Mother’s helper is a great summer job; here are some tips

To be a good mother's helper, stay organized and have... — To be a good mother's helper, stay organized and have ideas ready to go. Credit: Kidsday staff artist / Emma Mulhall, East Marion

By Amy Carson, Ella Silvestro and Serina WilsonKidsday ReportersJune 27, 2017

A great summer job for kids is being a mother’s helper. The difference between a mother’s helper and a baby sitter is a mother’s helper helps the mom take care of her kids while she is busy doing something else in the house, while a baby sitter is someone who watches kids with no parents at home.

Whether you are a baby sitter or a mother’s helper, it’s always a good idea to ask any questions you may have about the children. Here are some good questions for the parents:

Ask about food allergies before feeding the children.
Ask the parents what the children can and can’t eat.
Ask how many kids you’re watching and taking responsibility for if they are allowed to have any friends over.
Are your kids afraid of anything?

How to keep yourself organized

Create a baby-sitting checklist of your responsibilities.
Create your own baby-sitting tote bag with a couple of cheap activities in it to keep the kids entertained.
Make baby-sitting bucks to give kids when they are well-behaved.

Entertaining kids with games

Sing silly songs.
Play trash can basketball.
Get a bag of objects from around the house and have them reach into the bag to describe them and guess what they are.
Plan a scavenger hunt indoors or outside.
Bring sidewalk chalk and draw pictures or hopscotch on the driveway.
Suggest having a tea party or dance party.

Simple crafts

Make a paper microphone and let the kids take turns having a talent show.
Make bracelets with beads and yarn.
Bring socks to make sock puppets.

Bedtime

If the child can’t fall asleep, read them a story or ask if they have a special stuffed animal. Background noises like soft music usually helps kids fall asleep as well.