I just got into this "debate" and would like to ask a simple question: why does everyone get so edgy about the Maids' subject in Qatar?
Ok, these are just just humans, getting into a foreign country, serving people they don't know, leaving behind their families....etc etc. I completely understand and respect their freedom...to a certain extent or at least after a certain "trial" period. She does't know YOU but you don't know HER as well. So, you are both getting to know each other...
I had as wonderful maid before moving to Qatar who cared for my twins since age 4 months to 2 years. I was working and leaving the office late so was my husband. We trusted her completely (we had to!). She was 31 yrs old, not married with no previous experience but got attached to the kids and cared for them even better than me. At first, no mobile was allowed but later after almost 6 months, we got her one with a monthly prepaid card.
At the same time, we told her she can have a day off on Fridays and to our surprise she refused. She preferred to go out with me and the kids to parks, play areas, shopping...I even took her opinion when it came to choosing clothes for kids. She never spoke to any other maids when we were out; not even our friends' maids. Her focus was always on the kids. I always encouraged her to do so and she always looked at me for approval before engaging into a converstion with another maid; when I never mentioned she couldn't. She's human and she has the right to talk to people; she's not a prisoner.
I always asked her what she wanted at supermarket, bought all her clothes (even when she was not with me); she never requested anything and I always pushed her to tell me what she wants. With an attitude like that, I became even more generous and gifted her at every occasion, increased her salary and even cried when she left. We're still texting each other and I'm sending her every now and then the kids photos.
My current maid is way far from being the caring, smiley face like my previous one. I believe it depends on the person. From day 1, my current maid requested a day off and a mobile; which is fine with me.
What they don't understand, is that we are willing to give it all ....but after getting to know them better. We are trusting them with our house, belongings, kids and they don't seem to understand that they should not feel as a "servant" in the house but part of the family as a helper and care for the house as if it's theirs while we're away getting the money in. They need to give us a reason for trust.
I do not tolerate lying and this is the main problem of maids. They have our trust, their own super big room, mobile, day off...and still lying about cleaning, breaking something around the house, simple daily chores...
Well, I say it again; it all depends on the person. If she's good (read: trustworthy and honest), we will be. If not, then it's her fault.
I do have a camera at home and check it from time to time...just because of the "lying syndrome". And I recommend you get one Suzan for a piece of mind. It really helps.
Good luck with your maid Suzan and please explain to her that you're not a monster but just careful. Set simple rules to follow (like a cleaning chart; weekly program...). Maybe you can give her at first 1 day off every 2 or 3 weeks after her 3 months trial period. Mobile is OK but let her know she can't use it when while cleaning or while watching the kids or when out in malls with you; if she's busy and her phone rings, let her phone back the caller when she finishes.
You have to buy all her stuff from personal hygiene products to clothes. Food: what I usually do, I get my maid some noodles packs and canned fish; in case she doen't want to eat our food. She can cook her own if she wants during meal times. I requested she always have her breakfast in the morning before starting of daily chores and she usually sits down at kitchen table and have a half an hour full breakfast. It's her right as she wakes up at 5:30 am, cleans the GF living area and outside area and prepares the kids school bags. She has lunch at specific times and the dinner right before the kids bathtime. She's usually in her room by 8:30Pm.
I wouldn't agree on making the "specific" food item or product a habit. But you have to take into consideration that she surely won't like your food from day 1; I'm sure you don't like hers..so convince her to try what you're cooking and teach her to do it. She will enjoy preparing it and you can also get her a small notebook for recipees (she can try these while back in her home country).
Well, here I end my long comment. I don't like to get into the "debate" thing but just felt like sharing my thougts on the subject.
I just got into this "debate" and would like to ask a simple question: why does everyone get so edgy about the Maids' subject in Qatar?
Ok, these are just just humans, getting into a foreign country, serving people they don't know, leaving behind their families....etc etc. I completely understand and respect their freedom...to a certain extent or at least after a certain "trial" period. She does't know YOU but you don't know HER as well. So, you are both getting to know each other...
I had as wonderful maid before moving to Qatar who cared for my twins since age 4 months to 2 years. I was working and leaving the office late so was my husband. We trusted her completely (we had to!). She was 31 yrs old, not married with no previous experience but got attached to the kids and cared for them even better than me. At first, no mobile was allowed but later after almost 6 months, we got her one with a monthly prepaid card.
At the same time, we told her she can have a day off on Fridays and to our surprise she refused. She preferred to go out with me and the kids to parks, play areas, shopping...I even took her opinion when it came to choosing clothes for kids. She never spoke to any other maids when we were out; not even our friends' maids. Her focus was always on the kids. I always encouraged her to do so and she always looked at me for approval before engaging into a converstion with another maid; when I never mentioned she couldn't. She's human and she has the right to talk to people; she's not a prisoner.
I always asked her what she wanted at supermarket, bought all her clothes (even when she was not with me); she never requested anything and I always pushed her to tell me what she wants. With an attitude like that, I became even more generous and gifted her at every occasion, increased her salary and even cried when she left. We're still texting each other and I'm sending her every now and then the kids photos.
My current maid is way far from being the caring, smiley face like my previous one. I believe it depends on the person. From day 1, my current maid requested a day off and a mobile; which is fine with me.
What they don't understand, is that we are willing to give it all ....but after getting to know them better. We are trusting them with our house, belongings, kids and they don't seem to understand that they should not feel as a "servant" in the house but part of the family as a helper and care for the house as if it's theirs while we're away getting the money in. They need to give us a reason for trust.
I do not tolerate lying and this is the main problem of maids. They have our trust, their own super big room, mobile, day off...and still lying about cleaning, breaking something around the house, simple daily chores...
Well, I say it again; it all depends on the person. If she's good (read: trustworthy and honest), we will be. If not, then it's her fault.
I do have a camera at home and check it from time to time...just because of the "lying syndrome". And I recommend you get one Suzan for a piece of mind. It really helps.
Good luck with your maid Suzan and please explain to her that you're not a monster but just careful. Set simple rules to follow (like a cleaning chart; weekly program...). Maybe you can give her at first 1 day off every 2 or 3 weeks after her 3 months trial period. Mobile is OK but let her know she can't use it when while cleaning or while watching the kids or when out in malls with you; if she's busy and her phone rings, let her phone back the caller when she finishes.
You have to buy all her stuff from personal hygiene products to clothes. Food: what I usually do, I get my maid some noodles packs and canned fish; in case she doen't want to eat our food. She can cook her own if she wants during meal times. I requested she always have her breakfast in the morning before starting of daily chores and she usually sits down at kitchen table and have a half an hour full breakfast. It's her right as she wakes up at 5:30 am, cleans the GF living area and outside area and prepares the kids school bags. She has lunch at specific times and the dinner right before the kids bathtime. She's usually in her room by 8:30Pm.
I wouldn't agree on making the "specific" food item or product a habit. But you have to take into consideration that she surely won't like your food from day 1; I'm sure you don't like hers..so convince her to try what you're cooking and teach her to do it. She will enjoy preparing it and you can also get her a small notebook for recipees (she can try these while back in her home country).
Well, here I end my long comment. I don't like to get into the "debate" thing but just felt like sharing my thougts on the subject.
Best