finally gave in!

So, we live in an area where in-home childcare (nannies, au pairs) are very rare...so we already got raised eyebrows whenever we say that we have a nanny, or introduce Jes as our nanny. As far as I'm concerned, she's the best thing that has happened to us since we had the twins - no $650/week for all three kids in daycare, no more getting them out of bed early, picking them up after work, staying home if they're sick - and they kids love her and vice versa. But still, I get tired of the looks (and feeling like I'm some sort of rich snob which, BELIEVE ME, I'm not!).

Now, I've finally given in and hired a cleaning service to give our house the once-over once a month. I'm pretty good at keeping it lightly clean (organized, vacuumed), but not at mopping, getting the bathrooms REALLY clean, etc. When I realized our shower hadn't been scrubbed since the girls were born (9mos ago!) and it's growing pink stuff (EEEEEWWWWWWW), I knew it was time to do something.

Now we just need a butler and a gardener and I'm pretty certain we'll be set.

 

Good for you! I hope you and your kiddos enjoy her very much. And the cleanong service sounds great to me.
:clapping:
I am at the same place in that I can honestly say there are places in my house that have not been cleaned since last year. We had lots of false alarm labor trips in Dec. and Jan.( the babies were born Feb. so the last thing I wanted to or cared to do was scrub , dust or move furniture around to clean. I am looking into a cleaning service. I like the idea of a team that comes in and leaves quickly instead of 1 person who stays hours at a time and makes me need to remain home for those hours.

Next, I would like a Mother's helper but I can't wrap my brain around that just yet. I can just see the neighbors now. :unsure:

 

I, too, have a live-in Nanny and it is the best thing ever. The girls love her and I do not have to worry about them when I am at work. I, also, have gotten comments about it, and I just tell people that the cost is not much different than daycare. In addition, I also have been looking into cleaning services, there are many rooms that haven't been cleaned for several months and the dust bunnies are multiplying. :lol:

 

Don't feel bad about the help! I have a nanny starting July 2 (so I can gear up to go back to work on July 17) and have had a cleaning lady come in every other week since way before I even got pregnant. And yes, we have a lawn guy too (b/c we live in Florida, and would otherwise be cutting the lawn 2+/times per week), as does every single other family we know. The nanny costs exactly the same as the daycare we looked at (which made my skin crawl - I couldn't imagine my babies being in there). The cleaning lady is also a necessity b/c without her, I don't think this house would ever get cleaned - we just don't have any time! Let people think what they want - here's how I see it: There are only so many hours in a day and if you can get some help around the house, you shouldn't have to apologize for it.

 

:Clap: GOOD FOR YOU!!! :Clap: I am a firm believer that you should have that type of help if you need it and can manage it!! :hug99:

 

I would love to have all the help...especially the cleaning help, AND laundry service!!!

 

I think it's awesome that you have help you're happy with, and I think %&$# what "other people" think! I mean, really, who has the time to worry about it? If they have all that extra time to devote to criticizing other peoples parenting skills, then they need to get a life.

I would have a cleaning service, but I've called two services and they've both stood me up (one did it twice!). At this rate, we may lose one of our children in the filth!


Mellie

 

You know what, there is always going to be someone with an opinion about anything you do so just WHATEVER to them. Seriously! When I read your post I was like "UGH! PEOPLE!". I bet those people who are raising eyebrows are just jealous that you are able to do it, that's it. I say good for you! If I could afford it, I would do it in a minute. Think of all the sanity you are going to have and maybe even some time to yourself. Way to go!!!

 

and a cook, don't forget the cook!

Honestly, I think it's great you have a nanny and a maid. It's a big job taking care of multiple children and keeping the house clean and we all need help. There is nothing wrong with hiring some of it out.

 

We have a live-out nanny and it's changed my life! As pp said, it is way better than daycare for us. No more getting up early for daycare, rushing around all the time, having to leave work at a specific time, being charged $10.00 per minute that we are late picking them up, constant sickness, etc etc. I pay about 25% more for a nanny than I did for daycare and it's worth every cent. Our stress levels have been reduced by more than that! I really don't give a hoot what anyone thinks about it. Don't let them get to you - they are probably just jealous!

 

I think it's great! If I could I would have both. Don't worry about everyone else. Good luck and enjoy the help!! :a_smil09:

 

Woot to you! If I could afford a nanny I would have one 18 months ago! You do what you need to do and to heck with everyone else!

 

I am looking to get a live-out nanny just two days a week instead of sending them to daycare next year. Got any suggestions on how to find a good one???

 

Good for you! We don't have a nanny, but I bet we spend more on daycare than a nanny would cost! And I always list our cleaning person as one of the expenses we "couldn't live without." Of course we could if we had to -- but we have basic cable ($15/month), bare-bones cellphone plans, no Netflix.... A lot of people would consider those things "necessities," but we'd much rather have our housecleaner.