Mother's helper when working from home? Updated with question about pay

I work PT freelance from home. I usually have help from the grandmothers and college-age sitters. I'm cutting back on work this summer and thinking of just hiring a mother's helper 1-2 afternoons a week (from like 2-5) in addition to the grandma days. My kids are 5 and 2. I'm really just looking for someone to watch them play while I do a little work (the 2 year old may or may not be napping for some of that time--she's trying to drop it now). A woman I know said her 12 year old is looking for mother's help this summer. She seems like a responsible kid. I'd be home the whole time in my home office. My DH is a little apprehensive about her age.

Would you do this or stick with a regular sitter?

ETA: Thanks for responses. So, what is going rate for mother's helper for two kids?

Message edited 3/31/2016 10:32:18 PM.

Re: Mother's helper when working from home?

i would totally do that, but i've also left 12 year olds home to babysit alone (while the child was asleep at night).

Re: Mother's helper when working from home?

My daughter did this at that age. I think its a great idea.

Re: Mother's helper when working from home?

I did this for a neighbor that was pregnant. I'd watch her two kids while she napped, etcetera. I was 11

I did full babysitting by 13. I was a responsible kid.

I think since you are home it would be good for the child to learn and a big help for you.

Mother's helper when working from home?

I think if he or she is a mature responsible kid i say why not. My niece is my mothers helper for me shes 13. She does it in the summers when shes not in school 2x days a week and i pay her.

Re: Mother's helper when working from home? Updated with question about pay

Thanks for the responses! What do mother's helpers get per hour these days?