Babyrat | ExpatWoman.com
 

Babyrat

Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 December 2012 - 23:45
Can anybody please help? Were living in JBR. Its me, my husband and our 4 month baby and were looking for a live in maid. The crunch of her work will be looking after DS so its important she has child care skills. I'm a SAHM so I will be here during the day to help get her settled and trained. She will have a sea view en suite room till we move to a plus maids room apartment in July. I'm looking to pay 1200 dhs a month max, she'll have a furnished room with a tele, dvd player etc. She'll be expected to work 6 days a week 6am-6pm. 1 month paid leave per year and 1 ticket home each year. Ideally were looking for an Indian maid. Just to give you a heads up one month paid leave and annual ticket home is standard as it will stated in their MOL labour contract which your DH and the maid both sign. Any suggestions?
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 December 2012 - 23:40
Neat-Freak, I toughened up the hard way big time. Was completely taken for a ride by the first homehelp. Second one mugged me off like you wouldn't believe. The first two homehelp I had worked 8 til 5, 5 days a week with overtime, mani and pedi, loans etc. List was endless. The homehelp I have now works 6 days a week with no overtime and none of the luxuries the others had and she has been with me for 3 years now. I came to realise that you can't treat them like friends cause they are not they are employees. We have mutual respect for each other which we have both had to earn. I read in an article in 7 days recently about how many ex-pats complain about their homehelp but it is people like us that make them like that with all the little extras, like advances, they certainly would not act like that if they were working for a local family. There are many homehelps out there who are really good but as many as there are good there are bad. I hope it all works out for you.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 22:31
I've already done that but the map on google isn't great.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 20:23
We on the other hand had an amazing day. DD met Santa and Dora and the kids loved the music. I would well recommend it.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 20:11
Can I just add that if (a) she isn't fulfilling her contract in which she is not you do NOT have to provide a flight home. That is her responsibility not yours (b). Yes you do get 30 days grace when your visa has been cancelled but if his employers are paying for his flight home then he has to go home when they say. Her standard employment contract does state this. You would have both signed it. Tell her to reread her contract. Also it's annoying but you do have to kiss good bye to the visa costs.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 20:11
Can I just add that if (a) she isn't fulfilling her contract in which she is not you do NOT have to provide a flight home. That is her responsibility not yours (b). Yes you do get 30 days grace when your visa has been cancelled but if his employers are paying for his flight home then he has to go home when they say. Her standard employment contract does state this. You would have both signed it. Tell her to reread her contract. Also it's annoying but you do have to kiss good bye to the visa costs.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 19:43
Not sure how much you want to spend but I was in global village last week and they had some in India Court. There were quite a few stalls which had leather ones they started from aed 200 or 250.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 00:18
Thanks Louisedvs, I will check them out. Thanks Derien for understanding my post. Unfortunately I cannot start and finish work earlier as I am a teacher. I did want to know what people do generally in those situations, aside from getting a maid. I wouldn't need a maid otherwise so was wondering if there is an alternative rather than to hire a maid for 1-1.5 hrs per day. Doesn't appear to be as I had imagined. But thanks for the helpful and unhelpful comments. There is a website here called Assist.ae maybe they can advise you? My DD goes to Star International as they have after school club. Alternatively once you know which school your child would be going to you might be able to find another mum who could help you out. edited by louisedvs on 18/11/2012 <em>edited by Babyrat on 03/12/2012</em>
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 00:11
Emirates Park Zoo all the way. Have been taking my DD there for the past couple of years and if you can stay overnight it's dead fun for the kids.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 00:08
Can I suggest you only interview maids who are able to supply you with references. I would never even consider taking someone on without at least contactable references. Don't forget you are the employer so you should dictate the terms. Like going to any interview people always want to better themselves and negotiate better perks. Don't ask don't get. There is a set minimum wage for each nationality and for a Filipino it is 1400aed which is set by their government. If you have kids I should also suggest you send them on a first aid course as well. It's amazing how many people let their home help loose with their own kids with the basic knowledge of first aid. With regard to over time. I pay over time if she has to babysit on a Friday which is effectively her day off. If she babysits during the week then no overtime is paid. You do have to interview a fair few but you will get there in the end.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 22:10
At Bab Al Shams kids 4 and under do not have to pay. I opted for Maydan Hotel. I did quite like the look of Bab Al Shams.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 23:51
For kids - I either go to Westin or to the Address in the Marina - I think it is called Mezzina but the brunch is on a Saturday not as normal on a Friday. I have heard that the one at Ibn Batuta Gate is good for kids but the food isn't fab.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 23:48
