All About Full-Time Maids

[hquek]

i3mum:

Wow, u mean u photocopy the $?


Usually I will make them sign for the amount they received at the end of the month.

janet_lee88:

I'm so scared of these maids and the impressive LIES they tell.
So I made copies of the amount they receive each month and make them counter-sign against their name. This way, they cannot tell agent or embassy I didn't pay them.

Then before I sent them back, I make them sign again the amount they received. These maids are super good at weaving stories...so I have to protect myself bcos our dear MOM doesn't side us employers.

For me, before the maid earns enough, I will have a note book that states how much they receive and if they took any monies out to buy stuff. I also will keep any remittance receipt (becos I will be there to assist her mah) and receipts of her spending where possible. Yes, I believe in protecting my ass.

ONce she has accumulated enough, I'll go open an account for her. All deposits in there promptly each month. And if she take any money out, I'll get her to countersign on the bank book itself. Like that cannot run.

This is only possible becos I dun allow maid to keep money with her (in case mix up, I don't want to falsely accuse her of anything). She's free to spend, I'll pay for it first and deduct from her account.

[hquek]

noixlml:

So maybe with the post pregnancy hormones, I am feeling very overwhelmed with the 4 kids and minding another person. She is so far ok albeit forgetful which is expected but than again it's only been 3 weeks and hubby is at home so she wouldn't dare pull any stunts. Figured only after 8 months than I can assess her character better before trusting her. BTW, do you keep your housekeys with you? Or you leave it out in the open cuz she has to open the door for my son to go out to school in the early morning. Any advise? My hubby thinks I'm over paranoid.

When my maid was new and staying at my place, I kept the housekeys when I'm sleeping. But after a few months (after she clear her debts), I'll leave the housekeys outside my room so she can do what she has to. But that's becos she won't need to open the door until I am awake. You have to do what is needed, if there is a reason for her to open the door, just leave the keys outside.

Take care of your health during this time and congratulations on your 4th

[limlim]

i3mum:

Wow, u mean u photocopy the $?

It is an offence to photocopy the SG currency.. fyi..

[jollyme]

my indon helper current salary is S$350 a month. her 2-year contract will end early next year and she’s asking for a S$50/mth increase in salary. anyone knows what’s the market rate for indon now?

[i3mum]

Thanks for your advice, hquek. I will explain to her & note it down from now on.


Our family will be going away from today till end of the week, no need to see her face!

hquek:

No lah, before a bit too late. Start afresh. I started my notebook about a year after ex-maid was with me. Just couldn't stand that she kept forgetting this and that. But you should be fair and tell her this is not acceptable first and if she does it again, then write down - no fair if you had never told her.

BTW, my ex-maid was pretty ok, but there would be times when she started showing not so good attitude. And for her, becos she didn't have phone card (too thrifty), I would ask her to call back home (on my expense, and I was ok becos she will not make phone porridge on my account). After a round, she'll be ok (probably cos she remember what she is in SG suffering for).

[hquek]

i3mum:

Thanks for your advice, hquek. I will explain to her & note it down from now on.


Our family will be going away from today till end of the week, no need to see her face!

Think both sides cheering.

[hquek]

jollyme:

my indon helper current salary is S$350 a month. her 2-year contract will end early next year and she's asking for a S$50/mth increase in salary. anyone knows what's the market rate for indon now?

Think you should just consider if she is worth it. How is her work attitude? How is her fit with the family? $400 I feel is worth not having to go through trauma of having to change, and coach new maid. You got to factor in also the saved agent fees on your side.

[Breadandmuffins]

[quote]My 3rd kid is exhibiting jealous tantrums cuz she is 18 months so age gap pretty close and that is also new to me so I have to figure out how to deal with that. I have two older kids with their own issues, a newborn and now a maid to mind. She sleeps with the two older kids but I am paranoid that she will go crazy for whatever reason and harm my kids so when hubby is not around tomorrow onwards, they are all sleeping in my room and I am locking the door. I figured if she wants to steal things or run away, things can be replaced and I have the runaway bond so I don't really worry but my kids can never be replaced.


So maybe with the post pregnancy hormones, I am feeling very overwhelmed with the 4 kids and minding another person. She is so far ok albeit forgetful which is expected but than again it's only been 3 weeks and hubby is at home so she wouldn't dare pull any stunts. Figured only after 8 months than I can assess her character better before trusting her.
BTW, do you keep your housekeys with you? Or you leave it out in the open cuz she has to open the door for my son to go out to school in the early morning. Any advise? My hubby thinks I'm over paranoid[/quote]Hi noximl
When I have no.4 2 yrs ago, it is also quite overwelming as my no 3 is also in his terrible 2s and my other 2 are only 4 and 6 then. My maid was with me since no 2 was born. She also came shortly after i deliver and is with me 7 yrs now. Although I have some problems with her now, she was of a great help to me during the last 7 yrs and helped me thru with no 2, 3 & 4. From your post, you do not seem to have any major problems with her yet. You may want to give her the benefit of doubt & let her try it out with you first. If you are worried that they are homesick, you can always let her call home/friends at nite if this can help her adjust to life here better. As for the sleeping, I also do not let my kids sleep with maid. What abt letting the older ones sleep in another room and get them to lock it at nite while sleeping and you sleep with no 3 & baby? Even with my maid leaving end of this yr, I will still use another maid for the next two yrs although I am also fearful that it turn out otherwise. IMHO, I think we can sort of assess their character quite quickly in 1-2mths as we are SAHM and we deal with her every day. Of course, after knowing you better, they will have some demands but if they really know their \"standing\" they will not go too far off. I do think we need some help as mothers of 4 young kids. As for the keys, you can get the boy to open the door himself ? Hope it helps.

[i3mum]

Whaha you are right!

hquek:

i3mum:

Thanks for your advice, hquek. I will explain to her & note it down from now on.


Our family will be going away from today till end of the week, no need to see her face!

Think both sides cheering.

[hquek]

i3mum:

Whaha you are right!

I very pai. Anyway, have a good time away from here and enjoy yourself! :celebrate: