All About Full-Time Maids

[HappyAvon]

tamarind:

Maids generally never change. So if a maid does not follow instructions, and refuses to change, the only thing we can do is to change a new maid.


My maid is Indonesian. There are many stereotypes about Indonesian maids, all are false. My maid can communicate in English very well, she is very hygienic, loves children, and have a lot of respect for elders. She came when my younger boy was 2 years old. Within a few months, his speech improved a lot. Even now he loves to chit chat with her. Before her I had another Indonesian maid who is very good with babies, so it is not true that we must employ filipino maids to look after babies -> another stereotype. I actually sent away 3 filipino maids when my girl was less than 1 year old, they are basically good for nothing. My girl does not remember any one of them.

I will always stick to Indonesian maids simply because they are cheaper. I don't believe that any nationality is more superior than others.

Hi Tamarind

You maybe the lucky one who is able to find good indonesian maids. Honestly speaking many fresh indonesian maids does not know how to speak proper english and this may also include some filipina maids too. Sometimes it also depends on luck.... BTW, it is not true that Filipina are much more expensive..the market rate now is about 340.00 for Indonesian and 370.00 for Filipina - no off day. I would always suggest that you ask for phone interview with the maid..at least you will know their communication skills, their responsiveness etc..

[MMM]

We are planning a 3D/2 nites trip to genting during school hols. The 1st family outing that includes all my sils and their family.


Initially was thinking of bringing the maid along to help us to keep alookout of the 3 kids. However, fil sort of refused to go becoz he wanted to "take care" of the house. He didn’t feel secure leaving the house empty… (long story). But we felt that as the entire family is going, he should be going too.

Hubby is now thinking of leaving the maid alone at home. We’ve never done that before. She doesn’t have off day and doesn’t carry a hp so probably not likely for her to have friends? coming over??? Also, the maids at our area, usually keep to themselves and contained within their own house so don’t think she has maid kakis in our area. Wanted to check if there are any watchouts/ recommendations. We intend to do the following :
1) Only let her know before the trip that she will be home alone so she don’t have time to plan.
2) Move all our valuables to my mum’s house (as she stays in an apartment and less likely of a breakin,etc…)
2) Lock the bedroom doors during our absence
3) Random call home to check if she is home and doing fine

I probably don’t mind if she is skiving at home during our absence but I don’t like the idea of her going out,etc… Also, I am not sure if she will be afraid to stay at home by herself.

[jedamum]

MMM,


although i don’t have a maid, but i think it’s a good idea to draw up some activities (that she can do herselft at home maybe…wats her hobby? knitting? sewing?) or note down the timings of some good tv programmes for her…or even bring her to pick out some dvds that she can watch at home while you are away. if she likes to read, borrow books for her to keep her occupied as well.

jmho.

[en107rn.01056yahoo.01056com.01056sg]

I left my maid at home alone for our short trip. Because she helped to prepare the kids luggage, we do keep her informed before hand. I usually ensure that there are sufficient food while I’m gone. The master bedroom door is locked & inform her to give us a call if there is anything.


Since we have salt water aquarium, my husband do call several times a day to remind her what are the things that she needs to do to the aquarium (at the same time checking if she is at home). I alerted close neighbour to keep a look out for stranger loitering around my house & have informed my maid that the neighbours are watching too. Informed my parents too of our absence & my parents will have surprise visits.

Of course having said this, I’m quite comfortable with my maid that she will not be doing any funny business while I’m away.

[winth]

Hi MMM,


When we left my ex-maid alone. We took away our house keys.
I know it might sound dangerous during emergency situations, like what if fires break out, need to go hospital etc?

But I feel safer when I know she cannot go anywhere or open the door for anyone else. You might wanna leave a set of keys secretly somewhere or even with your neighbour. So, in case something happens, she can call you and you can notify her of this secret key?

[ChiefKiasu]

MMM:

We are planning a 3D/2 nites trip to genting during school hols. The 1st family outing that includes all my sils and their family...

[Moderator's note: Topics merged.]

[mintcc]

I don’t feel secure leaving my maid alone at home for days. For our last trip, I sent her to my mum’s house.

[lifestylelink]

winth:

Hi MMM,


When we left my ex-maid alone. We took away our house keys.
I know it might sound dangerous during emergency situations, like what if fires break out, need to go hospital etc?

But I feel safer when I know she cannot go anywhere or open the door for anyone else. You might wanna leave a set of keys secretly somewhere or even with your neighbour. So, in case something happens, she can call you and you can notify her of this secret key?

Hi Winth,
It is illegal to take away the house key. It is considered imprisonment. You don't want to hit the headline when you return.

Hi MMM,
I suggest you bring her to stay with one of your relative or friend. If you have no problem of her staying home alone, take jedamum suggestion, make sure there are enough food and perhaps let her pick some DVDs show.

[winth]

Opps…

Hehehe… didn’t know that.

[en107rn.01056yahoo.01056com.01056sg]

For long holidays, I sent my ex-maid to my parents place. Even then, I notify the agents that I will be sending my maid to my parent’s. Reason being I don’t want to leave her alone & not to get her to work at two places. I dont want the maid to accuse the family that she is being asked to work at two places and land us in trouble.