As a parent, my child’s well-being and a consistent routine take precedence over an immaculate home. When the house isn’t pristine, I simply smile and let it go, grateful for my mom’s unwavering support.
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Earlier this year, family obligations called my mom back to our hometown for several months. With both my partner and I working full-time and a 2-year-old son to care for, hiring a housekeeper became our only viable solution.
Through a reputable agency, I found a housekeeper with nearly a decade of childcare experience. Initially hesitant after reading online stories, I opted for a 2-day trial. During this time, she demonstrated a gentle nature with my son, skill in feeding and soothing him to sleep, and a tidy demeanor. Reassured, I signed the contract without hesitation.
From that point on, she and my son were alone at home while we worked. Though my busy schedule prevented me from monitoring every detail, I felt secure knowing we had cameras installed in the living room, playroom, kitchen, and hallway. I knew 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, a wave of relief washed over me.
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 engaged him in 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, allowing us to 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’s role is simply 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…
