Anonymous wrote:
Oh it isn't? That's interesting to know. So you know of many moms in Arlington with infant triplets looking for somebody to help them out a few times a week while they are also at home? Cool. Small world, I guess.

I know lots of parents of multiples, including triplets, in Montgomery County who employ help in a variety of capacities. So the dramatic difference between you and them is what side of the river they live on. That doesn't seem material to the question you're asking here.

Reading your reactions to the comments here, in combination with your initial post, I'd say you sound like someone who is going to be a pretty difficult boss, and who will have a tough time finding qualified help that sticks around for any period of time.

OP, you may be able to find a qualified college student who is eager to work when she doesn't have classes, especially if you offer a guaranteed weekly pay. I worked three days a week for my old nanny family (mom was a stay at home mom, by the way) while I was in school and I'm highly qualified. I am CPR/First Aid certified with a background in child development. So it can be found, don't be discouraged.

I advertised for a "mother's helper" on one of the local college job boards for help with my twins - to have a couple hours here a couple times a week let me take showers -- and was nice to have extra set of hands so I could be one on one for bit trading off was great even for short stretches. I got a lot of responses & the asking price was basically what they were also asking for babysitting (no reduction for you being in the house). So depending on the type of person you are trying to recruit, if I were going to do the college job boards again, I might just call it a sitter but stress that it's to help while you are home on maternity leave - i did find the "mother's helper" language was considered pretty old school and implied teenager to many. Ranged from about $15-17/hour in NW.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does MB mean?

Mom boss

Thank you!

Anonymous wrote:What does MB mean?

Mom boss

What does MB mean?

Anonymous wrote:
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, there is no negative connotation. Even mothers helpers and babysitters are an important resource for parents and you are right to consider all of your options. There is nothing at all bad or inferior about being a mothers helper. As a nanny, I have had to explain what sets me apart from other types of child care professionals, being able to do it with professionalism is one hallmark of the title I wear. It sounds like you have gotten enough information to make a more informed decision.

OP, I think one of your biggest challenges will be finding someone who is qualified for what you want (able to handle toddler multiples on their own) yet will be satisfied with working just a few hours a day, a few days per week. Anyone who is that qualified will generally be looking for full time work.

Oh it isn't? That's interesting to know. So you know of many moms in Arlington with infant triplets looking for somebody to help them out a few times a week while they are also at home? Cool. Small world, I guess.

Hopefully you've learned some sensitivity about the language. You are looking to hire some professional level, qualified help. That's great.

Now you know that "mother's helpers" are typically less qualified, younger and definitely not professional.

So just change what you're calling it and hopefully you won't have a problem. But don't hire someone with the attitude that they aren't a professional - that's why you're getting attitude here.

Your situation really isn't all that unique by the way.

- MB