Will she get anything thats on her Christmas list or will it all have to be sensible stuff. I mean a bike is great - but does she hanker after one? No is the answer to that. We got her a cheap bike last year for Christmas that's what she asked for. I just think that AED 499 is alot to spend on "rubbish" which will last all of 24 hours if that. We will get her small things to make up her christmas stocking. I'm just starting to feel guilty that the only two things she has asked for Santa I don't particularly want to buy. DesertRose1958, I'm smiling whilst typing this. You are seriously the voice of reason and have put things into perspective. It is Christmas and she will get what Santa has asked her for on Christmas day. I don't really struggle with decisions like this. I hope you and your family have a very very merry one as I know now my DD will. xxx
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 23:36
Will she get anything thats on her Christmas list or will it all have to be sensible stuff. I mean a bike is great - but does she hanker after one? No is the answer to that. We got her a cheap bike last year for Christmas that's what she asked for. I just think that AED 499 is alot to spend on "rubbish" which will last all of 24 hours if that. We will get her small things to make up her christmas stocking. I'm just starting to feel guilty that the only two things she has asked for Santa I don't particularly want to buy.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 23:30
Hi, As far as I am aware everyone one which includes, adult, child and babies need an ID card.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 23:15
DD who is 4 has only asked for two things from Santa (1) is a Fur Real Dog and (2) is a Candy floss machine. The candy floss machine is a definite NO but I really do not want to spend literally 499 AED on a interactive dog when we got her a real one at the beginning of the year! Am I being a mean, tight fisted mummy. I would gladly spend that money a new decent bike for her.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 21:27
Hello there, My nanny asked me to go back to Sri Lanka for one month due to her grandson having heart surgery. I let her go and she supposed to come back beginning of December. However, my husband has been transferred and we have to move immediately. My nanny has been so good to us that I decided to help her to find a new family, so she won't be so heart broken thinking that I let her go because she took vacation. She is 48-year old Sri Lankan lady on husband's visa( so you don't need to worry that she is illegal and can take off at any time). She is excellent with kids. She has been working for us for one year and I have never had any problems with her. Before she started with us, I checked all her references with previous families. Last family that she worked for before starting with us,let her go after 5 years with them just because the girl that she cared for was too attached to her and din't want to do anything with her mother. She is very good with kids, I tested her many times and noticed that she really cares about my 3-year-old son. She would never talk on the phone and leave him alone like many maids do, she pays 100% attention. She is so patient with him. My son felt in love with her. She is an excellent maid too. I have never told her what to do. She always does everything by herself. She cleans, does laundry and irons. Another benefit, her husband works at one of the hotels dry cleaning. So, she dry cleaned my husband's business shirts for free. She is very punctual. She worked 6 days a week from 8:30 am to 7 pm. She stayed over several times when we needed her to. She is very punctual. In conclusion, I really recommend her. I know it is very hard to find live out maid that you could trust to and I wish that someone would recommend a maid to me when I was looking for one. I really recommend her and you could also check with her previous employers. I pay her 2800 AED (2500 salary + 300 transportation). Please email me if you are interested. My email is [email protected] May I suggest you take your email address off your post. You must realize that it's illegal to be on husband's visa and work as a nanny/maid. All household maids have to be sponsored by you or your husband. No exceptions.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 22:57
You need to give her a crash course on emergency response and you need to check in about 1 month that she understood (this applies to a maid, with nanny duties). Many maids can't swim so they can't help your children if they are swimming. Many maids don't even know the emergency response number in Dubai .... they don't know where the hospitals are, etc. I would also give her guidelines on her mobile phone usage. We all have seen the nannies completely ignore the children while that chatter on the phone. But you have to be able to check on this..... I have a list of emergency telephone/useful numbers on the fridge which includes nearest hospital/medical centre, my work, DH's work and a couple of friends just in case etc. I also sent home help on a first aid course with Back to Basics. At the end of the course you get a book which is really useful which I keep on top of the microwave. I also pay for a mobile phone which is for the sole use of when she is DD with all the emergency/useful numbers installed in the phone. The mobile is only for work purposes and is not used for her personal calls. Du have a post paid plan which is 25AED per month and gives you an allowance of texts and free minutes.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 23:49
I second Mygym on Jumeriah Beach Road. When DD was younger loved.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 23:47
Hi ladies, Does anyone know the rules/law for giving birth in Dubai and whether or not I have to be on a residential visa? My husband is looking at taking a contractual job which will only provide a visa for him and not me. I am planning on giving birth at City Hospital. Does anyone know if I am still allowed to give birth here without visa/insurance and just pay for it directly? If your husband as a residency visa he will be sponsored by his company and in turn you will be sponsored by your husband. Not all companies pay for visa costs relating to their families.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 23:45
Hi ladies, Does anyone know the rules/law for giving birth in Dubai and whether or not I have to be on a residential visa? My husband is looking at taking a contractual job which will only provide a visa for him and not me. I am planning on giving birth at City Hospital. Does anyone know if I am still allowed to give birth here without visa/insurance and just pay for it directly?
