I guess I didn't realize that a mother's helper had a negative connotation associated with it. What I need is somebody to help me (the mother) take care of my babies for a few hours a couple of times a week. I will usually be here and fully involved in the babies care the entire time. I never said I was against paying $20/hr...kind of just wanted some advice about what to expect to pay. I know I am in a unique situation. This is the first time I've ever posted in DC Urban Moms/Dads, and I guess I've learned that there are some not very nice and rather snooty people on here, which is not how I am at all, so that is a bit disappointing to me. At any rate, thanks to everyone who responded and gave me some input.

OP,
I saw your ad on care.com and was considering applying, but this post is making me reconsider.

It sounds light you need a part time nanny/ housekeeper. A mothers helper is a very low responsibility position, which you must not have known based on your comments. Also, people who have been around long enough to gain experience with multiples are generally on the high paid nanny track. They will charge you more then $20 both because they have earned it and because your position is part time.

Anonymous wrote:
Well, I would consider it to be a mother's helper b/c they would essentially be helping me. I don't work during the week so that I can stay home with the babies, and I am just looking for another set of hands to help me out, not do it all. So in essence...a person here with me helping me (the mother). Is that not a mother's helper?

Ask a seasoned nanny to be your mother's helper and see what type of response you get.
I would never accept your job for 4 reasons.

1. The fact that you are hell bent on looking for a "mother's helper" with years of multiples experience and CPR certification shows that you have never employed a childcare provider and will be a complete PITA.

2. I can find a job caring for one child at the rate you will pay for 3...with ease.

3. I have zero interest in working for a SAHM who will be in the home while I'm there.

4. I would rather work full-time than half a day here and there.

I'm sure you can find someone for $8 an hour, just offer that and see what you get. If someone accepts your offer you have no obligation to feel bad or pity them. That is the free market at work.

I agree with PP and I'm also an MB. You're going to pay for their experience. Anyone with the things you are looking for (CPR certified, infant/multiples experience) could fairly easily find a position paying at least $20/hr for another family, possibly with less children and non-multiples, so they aren't going to be interested in your position paying less.

If you want to pay an actual "Mother's Helper" rate you will only find teenagers who have no experience with either infants or multiples.

As PP said, I think you will have trouble finding someone even at $20/hr because most people with the experience you are looking for would prefer not to work for/with a SAHM as mother's helper when they could get a position as a nanny and have more independence.

Whatever you want to call it, it's at least $20/hour (I'm an MB). And I think even at that rate you're going to have trouble finding someone to take it.

Well, I would consider it to be a mother's helper b/c they would essentially be helping me. I don't work during the week so that I can stay home with the babies, and I am just looking for another set of hands to help me out, not do it all. So in essence...a person here with me helping me (the mother). Is that not a mother's helper?

PP, and I agree w/ 16:20. You are not talking about a mothers helper. You're describing a professional caregiver and with triplets you're definitely looking at the higher end of the market range.

A person who can do everything you're describing also won't necessarily be interested in working in a home where you're there a lot, or where the mother employing the caregiver thinks of this as a mother's helper.

You're describing a professional so you'll need to be prepared to pay and treat that person accordingly.

- MB

Anonymous wrote:
Dishes/laundry/help me make food/bottles for the babies. They should be comfortable with pets since we do have a dog. It would be nice if they were CPR certified and have some experience taking care of infants (experience with infant multiples would be even better).

That is not a mother's helper. For that type of experience, you will have to pay minimum $20/hour.

Dishes/laundry/help me make food/bottles for the babies. They should be comfortable with pets since we do have a dog. It would be nice if they were CPR certified and have some experience taking care of infants (experience with infant multiples would be even better).

MB here. I would not consider someone who can watch triplets, help with housework, and be left alone to care for triplets a "mother's helper".

I have a mothers helper who is a 13 year old and plays w/ my twins (2 1/2) for an hour or two at a time. All she does is play with them - no diapers/potty management, no meals, no housework at all (I'm happy if she picks up the toys at the end) and I wouldn't leave her alone with them. I pay her $7-8/hr.

I have babysitters I pay anywhere from $12-15/hr for but they're adults. They might handle meals, and I leave them with the kids, but they don't do housework.

Our nanny makes more than either category and does some light housework (kids laundry, meals for the kids, cleaning up after them) but nothing else.

You'll have to see what your local market will bear and can offer, but with triplets (God bless you!!!) you'll probably need a higher level of competence to feel comfortable and it will take a unique person who is also able/willing to help with housework, IMO.

Unless you're considering a young girl (like 12-14) with little experience as your helper, the rate doesn't typically change whether you're at home or not. For a professional nanny with at least a few years experience and perhaps experience with multiples as well, I'd say you're looking at rates starting at $20/hr. Higher the more experience they have.

What type of light housework do you want this person to perform. What types of qualifications do you want her to have?

Hello there,

I have 12-month-old triplets and am considering hiring a mother's helper for 3-4 hours a couple of days a week to help me watch the babies and perhaps do a bit of light housework. Once I feel sufficiently comfortable with this person, I may leave them alone occasionally while I run errands/shower/etc. What would be a fair hourly rate for this type of position in Arlington, VA? Thanks for any input.