Question about live-in helper?

Question

We are considering having a college age family member come live with us for a few months as an extra hand around the house. We recently purchased a new business as well as had a 2nd baby. Her responsibilities would include helping babysit as needed, along with typical household duties - dusting, mowing the lawn - nothing too strenuous. She would NOT be a nanny - as I am mostly a sahm, and her main focus wouldn't be our 2 kids (both under the age of 3 & in diapers) but I do work very pt and my husband and I would like a date night on occassion, and like I said, we could use an extra hand around the house. Is it an equal trade to have her do this and we cover the cost of living (no rent), and we pay for everything like laundry, food, cable, etc. She would be able to have an outside pt job as well - to make/save up money. Has anyone had this type of help or agreement with someone? How did it work? Any suggestions/advice?

Answer 1

I haven't done anything like this but as a college student she hit the jackpot.  I would suggest you monitor how much in increases you will notice for your utilities.  Have her write in agreement that she will agree not to use utilities in excessive amounts (something like your water bill increases by $100 the next month) ... always have a written agreement that will also include a clause for eviction if something does not go right.  Like say she has parties in her room every night...

Answer 2

I don't see why not.  She's living there rent free and doesn't have to pay for ANYTHING?  h**l yes she should help around the house.  I guess that's not your question though.  No, I never had such an arrangement, but it sounds like it could work as long as she is a responsible young lady.

Answer 3

don't!!!

Kids in college need their time.  She does not need to be watching family members and she does not need you reporting back to her parents when she pulls something stupid.

You have two small kids and this is adding another but older kid.

Answer 4

I think that is a great arrangement. I have not had an arrangement like that before, but I wish I did! I would set up a more detailed arrangement... like she would need to give you x amount of hours a week of work for the rent. That way there would not be descrepenticies on 'fair'.

Answer 5

It's a bit different with me, but. I was a teen ager when my siblings were born.

I babysat every day and cleaned, then took classes and worked. It was a full and busy life.

Just make sure to always ask when you want her to babysit. Make sure you never assume that she is free and able to do it. That was my petpeev. My parents would leave and forget to ask me if I had plans. I'd have to scramble to call them and let them know i had plans or i had to work or something. I always hated it when they assumed too. It drove me nuts.

I didnt mind helping and keeping the house picked up, dishes done each day and stuff... little things that were 'my chores'. Mak sure to thank her for stuff, and show apprication.

i did pay a small amount of rent to help pay for the food and stuff, but that was it.