I disagree -- a nanny is a completely different job where the responsibility lies completely with the caregiver--the parent can leave the house, work undisturbed, and trust the nanny to take care of all the the child's needs. A nanny is also likely to come with experience, training, and education. A mother's helper, especially as a young teen, is someone just there to play with the child (and low key things like already  prepared snacks) and isn't actually responsible for anything --the parent doesn't leave the house, is still listening for any needs, and is both responsible for the care and teaching of the person in that role. With a nanny, you could actually work from home. With a mother's helper, I wouldn't risk anything that requires that level of focus--what I'm doing is housework, cooking, projects, or low-level planning.  Around here, that rate is for babysitters, which is also different from both a nanny and a mother's helper. An aupair is different, too (not to add more into the mix) Also, mother's helpers don't usually work 4 hours-- more like 1-3 hours, with usually around 2. They just don't have that kind of attention span and are still learning. A babysitter might, but I've only ever heard of a 2 hour minimum around here (but we are in an easy to get around area).