All About Life Without Maids

[mamemo]

Hi ftwm of 2,


Think my mum and your mum quite similar…haha…has their own way of doing things…
When my kids were younger, we had the same arrangement as you, but our kids’ ages were not that close. But once they reach 18 months, i sent them to childcare, and terminated the maid. Actually, even with the maid, my mum would still have a nightly complain session to me abt the maid. So, my conclusion is, although parents are a great help, sometimes they do complicate matters. No choice, cos i didnt want my babies to go infant care since their immune systems were not built up yet, and i couldnt find a reliable nanny. Now, no complaints and my mum actually dotes more on the kids…absence makes the heart fonder…haha…

Even with a maid, i think may still be tiring for the elderly to look after two kids, so may really need to send your older one to childcare. May fall sick, but it is only the first few months. Children adapt quite fast, and teachers normally give more attention to the younger ones. Just need to think positively.

if you really want to go without maid, explore nanny option for your baby and childcare for your older. However, as baby is still small, you’ll have to do the baby chores (maybe for both children) : night feeds, sterilise bottles, bathe; and maybe use washing machine for babies clothes. Plus what if children falls sick? Eg after vaccination, or after the older one goes to childcare. These are practical issues to think through.

Oh, suddenly thought of another way…is your parents’ house big enough to accomodate your family and maid? maybe can stay with your parents to work around the maid work in 2 household issue.

[Shoe]

Actually, germs may not be a bad thing, so infant care may not be a bad thing either.


Just sharing a link...

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/03/26/let-them-eat-dirt-how-clean-environments-may-set-kids-up-for-immune-problems/

[MintyMin]

Dear ftwm of 2,


M a ftwm of 3, i noe ur frustrations.. :hugs:

From what i noe, correct me if I am wrong.

I tot it is ok for maid to help up at the grandparents' plc as long as there is infant or kids that went over with them. And while the grandparents look after their grandchild, the maid shld help with the hsework.

But having said that, I know they are not allowed to do the SAME household chores in the same day.. example, if she mopped floor at ur parents' plc today, she can't mop at ur plc today but only tomorrow.

U should read tamarind's blog to better understand hw to help yourself.

[Claudine Heng]

Hi Mamemo and Shoe, can i know what type of boxes you all use to freeze? Original Tupperware or LocknLock?


But can i assume that the veg wash and cut in the morning - but i put it back in the fridge after i finshed, but only cook in late afternoon - should still be fresh right?

[Claudine Heng]

Thanks Thanks for your advices!

[Shoe]

Hi Claudine, you're welcome. I use lock and lock for the freezer... I have plenty of Tupperware but never got round to getting them for the freezer..


Should be ok... I also get easy to wash veges like carrots and snow peas... Minimize washing

[mamemo]

Hi Claudine, I used Lock and Lock too.


you're welcome! we're here to share experiences

[mamemo]

Shoe:

Actually, germs may not be a bad thing, so infant care may not be a bad thing either.


Just sharing a link...

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/03/26/let-them-eat-dirt-how-clean-environments-may-set-kids-up-for-immune-problems/

agree in general...but sometimes it's no good for a young child to get infections consecutively because the body didn't have time to recover before it gets infected again. Babies are especially susceptible because their immune system has not built up yet, and infant care allows babies to mix around. So it just takes 1 irresponsible parent to put 1 baby with runny nose, and the rest will get it easily.

so in general, the parent has to monitor whether the child falls sick frequently at infant care or child care.

[Claudine Heng]

yah, i also agree that germs are good, but not for such a young age. And when it happened, we feel sad that they need to eat medicine at such a tender age. Thats the reason why we decide that i should stay home just for this 2 years. Once he is ready to go school, i can go back to work.


But i truly admire those FTWM - really have the energy to take care of the kids plus cooking and doing household chores. I dont think i am up to it because even now staying at home, i feel so tired everyday. haha...weak woman!

[Shoe]

Hi Claudine, I am a FTWM. It can be done but must be superorganised and it's also quite tiring. Hubby must also be willing to pitch in...that said, I moved in with ILs when 2nd one born ...Just so there are ppl to watch the baby. Will move out again soon.