Any tips? New helper arriving AFTER baby is born

Janice Chan

New member
Hello,

Does anyone have any advice on settling in a new helper when they are to arrive 1.5months AFTER birth? I also have a 5yo, so it will be quite hectic, but I'm trying to prepare as much as I can now since I'm still a couple months from my due date.
What did you guys do when your helper's first arrived to help her settle into a routine?

Also, as she is brand new to HK, on her first rest day, I was thinking of accompanying her to the nearest Catholic Church as she told me in her interview that is what she likes to do on her days off. Since she doesn't know HK, I thought I'd show her the way to the nearest full size church. Would that be wierd? Or should I just give her directions and let her go on her own? The nearest full size church to us is 40minutes away.
 
I would recommend making a schedule.

Daily tasks - Cleaning, Cooking, Baby, Older child
Weekly Tasks - Changing Bed sheets, Washing Car, Cleaning Fridge,
Meal times - Family / Kids

Include your older child's activities in the schedule. How involved does she need to be. Dropping off at school bus stop. After school activities.

As she's new to HK, she will need some hand holding. Yes, if you can take her to the Catholic Church am sure she will appreciate it. Some do Filipino services. Or if there's a helper in the building you trust ask if she can join them. Take her to the supermarket or other places you shop at. Get her involved.

Lastly, hate to say this but there are a lot of bad apples out there who take advantage of newbies. She will be asked to sign guarantees for loans. She will be encouraged to take out loans etc. She needs to be firm and say NO.

A previous helper was taken advantage by a distant cousin who took out a $20K loan. Promised she would send her money when she reached Canada. She never saw a penny.

PS. she will get homesick. Let her access your WIFI so she can facetime family during her breaks.
 
Thanks OldtimerMum

Yes I plan to draw up some kind of schedule for her to follow. I also plan to have her eat the same meals as us since we generally eat chinese/Asian meals with rice which is similar to filipino cuisine.

She will need to share a bedroom with my 5yo son but he will be on the top and she will be on the bottom bunk. Thinking of placing a small TV near her sleep area for her to use on weer rest days in case she wants to stay home after church. Since she needs to share room, I was going to let her know that on her rest day, we will reserve that room for her for privacy during the day till her rest day finishes/when my son goes to bed. Do
She will have access to WiFi and I am thinking of putting a small TV near her bed to use. But it will only be allowed to be used during her rest days. I hope that is reasonable as I wouldn't want her to be watching TV while my son is sleeping on work days.
 
Thanks OldtimerMum

Yes I plan to draw up some kind of schedule for her to follow. I also plan to have her eat the same meals as us since we generally eat chinese/Asian meals with rice which is similar to filipino cuisine.

Hi Janice, Some great ideas.

I would also take her to the Filipino shop and buy her a few of her favorite foods. My previous helper loved tinned sardines and a couple of other items. Would just add it to the weekly shopping list.

To be honest, I would encourage her to go out on her holidays. The church will have plenty of activities for her to get involved in. Or you can even enroll in a couple of classes at the YMCA in TST. My helper has taken bread making, cake baking , hairdressing. She'll get cabin fever if she stays home and it will be good for her to be out making friends.

I think a tablet would be better than a TV. She can use headphones and won't disturb your son.

Best of luck!
 
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