Maybe you’re thinking about babysitting but you (or your parent) aren’t sure if you’re ready for the full responsibility of looking after kids from another family.
Becoming a mother’s helper can be a great opportunity, especially for tweens and early teens.
A mother’s helper (also known as a mommy’s helper) looks after and plays games with someone’s child or children while at least one parent is in the home. Mother’s helpers can also help the parent(s) with certain household duties such as loading the dishwasher, making snacks, etc.
PROS:
– Being a mother’s helper can be fun, especially when you’re playing games with kids.
– This is a great opportunity if you’re considering teaching or another child-related career for the future.
– There’s a very low cost for getting started, especially since you’re visiting your client’s home which will have almost all of the supplies you would need as a mother’s helper.
CONS:
– You might have difficult clients for different reasons. For example, your scheduled visit could be when the kid(s) and/or the parent(s) are having a bad day and are in a bad mood.
– You’re less likely to have regular or predictable income. Your ability to make money depends on things like how many families live near you and how often they need some extra help.
How to Get Started:
NOTE: Before you start your business, you should read the page on this website entitled “things to think about before you get started.” After you have taken the preliminary steps for starting any business, you can take the specific steps outlined below.
1. Choose when you will be available. For example, you can decide that you will be available a few afternoons/evenings during the week such as Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Also, decide when you will work during the weekends.
2. Think of possible activities and games. Some of the parents you work with may have clear ideas of how you can help them and how you will spend time playing with their children.
Other parents may not know exactly how you should spend your time helping them and their children.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have a few ideas of your own about certain household chores you can help with and certain games you play with children.
3. Get the word out about your mother’s helper business. Create a flyer promoting your business and what types of services you do. Add your name, contact info, and how much you charge per hour.
Use a range for your hourly charge so that you can set your price depending on different things, such as the number of kids a customer has.
You can then pass out these flyers in your neighborhood and to friends of your family. You can also share flyers at groups and places where your family are members, such as a church or a community group.
How Much to Charge:
The average hourly rate for preteens and teens who are mother’s helpers ranges between $7.25 (the federal minimum wage) and $15. Prices can depend on things such as your age (many parents think older helpers should be paid more than younger helpers). Your pay could also depend on how many children your client has.
Taking it to the Next Level:
- Promote your mother’s helper business. Create a website and at least one or two social media accounts for your mother’s helper business.
- Consider adding or switching to babysitting services. Being a mother’s helper can help you learn skills needed for taking care of children while a parent is present.
After a few good experiences and positive reviews from your clients, you may think about babysitting children without adult supervision.
Photo by Tanaphong Toochinda on Unsplash
