Thinking of taking a helper, any thoughts?

mommy2allyandaveri

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Dh and I are going to DL in December for 5 days. DD will be 4 and my other DD will be just 1 by a few days. We are thinking about taking a helper, any thoughts?

This girl is 15 and we trust her with our girls. She would be helping us during the day in the park for meals, potty breaks, diaper changes...

Then at night we are thinking we would leave the girls with her at our hotel then head back to the park for some adult time. We are staying at the Desert Inn and Suites and we have a 1 bedroom suite.
 
If you're footing the bill,I don't see why not.
One suggestion, maybe let her have a day to herself. (just a thought):thumbsup2
 
I just think that is a GREAT idea!! Make sure you all have cell phones in case of emergency, but I wish (with 3 kids) we were able to bring a 'helper'. Having some adult time allows you to enjoy a different side of the parks. Have fun!! :thumbsup2
 
We would be responsible for her so I think I would be concerned about her touring DL on her own??? It would of course be up to her mom, so I would get permission from her first of course.

We would offer to pay for her ticket and food, anything else would be up to her.

Any other thoughts or suggestions?
 

I think it's a great idea - some adult time is always nice. Is she willing to accept just the park admission and food? I have a mother's helper who comes over once a week to help with my four year old, and I know that if we were to do the same, I would also pay her something so that she has some spending money, Especially if she is going to be responsible for the kids after hours. Just a thought....
 
WE did that once, though our helper was older. Just make sure you have everything outlined ahead of time. If she's under the impression that she's just helping for a few hours here and there and thinks she gets to go off on her own the rest of the time, she might be frustrated...and you might too.

Make sure she clearly knows what's expected of her. Will you all go on rides together and take turns with CS? Explain how that will work to her. This is especially important because she's 15...and make sure her mom understands everything.

Maybe have it broken down - the costs that you will be incurring for her - so she can see what she's really getting "paid." That might help. And you might see that you want to give her a little extra for some souvenirs - depending on the costs for everything else. IN that, remember the hotel costs...would you stay in the one bedroom suite anyway, or are you staying there because she's coming and you need the space? If you're doing it because of her, remember to show the extra hotel cost as money she's being "paid" - if not, don't include it.

Cell phones are a MUST. If she needs to get a hold of you for any reason, she needs to be able to - though there are places where you may not get cell reception.

My biggest thing is to make sure you both have the same expectations - otherwise it could get ugly. If you can't tell, we had that happen. Our helper got upset that we wanted time to ourselves - though we "thought" we had made that clear ahead of time (so sometimes I guess you really don't know if they're understanding it). I think we had differing expectations and they didn't get communicated. However, a fifteen year old maybe less picky than a 25 year old?

Even though she's your helper, make sure to include her in some of the decision making. "Alright, we've gone on all the Fantasyland rides, 'helper', what ride would you like to try next?"

Hope that helps!
 
I think it's a great idea. We are taking my MIL this time around. I have a full-time nanny who I contemplated taking, but changed my mind on it. She hasn't really been doing that great of a job the past few days, so I'm a little irritated w/ her.

Anyway, I think one of the previous posters had a good point, which is to indicate what everything is going to cost for her part of the trip. This way, she won't throw fits because she did not get time to herself or whatever. Definitely talk to her mom to find out what thinks of being in the park alone, among other things. That way you are all on the same page beforehand.

I was a Disney helper when I went to WDW for the first time. I got to go everywhere though, so it wasn't really like I did much of any helping anyway. However, I would not have minded I'm sure.
 
In my opinion, a ticket and food are enough payment she is being treated like a family member where you are concerned about her having a good time while helping out. And I'd probably still buy her something she liked in the parks. :)

Otherwise you and your family are having a vacation and she is having a business trip.

And as annieb727 said, I would be very clear about expectations to both her and her parent(s).

I hope you all have a fabulous trip!
 












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