has also meant that
I spend more time with the kids as she doesn't mind doing the Sainsbury's
run and running a hoover round for me while I take them to the park. I
was worried that if I had a nanny she wouldn't want to do those things
and she would be spending time with the kids while I did the shopping.
No thanks". Linda Standing, Newcastle.
If you have any tips on mother's helps please email help@bestbear.co.uk
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