And You Thought You Could Never Ask!
So, let's face real life - if you're a busy parent and you've got more than enough on your plate, your house (like mine) is probably suffering from the aftermath of Typhoon-Kids, laundry's been hanging out for the past week and dinner isn't even an apple in your eye yet. Wouldn't you love a fairy-god-somebody who could help you out..on top of keeping the kids at bay for a few hours?
Wahlah - welcome to the land of help!
Parents at our events have asked us what's normal for a sitter or nanny to include in their services. It really does depend on the individual and their rates will be set accordingly, but here is an idea of what is normally available in the sitter/nanny repertoire:
- Meals - Normally for the children but some also do family meals if you don't need a gourmet chef
- Light Cleaning/Tidying - Related to the children with a few opting to do general housecleaning, but bathrooms seem to the bane of most!
- Excursions - To the park, library, playgrounds etc.
- School run - Dropping off or picking them up from daycare/school - with or without a car as many are very willing to take public transport or walk with the children
- Homework - Unless it's Yr 11 advanced Math, most candidates are well educated themselves and are very willing to help with schoolwork (some are even teachers or tutors!)
- Errands - Some grocery shopping or a run to the post office nearby is something some are willing to help with, but often they'd like it to be something they can do with the children and is closeby
- Household management - normally an area where nannies might be able to help - but I've had some great candidates step up and say they nearly run the household - from coordinating tradies to managing the week's meals and household maintenance!
- Other fabulous things - we have alot of candidates who'd love to help with organising birthday parties, tutoring, crafts, music or language lessons, holiday programmes - there are too many to list! So next time you speak with a candidate, don't forget to ask them what else they could do with your children - you might be very pleasantly surprised!
Is there something you really need help with to keep your sanity? What's the one thing that you'd love to get help with but was afraid to even dream of being a possibility? Share it here!
