Anonymous wrote:The issue we've found with hiring a part time housekeeper is that many value and need the flexibility to fit in as many jobs as possible into their days. So, while I would love for someone to come for 3 or 4 hours 3 or 4 days a week, we eventually hired someone for an 8 hour day and a 4 hour day.

Total long shot, but do you have the set-up for a live-in? This would be a great job for a work exchange. I wouldn't expect heavy housekeeping in that situation, but 2 hours a day. Basically get the kids up, ready, to school then maybe a few light tasks to fill out two hours. It would be great for an even exchange.

Agree with this poster. I'm actually looking for room exchange for childcare. I have a full time job with somewhat flexible hours and have availability in the early mornings and some evenings. I'm sure lots of people would be interested if you are open to this type of arrangement.

Good luck

Was that person who was hired in the past, hired as a housekeeper or as a nanny?

These were housekeepers who came once a week and provided a flat fee for service. When the children were young we did have a nanny that did light housekeeping (non-child related and child related laundry, dusting, groceries, sweeping etc) and never had a problem with her at all but she didn't do deep cleaning or the type of cleaning a commercial services or regular housekeeper would do like bathrooms etc.

The issue we've found with hiring a part time housekeeper is that many value and need the flexibility to fit in as many jobs as possible into their days. So, while I would love for someone to come for 3 or 4 hours 3 or 4 days a week, we eventually hired someone for an 8 hour day and a 4 hour day.

Total long shot, but do you have the set-up for a live-in? This would be a great job for a work exchange. I wouldn't expect heavy housekeeping in that situation, but 2 hours a day. Basically get the kids up, ready, to school then maybe a few light tasks to fill out two hours. It would be great for an even exchange.

Was that person who was hired in the past, hired as a housekeeper or as a nanny?

Ideally, I would like to hire someone to come to our house at 8 am and get our 2 elementary school kids ready for school and dropped off by 9:00 am. We live 5 minutes from the school. I leave for work around 6:45 to be able to get home by 5pm. DH leaves for work at 8 am. We tried before care starting at 8 am last year but DD has ADHD, doesn't sleep as well on the meds and can really use the extra 1 hour a sleep if we had a nanny come in at 8.
DH also isn't that great or patient with DD's ADHD. She's forgetful so its a constant get your coat and shoes, she runs off willingly and promptly grabs one but not the other, DH get frustrated/yells but DD can't really change. I need someone patient who can keep nudging her and remind her nicely go back and get your coat etc.

I think it would be hard to find someone for just one hour a day so I was thinking of making this a nanny/housekeeping position and getting rid of our commercial service. The position could be 8-11 to allow for about 2 hours a day of cleaning. My kids love, love their sports camp so we would continue the same schedule through the summer.

Has anyone done this before and did it work out? My main concern about doing the housekeeping position is that I've had problems with housekeepers in the past starting off great and then almost always doing progressively less and less. I'm also not very picky at all so we're talking complete slacking off over time. I'm not sure why. The service is pretty reliable and I haven't had that problem.