About Michael

Michael cared for our baby (around 1–2 months old) for about a month and also helped babysit during our Bible study group. He was consistent and professional in his communication—he always shared his availability, sent daily updates with detailed summaries of feedings, naps, and tasks completed, and even created a written care agreement outlining responsibilities like diapering, feeding, and light housekeeping (dishes, baby laundry, wiping counters). He’s very organized, and if you're someone who appreciates clear structure and checklists, that might be a good fit. However, for our family, the overall experience felt more task-focused than nurturing. Coming from a culture where baby care tends to be warmer and more emotionally attuned, I felt that emotional presence was missing. A few times, I was working from home and heard my baby crying from another room without being comforted right away, which was difficult for me. There were also a few changes in his availability over time. Initially, I needed help on Tuesday evenings, but that wasn’t possible. Later, after we had settled into a weekday schedule, he let me know he could no longer work Mondays due to his wife having a baby. While I understand and respect his family commitments, it did limit flexibility and made it harder to plan regular care as a working single mom. At first, there was also some confusion about duties. We had agreed on a $20/hour rate that included light housekeeping, but for the first two weeks, those tasks weren’t done. When I asked, he said they were only included at a higher rate ($25/hour). We eventually clarified this, and he began following through on the agreed responsibilities. Michael did adjust based on feedback—he improved at tidying up and keeping baby items organized after a few reminders. Still, some days he seemed tired or overwhelmed. There was also a situation involving another parent (who had recommended him) where a conflict led to him abruptly not showing up for a scheduled shift. This affected our dynamic during group gatherings and contributed to my decision to find alternative help. In summary: Michael is dependable, communicative, and provides structured care. He may be a great fit for families who prioritize routine and detailed reporting. However, for those looking for a warmer or more emotionally engaged caregiver—especially for very young babies—he may not be the right match. He works best in situations with clear expectations and shorter-term needs rather than long-term, flexible support.