What is the mother’s helper?
A mother’s helper is someone who helps the family while a responsible father is still at home. For ADHD moms who feel stressed, disorganized, or overwhelmingly scattered, this kind of help is a blessing! Mother’s helpers are usually younger than a babysitter or babysitter, so they don’t require as much salary. I guess it depends on the individual, but I think a very mature 11 or 12 year old would be the youngest. They can do whatever it takes, which can be a combination of light housework, spending time with the kids, and running errands.
If your children are older, the mother’s helper should also be a little older and responsibilities and compensation can be expanded. (The payment varies greatly depending on the geographic area). Some chores might be transportation to and from after-school activities, making dinner, helping with homework, and light housework.
How to feel about hiring a mother’s helper
Feel smart, relieved, and resourceful. If any help can allow you to be calmer and more effective, please do so! You and your family deserve it.
How I used a mother’s helper
When my children were in preschool and elementary and middle school, I recruited a 12-year-old mother’s helper. When I needed to get something done (like paperwork), she kept my kids busy so they wouldn’t throw me in a million different directions and eventually just give up. What a relief! Some other things he did were:
1. Take the dog for a walk (and sometimes the children too)
2. Fold clothes
3. Empty the dishwasher
4. Take a child or two to the park.
5. Help my oldest son do his math and spelling homework (it was more effective with her because I could actually sit with him for 20 minutes straight).
6. Help a child clean his room. She really enjoyed this!
7. Wash the grapes and cut them into small bunches.
8. Play games with the children when I was trying to cook dinner … etc. etc. etc.
Ways to Find a Mother Helper
1. Ask other moms if they know someone or if they have a child who would be interested in the job.
2. Call your local middle, middle, or high school counseling office and see if they know anyone.
3. Place an ad on a bulletin board at your local grocery store, coffee shop, or community center.
4. Ask at your church, synagogue, or other place of worship.
5. If you can afford a little more, contact your nearest community college and find out how to advertise a job.
Good luck!