Dubai_City_Chick | ExpatWoman.com
 

Dubai_City_Chick

Dubai_City_Chick
336
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 14:30
There were replies that covered this but they have been deleted by Mods. [b'>What we are saying is that when you have your own child, you will realise how utterly knackered and frustrated you[/b'> [b'>may[/b'> be - however that is our own child and we are programmed by hormones to look after it. When it is not your own, it could be a different story! That is what she is saying -I would guess ...same as I said but was deleted. Do you not realise that is for that exact reason that a mother may employ house help so that she isnt 'knackered' 24/7. Whats the point of a miserable over tired care provider if you can afford help?
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 13:44
Does she have any physical health issues? Such as arthritis? Bad back etc? What is her overall health like? My brother and SIL employ a 53 year old and she is just not able to keep up with their very energetic toddler so they have to find someone else, she has bad arthritis and is excellent in every other way, just physically not very strong :( Might be worth considering if you have young children or if you have a large house that needs a lot of mopping for example. Is this Lillibeth? :) Hi TDB! No not Lillibeth. I had to re arrange with her for tomorrow. This womans name is Ruth. I made sure to cross reference as there was another Ruth who gave alot of problems to her employer but it seems to be a different one. I like that she has a very motherly feel with alot of energy too. No athritis and remember I'm home too to look after LO. Whats most important is a good helping hand.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 11:44
OP came on, showed a schedule. A standard, textbook, feeding schedule. Fair enough, these seldom work. In this schedule, the baby was put to sleep three times during the working day, the expected sleep time being for 1.5 hours. Each time, there was a 'light' task written for the help, never 'mopping', washing/ironing. Some readers assumed the undocumented time would be spent doing the job of a maid, although OP herself never said that, she just asked if the schedule was realistic which, for a nanny it is, and light, nannies are expected to run houses in the west, as a governess. She said she was unwell. I'm sure she doesn't think "great news, I'm sick, I get out of bath time!" She is paying for a hand around the house. There's nothing worse than being unwell and seeing your babies needs go unfulfilled because you literally cannot do it, so maybe OP doesn't give a rats if her floors don't shine, but she does want her baby to have what she is unable to give him. That's not cultural, that's being a mum. Thank you AmyAus for understanding what mums like us are going through. My adorable little son needs alot of attention that I just cannot always give purely down to my bad back. A bad back may seem so trivial to some but its very difficult functioning with one. I hate seeing him unhappy because mummy just physically cannot rock him comfortably to sleep. Weve invested in so many different swings and rockers but he likes me to held and rocked. Honestly, I dont care about the house even if a maid can just come in and rock him to sleep/put him back to sleep when he wakes up then I am a happy mummy. But right now because I'm struggling I feel the entire day is being spoiled between me and DS.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 11:31
Hi there, You mentioned in an earlier thread that you may know of available house help. Were you able to forward my email address to the girl? Thanks in advance! I'm sorry I missed the thread! Can you post again? No problem! Thank you =) <em>edited by Dubai_City_Chick on 11/12/2012</em>
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 11:20
I'm just looking through it again and basically maid duties: Preparing bottle, sterilizing, preparing bath, putting to sleep and housework Me: Playtime, feeding, bathing, evening putting to sleep Drop me your email add and I can send it over to you.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 11:13
Yes of course! Its on DH's laptop i'll get him to email it over. I'm sure we'll make many changes. Basically I'm having the maid do all the prep work which is NOT precious moments! For example, getting baby bottle ready, getting bath prepped, steralising, putting LO to sleep because of my bad back and the biggest one is attending to LO when he wakes up mid nap and putting him back to sleep. We have days when I'm having to rock him back to sleep every 5 mins for just a 1 hour nap! I'm giving the baths, doing the feeds, playtime and nappy changes (LO loves nappy changes so I want to be the one to do it) and she can catch up with housework in between. We iron as we go along so theres no need for a big iron day. Theres only 3 of us so there isnt THAT much cleaning up either eshp if its being done on a daily basis so I havent put a set break in order but there will be a mutual understanding that she gets a break during the day when its quite- perhaps during my feed and play time period in the afternoon?
