Would my idea to pick up some extra money work?

[faith]

I'm a grandma in my 50's, and thinking of working a few hours to earn some Christmas money.
I am seriously thinking of making up some flyers to be a Mother's helper... not really babysitting but general help while the Mom is in the house also. I used to work for the school system, have good references, am a non smoker, etc. Do you think there are ladies out there that may be looking for a few hours of help a couple of days a week? My Dh says doubtful . If this is a silly idea please tell me.

 

[chell]

Although I'm not a mother I think it sounds like a wonderful idea.

 

[DoeWDW]

This sounds like a great idea to me! I'm a mom of 2 teenagers now but when they were smaller it would have been a huge help! You'll never know until you try - you've got nothing to lose, right?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sounds like a neat idea, faith, I would certaily give it a try like Doreen said above. You'll (and your hubby ) will never know for sure, unless you try. Go for it!!!! And good luck. Let us know how you do after a few months. I bet you do well.

Dan

 

[Desnik]

I think this is a great idea. I am a mother of 2 and can tell you if you lived here I'd use you!! My kids stay only with my mother and we don't know many people around here and we don't have a babysitter, not really comfortable with it anyway. This is perfect for moms like me so we can get some things done around the house and feel safe knowing we're right there just in case. Give it a try. Hang some flyers in pre schools around your area. That's a good way to advertise a service like this. Good luck!

 

[faith]

Thanks to you all for the encouragement. I'll try to get up some confidence and give it a try.

 

[OhMari]

My daughter is in the UP, or are you in lower Michigan.

 

[nativetxn]

I think it is a great idea, faith. I also think you are very lucky to be a grandmother. I really need some grandkids of my own.

 

[Mishetta]

Great Idea!!! Where in Michigan do you live???? I'll hire you!!!

I also have never used a babysitter & I have thought about asking my cousin's daughter to come & stay to be "Mommie's helper" but she's too busy!

PM me your location & your fee please!!

Good Luck!

Rose

 

[Krisu]

I think it's a wonderful idea! Nowdays most teens are too busy with extra-curricular activities to want to do this, but I would have loved to have had a "grandma" to help out a bit when DS was small.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

As a brand new father, I not only applaud your idea, but would like your rates for coming to PA.....

Having had the enjoyment of my own mother for a week after our return home (alas, she left today, as my dad likes his laundry done too), it's a major help to my wife (and me, a hands-on dad). I don't know that I could put a price tag on it at the moment, but help maybe twice a week by someone that's prequalified to be around my daughter, yeah that might work.

Suggestion: send letters to people listed in your local "New Arrivals" listing. Us new parents are fertile ground for the service you're considering.

Pat
Exhausted, but Proud and Smoke Free!

 

[crazymomof4]

Oh My Gosh, Pat, she's beautiful! Brought tears to my eyes! Keep taking those pictures because this newborn time goes by much too quickly, and then pictures is all you have to remember how tiny they were. My oldest DS is 14 and has these huge, smelly feet but when I look at them it seems like yesterday that they were tiny, soft and sweet and I'd kiss them over and over again.

OK, back on subject.....Faith~ just last week I struck up a conversation in the paint store with a woman I thought was a home-healthcare nurse (what I did when I worked). She said, "No, I'm a nanny." She has 7 families that she works for and visits each on pre-arranged days for a set amount of time. I didn't get the specifics but I'm guessing that she probably spends a morning or afternoon at each home. She said, "The moms I work for don't work, they PLAY while I care for their kids." They go to play tennis, shopping, get nails done, etc. I didn't ask her if she works independantly or through an agency.

I think you'll find that there is a GREAT demand for this kind of thing.

If I were you I'd look into these two things: Is some type of certification required for this employment and should you carry personal liability insurance to cover yourself in case of an accident while you are in charge of the kids. You never know.

Best wishes!

 

[Pembo]

Will you travel to NE Ohio??????

 

[faith]

Thanks again to all of you that replied. To those of you out of state, sorry with gas prices nowadays I can't travel too far. Thanks for the offers though.
All of your positive comments are spuring me on to get some flyers out. I'll keep you posted.

 

[pammypooh]

faith,

I also think it is a great idea. You could see if you could spread the word through your place of worship. I would feel more comfortable hiring someone if I knew someone that knew them.

Did that make sense?

I have two girls - 1st & 2nd grade - and it would be a blessing to have an extra set of capable hands as they arrive home from school.

I think those Moms & Dads with younger kids would be even more interested in your service.

Best of luck with your new venture!

Pam

 

[Pin Wizard]

I have a friend with 2 toddler boys who uses a mom's helper a LOT! It could work!!

 

[KimandBrian]

I think it's a great idea. I know it's hard for me to get things done when Katie isn't napping. I'd pay for someone to come in an entertain her while I wrote bills, scooped cat litter, fold clothes and other things that aren't baby friendly.

Have you also thought about doing small errands too? A year or so ago I saw where these two moms here in KC had a very successful business running errands for people. Possibly you could offer this to the moms you helped. I know that running to the post office, picking up milk at the grocery store or other simple tasks have become a lot more complicated and time consuming with a baby in tow. Just a thought!

 

[Bunchkin]

I would hire a mom's helper in an instant!!!!
I can think of a couple dozen or so things off the top of my head that I need assistance with!!