I have had the same cleaner for over 3 years. Over this time I have grown to trust him and accept him as a member of my family. He never asks for anything and treats us with the utmost respect. I asked to see pictures of his kids and then sent them some gifts at Christmas. recently I realised I haven't even opened my laptop for a year, what a waste so I am sending it to his children in India. He also uses our Skype weekly to call them for 15 minutes.

I respect him and he respects us, this relationship has taken time to be earned on both sides. I am just glad he has stuck around long enough for the trust to have developed.

I sympathise that you don't want to do too much too soon but on the other hand, she needs to able to trust you as well.