I hire a 'party helper' for $15 an hour whenever we host. Now, I actually enjoy entertaining.
A parent shares how hiring a 'party helper' for $15 an hour transformed their hosting experience from stressful to enjoyable. By delegating tasks like cleaning and setup, the author found they could focus on connecting with guests rather than managing logistics.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing trend of outsourcing domestic labor to improve mental well-being and work-life balance for busy families.
Recently, I began hiring one of our babysitters to be a "party helper "when we host at our house. Courtesy of Jen Larson Roesler For a long time, hosting was stressful for me and could even cause strain on my marriage . Once we began hiring one of our babysitters as a "party helper," hosting became easier and more fun. For $15 an hour, she helps us clean, decorate, grab last-minute essentials, and more. Our 6-year-old birthday-party guests and their parents will arrive in 15 minutes (plus that one family who always shows up early and asks, "What can we do to help?" For starters, please don't come early.) I'm in the kitchen digging through drawers for birthday candles. From another room, I hear one of my sons yell, "Uh-oh! Mom!" Ice — I remember we still need more ice. Always more ice.
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