2 helpers - how to divide responsibilities?

I am starting 2 helpers off together. One wants to concentrate on housework/cooking and the other on the children. Our place is big, about 4000 sq ft. I am expecting my 2nd child soon. How do I goabout dividing duties? One should be dedicated to my toddler, but what should she be doing when he is in school? Am so confused as to how to start this relationship. Also, any advice/tips?

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

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


I am also hiring two helpers right now.

We both work full time.

We have a 10 month old, and are pregnant again.


Evelyn from AsiaXPat has been great in helping me arrange interviews. She asks them all first if they are willing to share with a stranger, and made sure they met my 'skills priority list'.


I am thinking of this sort of split:


Helper A:

Older Baby

Cooking

Laundry


Helper B:

Newborn

Cleaning

Ironing


They can arrange:

Fruit and Veg shopping (we do the other shopping either online or at weekend)

Houseplants and Garden plants

Misc


Of course, the split is not written into stone, it is just to give a basic division of labour. They can arrange to switch or exchange if needed.


The first 3 months with the newborn, I will ask Helper B to help at night.


Weekends:

Helper A

Work Saturday

Off Sunday

Helper B

Work Sunday (probably morning only)

Off Saturday

Then the next month alternate.


I am hiring now, and I realised while some of the helpers I interviewed would probably be super-stars, they had strong personalities. And I think I am looking for a more gentle personality that has experience sharing and seems like they would get along with others well.


I also always provide a detailed list of things I want done, schedules, etc... So this way there are a lot of clear guidelines to follow.


Do read Kate Tam's post above, it is the most helpful I have found on this topic!


Good louck to us both :)