I once did this type of work.

NEVER EVER again will I.

Every single day was absolute H-E-L-L.

Being watched + micromanaged is not worth any dollar amount in my opinion.

My 12-y-o is a mother's helper. Helps wrangle the 3 kids with Mom on outings to the playground. Plays with the older 2 in the fenced backyard while baby is napping and Mom is getting a few things done around the house. A mother's helper in your position would be someone coming in a few hours in the am to watching napping babies while Gma gets the 3-y-o out to the park or comes 3-6 every day so they can all go to the playground and then get house tidied and dinner on the table or whatever.

Mother's helpers don't work full time long term.

Anonymous wrote:OP here -

It's come to my attention that we are actually seeking a "mother's helper" type of situation instead of a nanny. Thank you for all of your advice.

"It has come to your attention..."? Aren't you calling the shots for your own child's care, OP? You really should not allow someone else - either your mother or your sister - to let you know (and bring to your attention) what kind of child care you will have for your own child.

Regardless, I hope things work out for you and your family. Please don't let yourself be bullied.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here -

It's come to my attention that we are actually seeking a "mother's helper" type of situation instead of a nanny. Thank you for all of your advice.

No you're not. A mother's helper is a child that you are teaching, not a qualified caregiver.

This poster is half right. A mother's helper is someone with limited childcare experience who follows directions well and needs supervision but is able to watch kids solo for short periods and is willing to help with light housework. They tend to be under 25, usually 18-22. Beyond that and they typically have enough experience for a better-paying job. If you feel confident that Grandma can handle all three kids in terms of childcare, planning and logistics and she literally just needs someone to help load the dishwasher or change a diaper while she feeds a bottle then that is what you need.

Anonymous wrote:OP here -

It's come to my attention that we are actually seeking a "mother's helper" type of situation instead of a nanny. Thank you for all of your advice.

No you're not. A mother's helper is a child that you are teaching, not a qualified caregiver.