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 10:56
You post such a list on a public forum with a mix of nationalities all with a different parenting culture you are going to get a mixed bag of responses. Maybe posters should start adding their nationality into the titles of posts so posters not of that nationality don't bother responding? It's the different ethnicity background you'd want to understand and learn to be able to appreciate their differences :o) Why would i want to appreciate their differences if i disagree with them? Look it's simple, different cultures have different ways to bring up their children and different expectations. Not all from those cultures but a majority body. Do i agree with some of those, no, so therefore maybe it would be an idea if everyone stops being PC and says. Look i need advice i'm from outer Zonk, i need a Zonkien maid to bring my baby up the Zonk way, if you are not from Zonk land don't bother responding because you will never appreciate Zonk child rearing? see how easy is that? (lol) Disclaimer ; If you are indeed Zonkein, please do not be offened this was just an example, I am aware your child rearing culture is amazing! edited by Lolacat on 11/12/2012 You seem so bitter.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 10:14
sure it is zero five zero three four two four two nine zero It seems a lot to pay Howdra but bear in mind they pay for her flight over and home, annual leave (they replace during the 4 weeks she is away), end of service gratuity, visa costs, medical etc etc, it is all built into the monthly price whereas you will have 10 - 15k outlay initially to sponsor your own. Plus you can swap if the maid doesn't work out! Good luck today! Thanks TDB and thanks for all those details. Its something to think about actually. How satisfied are you with the maids they provided for interviews? I may give them a go actually!
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 10:02
TDB- Could you please re post Lillibeths number- Thanks!
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 09:51
Doesn't look like OP is too lazy to feed or carry her child. Shame she has to explain her physical condition in such detail because some are so quick to judge. Bit harsh to basically tell her she's not a good mother just because she needs help with caring for her child. Guess everyone here is a super mom. No she doesn't, she's asking about employing some help in the house and what is reasonable. Funnily enough it was suggested she be clearer with what she actually needs /wants. You post such a list on a public forum with a mix of nationalities all with a different parenting culture you are going to get a mixed bag of responses. [b'>Maybe posters should start adding their nationality into the titles of posts so posters not of that nationality don't bother responding?[/b'> And it's only you who are stating she is not a good mother and is lazy, fraudian slip? So strange.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 09:39
OP hasnt replied in a while. I'm so sorry that other mothers can be rude and judgmental towards other new mums. This poor mummy could be going through PND, anything and your all like a pack of wolves at her. OP, I hope you find an arrangement that works for your family. I too am a SAHM yet I'm looking for house help to help me with baby and housework. Good luck to you and please know there are mums here who are willing to offer their support and help.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 08:57
I see the anti maid patrol is out this morning. 1. In Dubai alot of families dont have the support network. In fact I have no friends or family here. In UK I would have never thought of hiring help because I would have my mother, dad, siblings and friends around to lend a hand. 2. I suffer from at times very bad chronic back pain which means for me a simple thing like rocking my baby to sleep is asking the impossible. 3. My son had a very tough start to life. We spent most of his first 4 months without any sleep in NICU's and its now starting to take its toll on us. 4. My days are so demanding with my son that we have endless amounts of laundry piled up, mountains of dishes etc. Its just not possible for me to do both. I can either attend to him with great difficulty or attend to the house. My husband has to do all night feeds because I'm caput by the evening and its not fair on him either. Why do any of you feel you have the right to comment about how a parent should or shouldnt raise their children? You have NO idea what anyones personal circumstances are. Maybe women should stop jumping at other womens necks all the time and offer some support. If you cant offer support maybe you should just keep quiet. An invaluable lesson my working mother taught me while I was also looked after by our house help. Personally I see nothing in the least bit attractive of your personalities having spent all your precious years with your parents rather than a stranger! <em>edited by Dubai_City_Chick on 11/12/2012</em>
