WATM advice needed

[Anonymous]

Okay this is for anyone that works for a stay at home mom. I have worked for WATMs before and I am not a fan. Mostly because they want to be in another room to work and the kids know they're home and I do all I can to keep them from bothering them and I feel like they don't listen to me. BUT with a SAHM it would be different because she is not working. I pretty much got an offer last night when I went over to babysit for a SAHM with an 11 month old. She is pregnant with her 2nd child and has been ordered to be on bedrest from 4 months til she gives birth. She needs someone to help her change the baby, chase him around, and probably run some errands while her husband works. She was super nice, a little nervous about leaving her baby with someone new, but it all worked out fine.
The job would be til probably February, I think she's due in January. So I guess I'm wondering what its like to work for a SAHM, any tips, any questions I should ask? I am definitely going to ask if I can take the baby out because being in the house all day is not something I like to do. Is it weird to work in a house where mom is there? I'm open to this job though and I think it could be fun. Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

I agree w/everything you stated about working in a home w/a parent who is in the home. Yes, the child DOES act much different knowing their parent is in the home and yes it is very stressful when you have to keep that child from bothering the parent working in the home office. BTDT.

As for a mother on bed rest, I am not sure if this job will be any different I am afraid. I would only accept this type of job if I really needed the money because I personally feel uncomfortable working alongside another parent due to micromanaging issues. I prefer to work independently and have complete autonomy at all times, but that is just me.

If you think you can make this work, then yes, I agree...It is important for you to ask the mother if you will be able to take her child on daily outings while in your care. If she is not okay w/that, then I don't think this job will be a good fit. To have to stay indoors w/both the child + the mother all day would drive me stir crazy!!

Also, this may be tricky, but I would want to know exactly where the boundary lines will be drawn. How will the day be structured? Will you be able to plan the child's daily activities? Or will the mother plan them and you will simply follow her wishes? During the child's nap times, will you be expected to do any non-child related household duties? And if so, which ones? Are these acceptable to you?

All of these things must be pre-discussed before hire.

Hope this all helps. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I am a MB who was in this exact situation. I think it will be fine. Bedrest isn't just being confined to home - it's being confined to BED. I was allowed a 10 minute shower once a day and trips to the bathroom - and that was it.

Hiring a nanny was essential! I don't know how we could have coped without her. My toddler came in to visit me to read a couple of books before her nap, but otherwise, she and the nanny had a blast. They went to the park, they played - and it made me feel so less guilty about not being able to be active with my toddler.

The nanny did one other thing for me: she made lunch for all three of us and brought me a plate in bed. I am still grateful to her for her kindness, and we still keep in touch, several years later!

[Anonymous]

I worked for a part time working/part time stay at home mom for 5 years and loved it. We developed a great relationship and, even though I don't work for her now, she is one of my closest friends. We go out to dinner and catch a movie some weekends and I am like an aunt to her two kids. Granted, this mom is a wonderful, sweet, easygoing person and she always made sure her kids knew that if I was there, I was in charge. It doesn't have to be an awful situation, you might end up loving it. I'm now working for another family with two busy working parents, and I definitely miss the companionship I had at my last job.