I'm thinking about hiring a helper lady

i think its not bad to get an extra help but since you have children that need to take care of and need full attention you just make sure that the helper you will choose to hire really meets your expectation and trustworthy and loyal and a helper who will treat your children the best and kindest treatment possible

Well, if hiring a helper will really be a great help to you, then go for it. But of course before doing so, i think you have calculated how much it will cost on your budget. But then, if without a helper you will always feel so exhausted , then it's high time that you get one, lest it will affect your over all health already.

I am a stay at home mom, just like you are! I have a husband and two kids whom I love very much, but now that the kids are getting older I am finding myself in your same predicament, too much work and little time for me to do what I really like! What I have decided to do is to have a lady come to help me, once a fortnight. Every two weeks it is nice to see our flat clean again and after a few months, that lady has even become my friend and she is very trustworthy and a good worker too. It does not cost a fortune to employ somebody every two weeks and I am happier too, with more time to invest in trying out new recipes for everybody to enjoy!

Yes, yes, yes, if you can afford it. I would suggest, if you are a church goer, approach the minister / preacher, ask if he knows and middle aged women who has raised children, who would appreciate a little extra cash and can be reliable, and constant for years. If you don't have church as a resource, the same kind of person is probably good, but you will need to spread the word a bit more to find one. I know a friend, who through lack of money, and 4 under 4's hired young, illegal helpers, this backfires, as they need constant attention, which makes it pointless, and they quit often in the search of something else. This is then distressing to her child. My sister in law has a cleaner for 4 hours once a week, for all the heavy stuff, and loves it. I had a nanny/helper for my child's first year, and once I got over the guilt of someone doing 'my job' it was great, and I think my child enjoyed seeing someone that wasn't me! It is not abdicating responsibility, it is not ignoring your child, it is not being a bad mother, you are incredible, look what you are achieving! A little bit of time and calm, just for you, an hour or two in a bath, a mosey round the shops, a cup of coffee and a magazine, these little treats that acknowledge you, as a person, instead of a mother/carer/worker/student. are vitally important to your health, well being and development. all the best from, mother/worker/student/pet owner..../.. xx

Well first doesnt the fathe help out? If he is around then she need to help out with the house stuff and talking care of your daughter as well. I'm a stay at home that is all I do with one small child and another on the way but I wait till my husband gets home to the house stuff. I'm not in any mood to finish college and I really don't want to at this point. If you really have no one I would ask around your daughters school if any of them have someone or know of a place where you can hire someone to help out.

mrsgoodygoody, girl I am tired of just reading your post... The answer to your quiry is " oh hell yea", go for it... I wish I could afford the help and its just me here...LOL... But there are people who call this help a profession and are willing to do thier job...as busy as you are, I mean with all, that your day/week consist of...you need help... So I think if your don't mind spending the money and have the monies to do so, go ahead and give yourself a breather....You will definately see the difference in your life... Good luck and when you get that breather,,,take a moment and sit down and put your feet up without feeling quilty....

I think this is a good idea. After all, what are you home for? You need to prioritize your time, and at certain points of time in people's lives, they need to get help with stuff.

if you can afford it, why not? especially if you are working full time, even from home it is a committment because you need to concentrate on your business.

If I could have afforded it when my kids were young, I would have loved something like that. Instead, I was that person...I did a lot of odd jobs for people. As a teen, I did babysitting but I also did a lot of what you describe here. There was one lady who I would go in and do some household chores and even though she was right there, I did help with her kids...ran errands etc. She was a sewing teacher and also studying for "something"...I don't know what. It was actually really a cool job because she did not treat me like her little slave at all. Instead, she was like an older sister...good friend. I sewed and she taught me some invaluable lessons and helped me with various projects. Being a teen, my chats with her and her advice meant far more to me than I'm sure she was even aware. And being a teen, I didn't demand a high rate of pay. She did as much for me as I did for her.Hire a teen.

mrsgoody: it is a nice idea. Indirectly you are helping another needy person to get some dollars. You must continue to take care of interests of your daughter whenever needed. But in USA charges for such services are high -- probably $10 per hour or so. If you can afford you can engaged a helper lady.