KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

Has anyone tried hiring child sitters who come to your house maybe once or twice a week? This is a common practice in western countries as most do not have live-in help but what about in Singapore? I am a SAHM who is up to my neck with the children and housework that I feel that the poor hardworking husband has been neglected. Hoping to hire someone who can come in now and then so that I can spend some quality time with DH. We have been stuck at home most evenings because the children go to bed early. I know DH really wants to do some sports like cycling or running but with me.

Hi Canvas!

So far I have no frens who have tried this..will keep a lookout!

Thanks Learning Dad

My friend called up an agency that provides such a service and it is around $25/hr, minimum of 4 hours. Even then, must see if there is a match. Most will say, cheaper to hire a live-in domestic helper. Oh well.

I have offered such services before. Same rate $25 but at a centre. Children are engaged in activities age appropriate and prior booking/appointment is required. Am planning to offer similar at my home actually. Being SAHM myself for so many years I can understand the feeling myself. Quiet times with hubs are when gramps or close frenz/relatives invite them over for playdates or sleepovers.

Mostly btwn frenz, when no payment or token taken... we simply exchange or take turns to do organized playdates or sleepovers for our kids so we all have our quiet dates alone (some girl time) or with hubs. Timing arranged according to our convenience of course.

So I say... it IS workable here too! Not just in western countries. Just a matter of finding the right kakis or/right sitter for the day/night.

The problem is my 2yo DD is extremely shy and sticks to me like glue. Can you imagine she still cries every single Sunday when we visit our in-laws? Sigh. That is why we need someone to come to our house instead where the environment is familiar to DD. DS no problem, he's been an easy child since young. Also because the two kiddos sleep very early (8ish)...

Anyway, buds, if you do organize such a service again, let me know!

It's really normal for a two year old, dear... Really? Cry every single Sunday at your ILs? Hmmm... ... you got bad blood with ILs issit? I prefer the kiddies at my home as I have LOTSA toys and materials (that i cannot possibly lug to clients homes ) and I have my own children for the kiddies to play with and I can take in at least two bookings at one sitting. On top of that, I can offer enrichment activities for children who are older who may not like to play. Children of different age will like different things. This means I need access to all and any materials/resources I may require to keep the kiddies occupied and happy. The idea is to make their time fun and as engaging as possible so they won't keep asking for mommy... especially for very young first timers. If kiddies are early sleepers, no worries as well. It's milk time followed by brushing of teeth and conclude the evening with story time and finally calming down time with lullabies (either sung or on audio) until mommy comes to fetch them home. There have been young ones who really need their afternoon naps when I sat them in the afternoons. We follow their rhythm and just help make them feel comfortable. There have also been instances where parents leave their children together with their helpers while they run their errands. I suppose so I can nanny them at the same time. But it's really fine la. It's understandable.

Canvas wrote:Has anyone tried hiring child sitters who come to your house maybe once or twice a week? This is a common practice in western countries as most do not have live-in help but what about in Singapore? I am a SAHM who is up to my neck with the children and housework that I feel that the poor hardworking husband has been neglected. Hoping to hire someone who can come in now and then so that I can spend some quality time with DH. We have been stuck at home most evenings because the children go to bed early. I know DH really wants to do some sports like cycling or running but with me.

Last time my mother provided such service.
But now she has retired.
Maybe you can advertise your requirements online?
Btw, I have pm you, Canvas.

How much will u trust them if not by word of mouth?
How much will u pay to consider reasonable?

jedamum wrote:How much will u trust them if not by word of mouth?
How much will u pay to consider reasonable?

Maybe can request a copy of NRIC.
Last time my mom had her fair share of stories.
One household she went, the mother (i think single parent) left her son with my mom for the night. Said would be back by 11pm but in the end came back at 2am and worst of all, drunk!
Then dinner did not provide for her child. My mother tried to search for food but nothing at home at all, not even instant noodles. In the end she had to go and buy food for the child.

Replied you, carebear!