Of course she hasn't taken you up on your offer of using Skype on your computer... Would you like to be chatting to your family on the other side of the world on your bosses' pc, in their living space with no privacy? I wouldn't. Just let her use the internet and tell her very clearly that she is not to visit any websites with illegal or unsavory content. It's really not a luxury in this day and age, and probably the only way for her to stay in touch with her loved ones back home.
I'm sure buzybees is not going to be standing over the maid's shoulder while she speaks to her family. In any case, the maid will be speaking in a different language so everything will be private.
Just thinking if it was me I wouldn't feel comfortable using skype in my bosses house on her computer. Give her the wifi password. I really don't see why there's an issue with her having it. The unsavoury websites are blocked and it won't cost you any extra so why not. Just be very clear of your expectations and if she does something with it that you are not happy with change the password.
Of course she hasn't taken you up on your offer of using Skype on your computer... Would you like to be chatting to your family on the other side of the world on your bosses' pc, in their living space with no privacy? I wouldn't. Just let her use the internet and tell her very clearly that she is not to visit any websites with illegal or unsavory content. It's really not a luxury in this day and age, and probably the only way for her to stay in touch with her loved ones back home.
I'm sure buzybees is not going to be standing over the maid's shoulder while she speaks to her family. In any case, the maid will be speaking in a different language so everything will be private.
Of course she hasn't taken you up on your offer of using Skype on your computer... Would you like to be chatting to your family on the other side of the world on your bosses' pc, in their living space with no privacy? I wouldn't. Just let her use the internet and tell her very clearly that she is not to visit any websites with illegal or unsavory content. It's really not a luxury in this day and age, and probably the only way for her to stay in touch with her loved ones back home.
good day Buzzybee,
I would say giver her the unlimited, read her the riot act as the others did.
We gave our nanny wifi, tv etc we shed moved in with us, it was our first time having someone, and it's worked out OK.
It means she can be close to her family too. As a result of her having internet and skype around the house it means she can always be in touch. For us, we like that, and our kids do to, as they talk to her kids and her parents as well. It helps them to understand that she has a life too and her own family outside ours. Also right now she is back in PH as her mother is unwell, but she is still on skype with my kids every other day, so I know there is a emotional bond to them (should be after 5 years) and she will come back to us, so it's also a little bit strategic too from our side.
Sorry should have clarified-- wifi doesn't equal internet. I'm not saying that I would decline her access to the internet... I mean unlimited access to wifi.
I've already offered my computer for skype but she hasn't taken me up on it.
Another option would be those prepaid Du cards which offer access to the internet, but then it is limited by amount of memory. I'm thinking perhaps it might be a better idea to buy her some cards every month. Has anyone tried this option?
We have happily given our maid and her husband access to our wifi. They were read the riot act about visiting "unsavoury" web sites, and we have had no trouble.
They are able to talk to their children and grandchildren often, and they feel much more connected to home.
I don't think of it as a luxury - I would sure want to be connected if it was me being the maid.
We bought our maid a computer and gave her wifi access. The problem is the time difference with the Philippines; ours stays up late or gets up very early to talk to the family every day and spends time on it in the afternoons. She actually sold the computer ( !) but has bought a smartphone. It's hard to step back once you've given the wifi access - I hate the moods and grumpy faces and I wish we hadn't been started this at all. I know people will say just get a new maid but that's a bit of a headache too.
you're a classic, Izzy :D
Mine has wifi and her own computer. She skypes her daughter almost daily. to me, I'm mitigating the risk of her doing a runner or acting up as she's not aching for her family. I can't imagine only having minimal contact with my family.
We do, didn't think not to.
We did say that occasionally we would ask her to switch it off, i.e. if we are streaming something and the internet is slow but so far all has been good.
She asked for it as she likes to watch programmes from home. We did offer her a TV but she declined saying she preferred to watch via her phone.
She hasn't abused it so far, house still clean and daughter is happy.