By Australian Nanny Agency September 2025 7 min Read
Mother’s Helpers: The Quiet Revolution in Family Support
Looking for flexible, in-home support but not ready to hire a full-time nanny? A mother’s helper could be the answer.
Unlike nannies, who work independently, a mother’s helper works alongside the parent — stepping in wherever needed. That might mean playing with a toddler while you take a shower, folding laundry while you settle the baby, or prepping snacks while you catch up on emails. It’s hands-on, practical help that adapts to the rhythm of your day.
Why This Role Is Rising
In decades past, extended family lived nearby and helped with young children. Today, many families live far from their support networks while juggling remote work, school runs, newborns, and endless household tasks.
The result? More parents are looking for help in the “middle ground” — something lighter than a nanny, but more reliable than the odd babysitter. That’s exactly where the mother’s helper fits.
Duties of a Mother’s Helper
Every family uses this support differently, but common tasks include:
- Playing with or supervising children
- Helping with homework or reading practice
- Tidying toys, doing dishes, light laundry
- Preparing snacks and easy meals
- Running local errands
- Transporting children to school or activities
- Giving parents breathing space to shower, rest, or take work calls
Pay Rates: What Families Must Know
Parents often ask, “What’s the fair rate for a mother’s helper?”
Here’s what matters:
- Fair Work minimum wage in 2025 is $37.95/hr. This is the legal floor. Casual staff receive an extra 25% loading.
- In the childcare market, nannies often earn $40–$50/hr for daytime roles.
- Mother’s helpers typically sit in the $38–$45/hr range — still above the legal minimum, but slightly below independent nannies.
This ensures helpers are fairly paid for their skills while giving families a more flexible and affordable option.
Entitlements: Not Optional
Even if hired part-time, mother’s helpers are employees, not contractors. That means:
- Pro-rata annual leave
- Sick leave and carer’s leave
- Superannuation (11%)
- Minimum shift of 3–4 hours under Fair Work rules
Any family considering this role must budget for wages plus entitlements it’s a legal and ethical responsibility.
Placement Fees
At The Australian Nanny Agency, placement fees are straightforward:
- Casual trial bookings: from $55 per day
- One-off permanent placement fee: starting from $1,000, depending on the role
Full details are available on our Placement Fee Page.
Mother’s Helper vs Nanny
vs Babysitter
- A nanny works independently and manages children without you at home.
- A babysitter is usually casual, evening work, and not ongoing.
- A mother’s helper supports you in-home, under your supervision, often for blocks of 4+ hours.
Real Families, Real Stories
Lucy in Brisbane: “When our second baby arrived, our toddler was in full chaos mode. Our helper came a few hours a day so I could nap and do laundry. It saved my sanity.”
Samir in Melbourne: “I work from home with twin preschoolers. Having a helper gives me time to take client calls without constant interruptions. It’s been game-changing.”
FAQs Parents Ask
Do I have to pay entitlements?
Yes — helpers are employees, and entitlements are non-negotiable.
Can a teenager be a mother’s helper?
Yes, but they must still be paid according to Fair Work minimums. Many families prefer agency-vetted helpers for safety and reliability.
What if I only need 3 hours?
Fair Work rules require a minimum 3–4 hour shift. Most helpers are booked in half-day blocks for this reason.
Is this cheaper than a nanny?
Yes. Helpers average $38–$45/hr, compared to nannies at $40–$50/hr. Placement fees are also lower for casual trials.
Ready to Find Your Helper?
Whether you need support during school holidays, with a newborn, or simply to lighten the daily load, a mother’s helper can transform family life.
👉 Book a call with us today and see how The Australian Nanny Agency can match you with a qualified, reference-checked, and fully vetted helper.
FAQs About Mother’s Helpers
Is a mother’s helper suitable for dads or non-birthing parents?
Is a mother’s helper suitable for dads or non-birthing parents?
Absolutely. We place helpers with stay-at-home dads, co-parents, and grandparents. The term “mother’s helper” is traditional, but the support is for any primary caregiver.
Can I hire a helper just two or three days per week?
Can I hire a helper just two or three days per week?
Yes. Many families only need a few hours of help a few days a week. Our placements are flexible and can be designed to suit your schedule.
What qualifications do your helpers have?
What qualifications do your helpers have?
All our helpers have experience with children and hold current Working With Children Checks. Some also hold first aid certificates and early childhood credentials.
Can a helper assist while I work from home?
Can a helper assist while I work from home?
Yes. This is one of the most popular reasons families hire a helper — to stay productive without completely stepping away from parenting.
Is this service available in regional areas?
Is this service available in regional areas?
We serve all major cities and many regional locations across Australia. Contact us to find out who’s available near you.
