Items disappearing

Our helper is wonderful in many ways. She is great with our 9 month old son, does a great job in the house, is a fantastic cook and in general is a good person. We allow her to eat the same food as we eat for all main meals.


Today however, I unfortunately found out that she had taken and additional food and small household items from us without asking.


I confronted her immediately and told her that in my opionion this is stealing and that she had to ask me whether or not she is allowed to have the items.

Furthermore, I made it clear that should I catch her again, this would be a reason for me to terminate her contract.


She understood, apologized and assured me she would ask my permission next time.


My worry now is how long has this been going on and will it continue? Do I need to worry that she is taking other things, too? How can I keep control of our items?


How would you handle the situation?

How did you find out today? Did you notice something missing? Did it fall out of her purse?

Thanks for your comments.


TC, I don't think she is hungry to take extra food, as she is treated the same way as us and has the same kind of portions my husband and I eat. Also extra snacks, i.e. biscuits, fruit, etc.


Jbebeb, these are exactly the questions I am now asking myself? WHY did she do it?


Tsuiwah, I had been thinking for a while now that we go through lots of household items, such as cleaning liquid, TP, etc. And yesterday, after our helper did the shopping for me, I went and checked the items against the bill and there was something missing.

So I asked her whether she had taken it and she admitted she did. When I asked her whether there was anything else she had taken, she confessed the food as well...


I suppose I will sit down with her again today and ask her WHY she took the things without asking me.


It is a great shame, as I thought I believed I could trust her. Now I feel as though I have to start double checking everything.

Ok, so we sat down with her last night and once again emphasized her unacceptable behaviour. She is very sorry and I hope it won't happen again!


Thanks for all your comments!