hiring 2 helpers-phillipina and indonesian

Hello, I just recently hired an indonesian (early 30s) and am looking at hiring a phillipina(mid to late 40's or even early 50s). According to what i have seen and heard, having an older phillipina seems a good fit with a younger indo as the older one can take care of broader household chores while the younger one can look after my 2 kids 3.5 and 2 years old. I have uni commitments so i have to be out atleast 3-4 times a week (sometimes even weekends) for about 8 hours at a stretch. Was wondering if hiring an older phillipina is a good idea. I feel having 2 younger helpers will be more distracting as they will be engrossed more in chatting than working. Also I am very keen on honesty and trustworthiness and i feel having an older one will be more useful as they are generally more stable and honest. Would love to hear your advise. Thank you!

Hello, can anyone please share their opinion on the message above? Your experience will be very valuable. I also want to know what people think as to who is better- phillipina or indonesian or sri lankans. Thank you very much...

It's hard to

It's hard to say who is better. I had bad experience with 2 Philippinas, that's why my next helper will be Indonesian. She might be not good as well, I understand that. But I am at the point when I just want to try something very different.


Having two helpers, you must clearly tell them about their responsibilities. Otherwise, an older one might play a boss of a younger one. She'll have to not only take care of kids, but do lots of other things. May be it's worth putting their responsibilities in written. My friend has 2 helpers. One does all the household chores: cleaning a huge apartment, ironing, walking the dogs. Another one takes care of a little girl and cooks meals for the family.

I've had 2 Filipinas helpers and if I have to change for any reason, the next one won't be Filipina. I may consider Nepalese as I have a few friends who have Nepalese helpers and they're very happy with them.

I woiuld be worried about having two helpers from different countries - that they can't communicate well and don't get along.


But back to the original question on age, we have always preferred older more experienced helpers. But are now looking to change to late-30's to be sure they have enough energy to look after the babies as well as a good amount of experience.

BTW - KateTam has a great comment on this thread on how to manage two helpers:

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/domestichelpers/threads/83395.asp

Thank you all. cri also said that 2 countries make it more difficult to communicate. however to be honest, that is why i have gone into 2 countries. the more they communicate, the more they get into collusion (i may be wrong but this is purely personal) and the less they will work. but i have heard that philipinas invariably become the boss and i may as well go for a mature stable boss who is in her 40s. I do agree about responsibilities but then i dont know strengths of my existing one as she is very new. so how do i then divide?

Check out what Kate Tam has to say in the link above, she describes it really well.


I only have one helper now, but I am also considering hiring two.


I am thinking

Older - cook meals, laundry, take care of one baby

Younger - clean house, take care of other baby

Gardening - whichever has more of a passion for it (our current helper loves plants)

Shared - ironing, other things


Interesting about the two countries - how we both have the exact oposite views! ha ha

I am still trying to figure out HOW to hire two...


Hopefully it works out for us both :)

crj, thanks for the compliments. I hope hiring two helpers work out for everyone who is considering it, b/c if it works, it really helps SO much to give me part of my life back.


My two helpers are sisters, they have a great relationship, I never have to tell them who does what, they discuss among themselves, and it gets done properly and punctually. My husband and I are very pleased with both of them, first helper is already 2 contracts, we will renew again. The second helper is finishing her first contract this coming year, will also renew.


I have a friend who lives in the same estate as we do, they also have two helpers, Filipinas, and both are sisters. I see them taking care of the baby very well, one is always holding the baby outside for some fresh air on the balcony, the other one is sweeping, cleaning windows, mopping, taking out the garbage...etc. Always smiling. According to my friend, it's been great thus far. One is the housekeeper, the other one is the nanny.


I had a friend whose mother 's helper is Indonesian, and my friend hired a Filipina.... they don't live with each other, but just seeing each other for dinners sometimes, the two helpers gave my friend such a headache. The tattletales, the stabbing behind each other's back, framing each other, telling lies...etc. It was a disaster, so now she had to hire another Indonesian. But turned out the same..... the first Indonesian helper still is back stabbing the new one....


I think it's all depending on the personality of the helper. If she is "kind" and "doing her job" no matter WHAT race, WHAT age, related or not related, shouldn't make a difference, instead she would think it's nice to have a friend to talk to in the household. But if they see the New helper as a threat, and jealousy and all sorts of crazy thoughts stir up... it's hopeless.


Good luck!