Cutting helper's phone allowance

Hi, I have a helper to take care of my baby as I work full time. She is paid slightly over market with a $50 phone allowance. It's not a lot but I figure its enough as I mostly call at most once a day, each call les than a minute. But Over the past 6 months she worked for us, her phone either has problems or "no load" (mostly no load), as a result I usually resort to calling home phone but if she is out with baby, then I had no means to contact her . The past two months, I haven't been able to call her phone at all.. First she told me her phone has no load, then She told me her phone was broken.. I had a chat with her explaining there is a reason for the phone allowance. I also said that if I continue not able to reach her especially when she is out with my child, I might have to cut the allowance. So she borrowed $1500 in advance from me to get a new phone only to come back and say the money was not enough. Then again I told her to get the phone fix ASAP or consider a cheaper phone. This was 4 weeks ago.


Today, it was pay day and I asked her about her phone. She said the phone still has problems. I was frustrated and decided to cut the allowance. I know it sounds petty but it's not the money.. I am tired of the past few months explaining to her why it's necessary to keep her phone loaded. It's safety reasons and for peace of mind as she does bring the baby to playgroups, groceries or to the park. She didn't take it well that I cut the allowance.. I am not happy that I did this to her either but I do feel that I need her to take me seriously. Am I fair or too petty?

Yes buy a Nokia used mobile phone for $300 and put it in

a plan.

I pay $60 a month that gets charged to my credit card and she can only use it for my family needs.

I don't want to call her own number since

Don't want to hear no credit etc

The others have chimed in with useful advice.


I'd also point out that if she wants more than 1500 to buy a phone, that's like an expat borrowing half a month's wages to buy a phone. Maybe get a $68 SIM card every three months instead of going with a plan, and tell her that the phone is only for talking to you- if it ever runs out of money, she's been using it to chat to other people.


Get her a $300 handset (they are close to indestructable and the batteries last 4-5 days on standby). Let her get whaterver other phone she wants, with her own money, for personal use.

I agree with Cara, tell her that if she can't keep her phone contactable then she can no longer work for you. Make her job contingent on her being contactable. Give her a deadline say 1 week to sort it out then if its not possible then you and her will have to part ways.

Just give her a mobile strictly use for the two of you only. In the very beginning you should do that rather than using her phone even if you pay 50 dollar.its still her personal property. Talk nicely and calmly. Make her feel that you trust her. Dont be so demanding coz taking care of a baby is not easy.its a big responsibility.

Both employers and helpers. You gain respect depends on your approach and attitude. You dont ask for it.