Shane
nice to have you back! Enjoying your new surroundings and more food?
LV
saw your post, and had to answer. otherwise, I'l remain one of the guilty silent readers
For our family, the maid's main task is to take care of the kids. One reason is, I'm not like the super mummies here who have high standards for their homes!
And with my hb and my working schedules, the maid plays vital role in taking care of the kids.
However, we are mindful of the attitudes, character and mindsets that comes with the maid, that would inevitably influence the children. This is above the superficial things like language, habits and accent. As we're both working, and our parents as well, we know that this would apply to a nanny, or full-time CC as well.
We chose a maid, cos we wanted someone who speaks English, and who can help out 24/7 with us. And since we grew up with maids ourslves, we kinda figured we didn't turn out too badly too!
hehe..
LV, i think it's all abt managing your expectations. If I had to send my kids to my parents for example, I have to contend with their way of bringing them up. If it was a nanny, it would be maybe dialect or different religious beliefs.
Of course ultimately, doing it yourself would be best. But having a maid does relieve both you and hb of misc stuff like packing the bag, preparing the food, carrying groceries (carrying milk tins and diapers is no joke!!) etc.
Like what jaymom and shane shared, the maids do improve quality of life. Let me share what some of my colleagues do. When they go overseas for holidays with the childrn (anything under 6 yr old), as long as there's more than one child, the'll bring their maids along. To ensure everyone has a good time. That's how much of an asset extra hands are!
I hope that helps! sorry for really long post!