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 23:26
a package? gloves, Cif, Dettol, Clorox, Alex List, old cloths, new cloths, knee pads. Lol
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 23:25
If you go to the Etihad office in Marina Mall and give them sight of your card this will be sufficient for their purposes.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 23:15
I've not heard of them but I've used AXA international and BUPA international and they both seem good.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 23:06
Just for info - if you have a FZE trade license technically you can only do work within that free zone unless you register with the DED in Dubai but if you was going to do that then you might as set up an LLC company in the first place.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 21:31
My niece didn't even attempt to walk until she was nearly 2. She bum shuffled every where with speed may I add. My sisters little one crawled everywhere until he was 18 months whereas my own DD was walking by the time she was 14 months. All kids are different.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 21:24
Star international um sequmm has.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 22:40
I let DH sort out DD'S I'd card and her gender says male but I'm going to bother with the hassle of changing it bearing in mind she is only 4! There are not many places actually I don't know any that requires you to produce your ID card but I'm more than happy to stand corrected.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 22:40
I let DH sort out DD'S I'd card and her gender says male but I'm going to bother with the hassle of changing it bearing in mind she is only 4! There are not many places actually I don't know any that requires you to produce your ID card but I'm more than happy to stand corrected.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 22:26
So glad I read this thread taking DD this weekend. Hopefully they will still accept living social voucher!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 22:20
We are going to Oman over Eid break and have booked the Shangra la. If you have an HSBC credit card they have an entertainer voucher in there which means if you book 2 nights you get one free. That's what we are using.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 22:18
Hi all, am looking to book a mini break in Oman, and was just wondering if any of you know of any that would be suitable for a 4 and 2 year old. Also not too far away, as we are planning to drive. Thanks :cool:
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 21:49
We could do with a facility like this near Ranches. At the moment I take my pooch to a place in Al Quoz which is a bit of a schlep with the traffic on Umm Seqeim. Would be really happy to help out, have most afternoons free! We take our dog to Paws Pet Planet which is only 10 to 15 mins max from where you are. I hate driving down Umm Seqeim. <em>edited by Babyrat on 14/09/2012</em>
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 21:45
We used Kristina from Paw Pet Planet with our 8 month old and was very happy with the result.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 21:38
I'm another happy star mummy as well. They only charge if they offer you a place. Nice teachers and the headmaster is out and about every morning come rain or shine. I actually admire him for doing that.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 22:34
I second Al Safa Vets. I've never been to the one at Nad al Sheba but I have heard very good things about them.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 22:33
We are in the same position as you and we found are only legal and safe option would be a taxi or those private limo companies which are all registered with the RTA. When DD is a lot older I might consider putting her on a school bus.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 20:09
Clarke Francis are doing mini tennis for the younger kids. They have classes all over Dubai. I know they have something on at Arabian Ranches.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 21:29
Have a look at Mygym which is Jumeriah Beach Road. It's fun and really reasonably priced.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 14:30
There may be no water for the plants but there is plenty of water leaking from AC in the corridor of the builidng I live! I love living here and it is getting quite run down not just the communal areas but inside the buildings.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 14:26
I second Back to Basics as well. My homehelp has been on a couple of their courses now.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 22:10
I second swim fin.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 22:47
I second him as well. He treated DD when she was a baby.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 21:39
Not one really to write this sort of thing maybe cause I feeling dead emotion as it was DD's last day in FS1. Can't believe where the year has gone anyway just want to say what an amazing head master Mr Michael's is. Seriously I don't know many schools where the headmaster stands outside the school every morning to greet the kids. I drop DD off and run back to the car cause I can't stand the heat. He must stand there for about 30 mins each day doing the greet thing. if I'm early I see him and if I late I see him. It's nice to see a headmaster who just doesn't hide behind his desk!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 21:28
I've lived here for 2 years now. I love the space and community feel to it. I live in Shakespare Circus II which is opposite AR so I don't hear the noise from the Autodrome. Good for families. We were the first tenants in our apartment. In a three bed. Emicool in the summer is around the high 900AED and on top of that there is DEWA which is around 850AEd per month but that includes housing fee. The only problem I think that I can complain about whilst Serve U are quick in coming to fix your problems i do not think that their workmanship is very good. In our second bathroom I've had a leak in their for the majority of the time I have live in the apartment. Every week Serve U sends someone to have a look at the leak its fixed for a week and then starts leaking again.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 21:56
Cannot comment on JVT but if you think Arabian Ranches is far I would have thought that JVT is even further. The only reason I comment is that I live in Motorcity and my DD is at Star. I have considered moving to JVC but I personally think it is even further than Motorcity.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 22:34
It is the employment contract which is issued by the ministry of labor which your maid and you signed and stamped by the labor office.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 22:15
If your not paying make the most of it. I didn't think that they could back date it though. They didn't charge me for 18 months hat low and behold they started charging me in April! It wasn't back dated in my case.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 22:01
You could try schools or nurseries with hours to suit.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 21:59
We don't go out. yup, what she said. We don't go out, AND we have a full time live in maid. Just that, a maid, not a qualified nanny, first aider, mum etc etc. When my MIL comes over in December Im hoping to go for dinner with hubby, will be the first time in years :) It is what it is and all that.
 
 
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