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There may come a point in your work at home mom career when you just cannot do it all. The dishes are piled up on the sink, there is a mound of laundry waiting to be folded, your children seem neglected, and your work to do list keeps getting longer. It may be time to consider bringing in a little help.

Help can come in many forms. For some it may be enlisting a grandparent, other family member or close friend to help watch your child for a few hours every week. My daughter tends to spend one a day a week with her Grandma and Grandpa. They all love having that time together and I get to devote a large block of time to working. It has the added bonus of being free.

You could also hire a Mother’s Helper. Unlike a babysitter you stay home while they are there. A teenager between the ages of 12 and 15 is the perfect candidate. Their only job is to entertain your children and maybe prepare light snacks. I have a Mother’s Helper come for a few hours after school once a week. She is the daughter of a friend. Maybe you have a young neighbor or a cousin that would be willing to help you out. A Mother’s Helper usually only charge half the hourly wages of a babysitter so this can be a very inexpensive option.

A costlier option would be daycare. Depending on your area a licensed center may charge $40 a day on up and an in-home daycare may start around $25 a day. This is a great option because your child will be around other children their age and helps with socialization. A downside may be frequent colds from being around all those other children. Daycare does not have to be a Monday through Friday thing either. Some offer half-day or single day options. Search around your area and ask friends for recommendations.

One of my favorite suggestions is to hire a house cleaning service. I have not indulged in this pleasure myself, but the thought of having someone else clean my toilets and scrub my floors is a wonderful dream. Having someone else clean for you could help give you many more hours of productivity a week. And a smile on your face.

When did you know it was time to bring in help? What are some of the solutions that you have come up with? Is it time for you to bring in the Calvary?

Warmly,
Mia