If you’re like me (with young kiddos) life can sometimes feel overwhelming. I would often think “Ugh I have to do another load of laundry (don’t get me started on folding it, ugh); I have to run another dishwasher load or the playroom needs to be cleaned/organized again”. But instead of continuing to feel overwhelmed I decided to invest in a mommy’s helper. I wanted to leverage my time and my sanity by hiring someone else to take the smaller tasks off my plate so I could focus on myself and on other tasks I didn’t want to delegate to someone else.

After a postpartum doula you should think about getting a Mommy’s Helper. 

So your contract with your postpartum doula just ended. And the reality for parents kicks in and frankly there is a standard that we should be able to do it all; and by that I mean — running your household (cleaning, errands, cooking, etc.), being responsible for the well-being of your children (school, engagement, doctor’s appointments, etc), and working (sometimes more than one  job). This standard is not sustainable.  And you notice I didn’t mention self-care? That’s because as parents we often put ourselves and our well-being last.  Well I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to do that any more. This is where a mommy’s helper (you can also call it a Parent’s Helper) comes into play.  A mommy’s helper is an individual who helps “mom” out and lessens the load.

So what’s a Mommy’s Helper?

They assist the family while one or both parents are still home.  While most helpers help with household chores — like laundry, cooking or cleaning; they can also assist with entertaining the kids so that you can do those things uninterrupted.  Basically, they are another set of hands, giving relief to mom. Great idea right? Without a doubt having a mommy’s helper is a great solution.  A mommy’s helper can fold and put away your children’s laundry; they can empty and reload the dishwasher, without you having to give it a second thought.  Your kids’ toys are picked up and put away. And just like any service provided you can determine how often your mommy’s helper comes over to help you; maybe it’s a couple of hours a week or a month.  Figure out what would be most useful to you and make it happen.

A few suggestions on how to find a mommy’s helper. 

1 :: Ask for referrals from your friends, neighbors, colleagues, family and Facebook groups or childcare groups; see if they know of any young persons that might be interested in making money as a helper.

2 :: Think about friends and neighbors with teenage daughters that may be looking to do something other than babysitting — and ask.

3 :: Check out Care.com as it may also yield some viable options.

Do you think you might consider hiring a mommy’s helper?

We would love to hear if you hired or considered hiring a mommy’s helper? Share with us, leave your thoughts in the comments below or in our Facebook group. 

Authored by Sharita Thompson, M.Ed, HBCE