Posted by
moggie
16 yrs ago
Hi there,
I'd appreciate some honest opinions about employing a live-in domestic helper.
My husband and I are moving into a new apartment where the existing tenants are moving abroad and leaving their helper here. We have the option of taking on their helper however we have never employed one before and are not sure about how we would go with one living with us.
We are expecting twins later in the year which I imagine is going to be difficult on our own. I really would like the helper to just clean etc as I would prefer to care for the babies myself.
Ideally I would prefer part time help but Im not sure if this is an option for this particular helper.
What are your opinions on having someone in your home, privacy etc? We need to decide in the next fortnight or so.
Any feedback would be much appreciated.
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I think that you will benefit from a helper once your twins come along however as Cara says, not necessarily one that comes with the flat. I would look for someone very good, that's the least you deserve. I have one child and I do not have a helper (although I have 11 hours p/t help a week). We now have baby no.2 on the way and we are looking for a helper as I do not feel I will be able to give both my kids the time and effort they deserve. My new helper will be there to cook super healthy food under my instruction, clean, iron, wash clothes, run errands and babysit when needed. An extra pair of hands would also be very helpful for you. It's good to be able to delegate to your maid the things that you want to happen as a mother. Look at it as being a manager, delegating tasks to reach your goals. For example I want my kids to eat super healthy so I want my helper to prepare what I ask of her for their meals whereas usually I may not have the time to chop up 5 different types of veggies, make fresh juices etc.
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Hi,I have twins and believe me you will need hands on help with the babies,so you need to interview first.We sent ours on the Anneley midwives cpr course for babies and young children,which with 4 boys has been useful.You will need live in otherwise if no family to help, you will go crazy. There is a domestic helper website site here but you will still need an agency to process 6/8 weeksWhen I got my first helper here it was via a friends helper (her sister)hard work to train but we got there,and we still keep in touch)It is hard to get used to someone but once you do it's hard to live without them.Treat people how you would expect to be treated yourself,and only get them to do things you would yourself .Good luck with finding a suitable person,and goodluck with the twins
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with Sarah Jane on this one - I have twins and first 5 months we did not have a helper (we were living in UK at the time) - and i think i was this close to going competely bonkers... do get a helper!! with twins it is a must - trust me! all good advice in SJ's note above. As for whether to take on this particular one as she is "aready there" - who do the previous employers say? If they think she is great with kids, etc etc and if you think you like her - go for it.... if not - just start searching for another one - but def get one!!! cant sress it enough!
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As mentioned don't take her just because she "came with". There are plenty of helpers out there looking for employment. Get a good one.
Will chime in with the "get one!" crowd. There are disadvantages, most notably a certain lack of privacy, but it is well worth it. Our helper is a cheerful and helpful presence. Our children are happy, we are fed gourmet cuisine, the house is tidy, she remembers stuff we forget. In general a great thing.
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cd
16 yrs ago
plus she can watch dvds on the laptop.
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cd
16 yrs ago
oops sorry, that was supposed to be in reply to the tv question...
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Thanks everyone for your valuable advice, much appreciated!
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