Mother's Helps are generally unqualified 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 and shopping. Perfect for mums who need another pair of hands and 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 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. They may have no formal qualifications but should have good experience with children. They may have cared for siblings, done regular babysitting or helped out at a local playgroup.

Cost:
A Mother's Help earns between £150-£300 (net) per week.

Hours:
Mother's Helps expect to work about ten hours a day for live-in, although two nights babysitting are included in the 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.

Best Bear mums own tips on Mother's Helps:
"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 feedback@bestbear.co.uk