Embrace the Joy, Skip the Exhaustion
Whether you’re a Grandma, Oma, Nana, or Taita, you cherish the moments spent with your grandkids. The giggles, the stories, and the joy of being part of their lives―it’s a privilege like no other. But let’s be honest: it can be very stressful to keep up with the chaos that the little ones naturally bring. Maybe you get more fatigued than you used to, simply because you’re older and not used to that big energy anymore. Still, the joy you get from being with them is immeasurable, and you’re not willing to give that up. So what can you do?
If the sheer intensity of childcare is keeping you from having your grandkids over as often as you’d like, we came up with a new kind of help to consider: a grandmother’s helper. Think of it as outsourcing the chaos while you savor the magic.
“I had never even considered getting help for days with my grandkids, or even heard friends talking about the idea. But, it changes everything! On days when I have the kids around I’m much more present, less exhausted at the end of the day, and can actually enjoy the time with my family. 100% recommend to any woman who wants to save a little time, stress, and focus on what matters most.” ― Gabriela, 71
What is a Grandmother’s Helper? (Hint: It’s a Game-Changer)
You may have heard of a mother’s helper. So why not for grandmothers too? A grandmother’s helper is a person, often a younger, part-time assistant, who works alongside you to handle the physical and logistical demands of childcare while you remain fully present for the fun and connection.
Imagine this: someone playing tag in the backyard while you supervise with a hot tea in hand, or tidying up the playroom while you read stories and share belly laughs with your grandkids. A grandmother’s helper can provide just enough support to transform overwhelming visits into cherished, manageable experiences.
Here’s what a grandmother’s helper might do:
- Supervise activities and playtime.
- Prepare meals or snacks for hungry little tummies.
- Handle light cleaning, such as tidying toys or doing the dishes.
- Help with bedtime routines during sleepovers.
- Keep your grandkids entertained while you enjoy a moment to recharge.
The best part? You’re still the hero of the day, but you don’t have to do it all.
Why You Should Get One: Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
- Invest in What Truly Matters
You’ve worked hard for your financial freedom―why not spend it on experiences that bring you joy? Hiring a grandmother’s helper is an investment in memories, connection, and your own well-being. Letting go of the belief that you have to manage everything yourself doesn’t mean you love your grandkids any less. It means you’re wise enough to focus on what’s most meaningful: quality time. - Avoid Grandparent Burnout
While you love being with your grandkids, the physical demands can be exhausting. Constantly bending, lifting, chasing, and entertaining can take its toll. With a grandmother’s helper by your side, you’ll have the energy to truly enjoy your time together without feeling drained or overburdened. - Set an Example of Balance
Hiring help doesn’t make you less of a “real grandma”. It makes you a role model for setting boundaries and valuing self-care. By delegating tasks, you’re showing your grandchildren (and their parents!) that it’s okay to seek support when needed. It’s a lesson in balance and wisdom they’ll carry with them. - Reclaim Your Role as “the Fun One”
When you’re not bogged down by the logistics, you’re free to focus on the moments that matter. Whether it’s baking cookies, building Lego castles, or sharing bedtime stories, you can dive fully into the joy of grandparenting while someone else handles the behind-the-scenes work.
How to Find Your Perfect Grandmother’s Helper
- Start Close to Home
Look for potential helpers in your immediate community. Local high school or college students often make great candidates―they’re energetic, responsible, and eager for part-time work. Post on neighborhood boards, community Facebook groups, or ask friends and family for recommendations.
Movement Living Tip: most communities have Facebook groups called something like “Childcare Givers and Seekers.” People will often post photos of themselves with their experience and typical rate so that you can reach out to them. You can also post your job description there and have people message you directly. See below for our easy-to-use template job posting.
- Use Dedicated Online Platforms
Websites like Care.com, UrbanSitter, or even Nextdoor can help you find vetted, reliable candidates in your area. These platforms often include background checks and reviews to give you peace of mind. - Define the Role Clearly
When interviewing potential helpers, be upfront about your needs and expectations. Do you want someone to focus on active playtime, handle household tasks, or a mix of both? Defining the scope of the job ensures you find a helper who fits seamlessly into your routine. - Conduct a Trial Run
Before committing, invite a prospective helper over for a trial day. Observe how they interact with your grandkids and assess their ability to handle tasks. This will give you a sense of their personality, reliability, and compatibility with your family’s dynamic. - Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, the best grandmother’s helper is someone you feel comfortable welcoming into your home. Trust your gut, and don’t hesitate to move on if someone doesn’t feel like the right fit.
Give Yourself Permission to Thrive
Being a grandparent is one of life’s greatest joys, but it doesn’t mean you have to wear yourself out to enjoy it. A grandmother’s helper can lighten your load, preserve your energy, and let you focus on what truly matters: making memories with your grandkids.
So go ahead―throw a little money at it. You’ve earned the right to prioritize your happiness and well-being. After all, the best gift you can give your family is a thriving, joyful, and present you.
Put it Into Practice
Ready to find your perfect helper? Try posting this template job description onto a site like Care.com or on a Facebook ‘childcare’ group:
“Looking for a casual grandmother’s helper to assist with light childcare and household tasks. Duties include supervising playtime, preparing snacks, tidying up toys, folding laundry, and providing general assistance while I am at home. Ideal for a high school or college student who is responsible, energetic, and loves working with children. Flexible hours, approximately [X hours/week or X times/month]. Located in [Your Area]. Pay starts at [Your Rate]/hour. Please message me with a little bit about yourself and your experience for more details!”
Movement Living Tip: the rate of pay would typically be at a babysitter rate as opposed to a nanny rate. A nanny rate would be higher as they would be expected to be solely responsible for the kids. Make sure that you clarify with your helper that you will be there and that it is not a nannying role! You’ll also want to make sure they are okay with doing housework while you spend time with the kids, but that they can also watch the kids if you need to take a break. It’s all about setting the right expectations and having clear communication to get the most out of your helper’s time.
