Nanny's/Mother's Helpers/Babysitters

[mc13]

What do you have them do when you're home while they're there?

We have a very nice 14 year old neighbor that has babysat our toddler and I'd like to use her more in the evenings, after school until DH gets home when he works in the city. I had her come over 1 evening last week while DH was traveling for work for the week and I felt like I didn't know what to tell her to do and then felt weird just wanting to sit with a baby/babies while she was chasing the toddler. But maybe I shouldn't? I don't know. It was really nice to have an extra set of hands so maybe that's all I need? but I guess I'm just so used to doing everything myself since I'm with all 3 girls from 715am-5/6pm most days.

[fightersince83]

I'll be having my mom come soon to help out and plan to ask for help with laundry, meals, and keeping DD busy. Yeah, it may feel a little strange sitting around while someone else takes over the running around, but that's why you're paying her. When my morning sickness was really bad we had our 13 y/o neighbor come entertain DD. I was right there but pretty much had my head in my barf bucket the whole time so I didn't feel too bad/weird having her do everything

[mc13]

Thanks fightersince83 and @wineandcupcakes for reassuring me that I'm doing this right. Lol Instead of rushing around to get things done while the babies nap during the day, I'll make sure to save them for when she's here and use that time to spend more playtime with DD1.

[DVMmomma]

mc13, I'd be just like you- I wouldn't want to relax and enjoy my kids if someone else was working around me. I know this is silly because I'd be paying the person. I'd still feel weird.

[bocaburger]

I have someone here with me about 20 hours a week. I honestly don't know how you do a toddler and 2 babies by yourself.

When both babies are up, usually we each have one. When one baby is napping, I let her take the other and I do housework or nap or eat or run out to get coffee. When both babies are napping (rare) or one is napping and I am nursing, she washes bottles or dishes or tidies up.

[mc13]

Dec 12, 2016 21:07:38 GMT -5 bocaburger said:

I have someone here with me about 20 hours a week. I honestly don't know how you do a toddler and 2 babies by yourself.

When both babies are up, usually we each have one. When one baby is napping, I let her take the other and I do housework or nap or eat or run out to get coffee. When both babies are napping (rare) or one is napping and I am nursing, she washes bottles or dishes or tidies up.

Ha, I just juggle all day. We don't have any family nearby (both of our parents are 6 hours away) so I think it has forced me to be creative in how to do things myself or else I'd be stuck in the house all day.

Anyways, what you do makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the ideas! Selfishly, I would like to keep her involved over the winter so she'll be my extra hands at the pool next summer. That's one place I can't imagine taking all 3 myself.

[schmella]

ERRANDS! Remember when you could run in and out of a store in 15 minutes?! Have her sit in the car and entertain them while you do those 10 quick in&out store stops!

[mc13]

Dec 13, 2016 1:44:13 GMT -5 schmella said:

ERRANDS! Remember when you could run in and out of a store in 15 minutes?! Have her sit in the car and entertain them while you do those 10 quick in&out store stops!

I knew you ladies would have some genius ideas! I never even thought about this.

[schmella]

Dec 13, 2016 9:50:02 GMT -5 mc13 said:

Dec 13, 2016 1:44:13 GMT -5 schmella said:

ERRANDS! Remember when you could run in and out of a store in 15 minutes?! Have her sit in the car and entertain them while you do those 10 quick in&out store stops!

I knew you ladies would have some genius ideas! I never even thought about this.

My mother's helper's mom suggested this, i never would have thought of it myself but especially in a Chicago winter, it's a lifesaver!

[nomnom]

Dec 13, 2016 1:44:13 GMT -5 schmella said:

ERRANDS! Remember when you could run in and out of a store in 15 minutes?! Have her sit in the car and entertain them while you do those 10 quick in&out store stops!

That is genius!