How Much to Pay a Mother's Helper?

Updated on February 03, 2012
P.D. asks from Santa Fe, NM
5 answers

The going rate to pay a teenager (15 or 16 years old) in my area is $8/hr. for babysitting services, while $10/hr. is usually sufficient for an adult babysitter. So, I was wondering, based on this, what you would suggest someone ought to pay a mother's helper per hour? Mother's helpers are generally 12-13 years of age where we live. Also, what do you consider appropriate work for a mother's helper? I haven't used one much and it was a few years back. I'm thinking about hiring one for two mornings per week in the summer time.

Thank you!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thanks for the responses!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I would say about $6 per hour. Start her off slowly giving her very simple things like entertaining the child(ren) so you can clean, or whatever you need to do, folding and putting away the baby's laundry, things like that. After you get to know her and see what she is able to do, then add things like feeding the baby lunch, changing diapers, taking baby out in the stroller for a walk, etc.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from Boston on

well I am a nanny and got my start as a mothers helper...considering the young age you should check with the parents about how much they want their young daughter to be earning. Also as a general rule should should offer only a dollar or two less then a regular sitter. At first keep the responsibility light...for example playing with baby so you can shower...gradually increase the responsibility like changing diapers/ feeding/ light chores etc and increase the pay along with that, as you both get more confident. Just remember a mother's help is really a sitter in training..don't expect that she will know what to do in most situations even if she has babysat before. you are basically showing her how to be a caregiver and she is providing cheap labor.

1 mom found this helpful

R.D.

answers from Richmond on

I'd say, since they're doing 1/2 the work of a babysitter, they'd get 1/2 the pay.

I'm guessing. I used to get paid in snacks or soda's as a mothers helper when I was 9 or 10, and I thought that was the greatest, LOL!!

1 mom found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

In my area, my daughter (17) who interacts and engages the children she babysits for averages $12-$15 per hour. An "average" rate for a teen around here is $10 per hour.

That said, I would pay a mom's helper $6-$8 per hour.

CASH

1 mom found this helpful

R.H.

answers from Houston on

If she is an American $5 an hour. If she is an illegal, $3 an hour.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions