How to find household help with new baby coming and a 4YO?
We are a couple with a four year old and a baby arriving in a month. We currently have an awesome housekeeper who comes once a week to deep clean the house. We are looking for someone who is available more often - 3-4 hours a day, during the day or at night - 4-5 days per week (12-20 hours a week). With a new baby, it will be hard to juggle everything. Our 4 year old will be in preschool everyday from 9-12:30. We don't necessarily want childcare, but want help getting stuff done around the house. I would rather spend time with my children than have someone else spend time with them while I do household chores. We're looking for an efficient person who will do meal prep, cook, do laundry and put it away, clean up after meals, tidy the house, etc. Virtually all the postings here and on Craigslist that we see are for nannies who do light house keeping, or housekeepers who do once or twice a week deep cleanings.
Has anyone had this type of set up? Can you recommend anyone? Where else can we look?
Thank you.
Parent Replies
Have you placed an ad describing what you are looking for on care.com (or similar sites) or Craig's List?
Hi there,
Congrats on your upcoming 2nd child. Have you asked your current housekeeper if she can swing working an additional day or two for you? Or, does she know someone who you can hire additionally? Or, what about your older child's preschool schedule--is there an extended day or after care option that you can pay for an extra day or two per week, to "give you back" some hours where you can get those household things done, albeit with baby at home with you too. You didn't mention if you work outside the home. If not, I wonder if there are any time management techniques that might help you out? Or what about hubby--can he pitch in more? I'm of the opinion that it's not unkind to "lovingly ignore" your kids sometimes, to get stuff done around the house. This can be a skill-building too (well, for your older one, not the baby)--in they learn how to self-entertain or just deal with boredom. And it's valuable for them to see that everyone pitches in with jobs at home. Good luck!
Hi there. I'm not sure if you are looking for shorter term or longer term help, but I remember the doula group I used for my first son several years ago offered postpartum services where they would come to the home, cook dinner, clean up, make sure the new Mom had what she needed in order to care for the new baby. The folks I worked with are no longer with the doula group so not sure if they still do this. I've also heard of people hiring "mothers helpers" to do what you're describing so moms can spend time with their kids rather than on household tasks. My old nanny used to do this for another family who had two children. Once she even cleaned out their garage for them. I would consider advertising on care.com as I've had good luck there - as long as you're clear with what you want I wouldn't imagine it would be hard to find someone willing to do what you're describing.
Hi- it seems like you need an active "granny" or MIL for hire!
Perhaps look at a senior center - maybe a retired woman there could use some income.