After checking the calendar, I noticed that we have employed a “domestic helper” (or as some say, “nanny” or “maid” or “amma”) for over a year and a half.
Next month marks the first year of our official contract, according to the Hong Kong government. And Minda has been more than helpful to us. I’ve been wanting to give her a raise for some time, and now that we have an official “anniversary”, I will give her a 10% pay raise. She more than deserves it. I have also written a list of activities that we want to see continued in our home. For general interest, her are some of the particulars:
- organizing Maeli’s afternoon play schedule
- preparation of meals
- housecleaning
- assisting with visitors
- general sewing
- taking initiative without being asked
- utilizing the weekly budget wisely
Here is one of the “Discussion Points” that I plan on discussing with Minda:
*Maeli’s general attitude: I want Maeli to have a sincere and visual respect for you. I see other children boss their helpers, and I disapprove of that behavior in Maeli. I want Maeli to say “please” and “thank you”, as well as politely ask for things instead of demanding them.
That “Discussion Point” makes Maeli look a tad disrespectful. The issue is that Maeli and Minda spend most of their time together when I’m not around. A few afternoons a week, Minda will join us in the living room for games/art projects/etc, but for the most part I don’t see the two of them interact much. I’ve noticed that sometimes Maeli bosses Minda around, and I want to nip that behavior in the bud. I would like Minda’s full understanding and agreement on this point.
So goes the ongoing work and development of hired help. For all the benefits it provides, I sure will miss it someday when we leave Hong Kong.
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