part time Nanny/Child sitter

[sillingw]

Maybe I should have put in this forum, instead of the General Discussions?

We have two kids, one is at full time school, the other is just one year old. We have a great maid, who really gets on well with the kids, however, I think it's too much to ask her to look after the baby and look after the house. My wife is full time at work, but can work from home most of the time. We are looking for someone to come around 2-3 times per week and help out with playing with/stimulating our one year old - this would be the sole responsibility, maybe 3-4 hours a time - does anyone know of such a service or person?

[road.not.taken]

Ask your current maid if she has a friend, niece, or whatever. Then at least you know they will get along -- it can be tricky when you hire a second helper, because the first maid may feel she's not doing her job well. Tread carefully.

[Thaiclan]

Also maybe your current maid would like the job and therefore you could hire some help for the housework? I am in a similar situation and thought about hiring a nanny, but on further thought I think my current live-in helper would feel sidelined if I did this so instead we are going to get a maid for a few hours a week and let our helper have more active time with the baby.
Also as your baby is a little older you could sign up for some playgroups and music groups (Kindymusik is great) which will also stimulate her throughout the week.

[sillingw]

thanks both, thought provoking - I need to discuss with both wife and maid, maybe she does have a friend who can help out. Really I was looking for a proffessional, but it's certainly worth taking in to account