I’m not one for fussiness, so I’m fine as long as my child is clean and on a proper sleep schedule. Sometimes, when the house isn’t perfectly tidy, I just smile and let it go because I know my mom is already doing so much to help.
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Earlier this year, my mom had to return to our hometown for a few months due to family matters. With both of us working long hours and a 2-year-old son, hiring a housekeeper was our only option.
Through an agency, I found a housekeeper with nearly 10 years of childcare experience. Initially, I was hesitant after reading online stories, so I only hired her for a 2-day trial. During those days, she was gentle with my son, skilled at feeding and soothing him to sleep, and very tidy. Reassured, I signed the contract immediately.
From then on, she and my son were alone at home while we were at work. I couldn’t monitor every detail due to my busy schedule, but I felt secure knowing we had cameras in the living room, playroom, kitchen, and hallway. I figured I could check in anytime if needed.
A month later, I was shocked to see our electricity bill had nearly tripled. My first thought was that the housekeeper was wasting electricity.
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That evening, after my son fell asleep, I reviewed the camera footage from the past month.
After about 10 minutes, I felt a wave of relief.
Yes, she kept the air conditioning on almost all day. On hot days, she rarely took my son outside during peak hours, preferring to stay indoors where it was cool. But what surprised me was that she never let him watch TV or use a phone.
Every hour, she came up with a new activity. She’d lay out a mat for him to crawl through pillow obstacles, create obstacle courses with chairs and boxes, or play music for him to dance to. They’d build blocks, mold clay, read picture books, or play hide-and-seek. My son was constantly active, laughing and playing all day, even within our apartment.
Watching the footage, I often found myself smiling. Some of her games were more creative than anything I’d thought of.
She was also incredibly attentive to his care. At mealtimes, she’d wipe the table, wash his hands, and prepare just enough food, patiently eating with him. If he dropped food, she’d gently guide him to pick it up. After each meal, she’d clean the chair, wipe the floor, and only then move on to other tasks.
What impressed me most was how she maintained our home.
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She sorted our laundry meticulously. My son’s clothes were washed separately with child-friendly detergent. Face towels, bath towels, and bedsheets were washed in different cycles. Whites, colors, and delicate items were all separated. Once dry, she folded everything neatly and placed them in designated drawers for each family member.
The kitchen was always spotless. The stovetop was wiped after each use. The fridge was organized logically, with raw and cooked foods separated, and each container labeled with the purchase date. The bathroom was dry, and the floors were virtually dust-free.
I also noticed that every afternoon, about 30 minutes before we returned, she’d tidy the living room, air out the house, and turn on the air conditioning so we’d come home to a cool, comfortable space.
Then it hit me why the electricity bill had soared.
Yes, our bill was higher that month. But in return, my son enjoyed a cool, safe environment during the scorching days. He stayed active, never glued to a screen. Our home was always clean and organized, so we could spend our evenings playing with him instead of cleaning.
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I realized that some expenses, though seemingly high, are worth it when you consider the value they bring.
At the end of the month, instead of asking her to save electricity, I proactively increased her salary. I told her to prioritize my son’s comfort during extreme heat, as long as it was reasonable.
Many believe a housekeeper just needs to watch the child. But my experience showed me that a great housekeeper not only cares for the child but also supports their development, keeps the home tidy, and gives parents like me complete peace of mind when we step out the door.
Shared by reader tulinh…
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