My sympathy goes to the working mother
who finds herself at the mercy of her Indonesian maid who is now
demanding more pay for the little that she does around the house. The
problem started when the maid returned from her leave. The writer who
has given so much freedom to the maid is now held at ransom and is
now at wit's end trying to find the right balance of authority and
kindness. Some may dismiss this as of no consequence but it hits hard
on those who depend on the maids.
The never ending problem of maids has
put a strain on many households especially those with children. How
are working parents going to have some peace of mind when the safety
of their children is suspect. We have been depending too much on
outside sources for maids and there has not been any incentive for
the locals to take over the job. Would creches or day care centres
nearby help? The recent reports on deaths
at a nursery and child care centre has put that solution at risk too.
Those without immediate family members
are putting their children at risk with the maids, nurseries and day
care centres. But what other choices do they have? A better
supervison of those who care for the children is needed but
implemening rules and regulations does take time and effort. There
would be loopholes and black sheeps will appear now and again. It is
a dilmema for the parents. Would full time housewives be a solution?
The proliferation of online businesses helmed by mothers might be a
positive sign but not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur.
Everyone has their own calling and
interest, so the mothers who have to depend on the maids have to grit
their teeth and bare with the inconvenience of sulks from maids until
the children can fend for themselves.
Image from billyuniversal
No comments:
Post a Comment