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 17:07
Thanks TDB! I called Howdra but I cant afford paying 2800 dhs a month! That was their quote! Any more recommendations would be hugely appreciated.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 14:24
Completly agree with Purple. Ive heard people mentoin that their maids previous employer didnt give them a ticket home for 2 years which is really mean but they are just following the contract. I agree 2 years is a long time to expect them to work without seeing friends or family.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 14:22
We are in the process of putting together a plan for our maid so I may be able to help you. I had a difficult high risk pregnancy, c section and my DS is a very fussy baby so the first few months have been so difficult. Its easy for people to judge but nobody knows what your personal circumstances are. When I first put a plan together for our maid I got so overwelmed I literally had her doing everything with DS for her 12 hour shift! Of course me and DH revised and revised till we were at a happy medium. I was getting the rest I so badly needed and I was also interacting with LO as much as possible. Basically in our plan I do all feeds and play times and maid does all the putting to sleep and putting back to sleep when DS wakes up. Maid makes formula for the day, sterilizes bottles, gets bath prepared but I bathe baby, makes dinner and does general cleaning around the house. I think what you need to figure out is what you need the most help with, what is important that you as mummy and what daddy can help with when hes home. I can email you our plan if you wish. Good luck and dont worry about other comments on here. Many many mums have maids and dont see their babies for 12 plus hours a day. Just because your a SAHM doesnt mean you dont need help!
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 20:20
so you open by saying - can you offer discount, you live very far, i'll be coming by taxi...then, when i expresss my shock that you seem to think 100 dhs is a small amount (as in "only") you say "Do you understand that it had nothing to do with the discount ?" still confused but don't worry - i lost the will to live 6 posts ago :D Does it not make sense to get that out of the way first? If it were the other way round i'd rather someone asked me that question from the start and then decided whether they were still interested once I responded. I'd hardly want to spend time on the phone with someone talking to me about it then asking for the discount at the end, me declining and them hanging up.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 20:18
Nope, still not got to grips with it. You're asking for AED 100 discount becuase you need to travel to hers by taxi, yes? But I think she only kicked off when asked a question about the crib...not because OP asked for a discount. OP you were probably caller # 45, don't take it to heart just take your money elsewhere :) Thank you.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 20:10
Have you ever tried to sell anything in the small ads ?? you know how soul destroying it is to have every single person try to haggle ? lol [b'>I only wanted 100 dhs off just because I'd be getting to her and back via taxi[/b'> and she lives very far from my in JBR. I'm not one of those callers offering half the price. Anyway the discount was the first thing I asked and then dropped it. I wanted the cot so I moved onto other things I wanted to know about it. Sheesh. ONLY 100 dhs ??? :\: not her fault you need a taxi... sorry... [b'>Do you understand that it had nothing to do with the discount ?[/b'> *confused* Let me break it down for those really struggling to get to grips with the conversation Me: Can you offer any discount? You live very far i'll be coming by taxi. Her: No Me: Fair enough I'm still interested its looks really nice. What brand is this? Her: ***** Me: I've not come across this brand before. What are their prices like? Its higher end right? Her: Wierd b**** rant
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 20:05
Usually people dismantle things. I'm not sure if your aware of that.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 20:02
There is no reason to yell at people over the phone. I have received many calls for people wanting to bargain. Nothing wrong with that. If you can not handle it, I suggest you should not post it. As for those who offer too low prices? Well, you can never avoid them. But if someone is serious about buying but is asking for a little discount, that's fine. She probably has no manners! Shes yelling because I wanted to know about this brand and what kind of price region they are in not because I asked for a discount. Is that really a reason to be so rude to somebody?
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 20:01
Have you ever tried to sell anything in the small ads ?? you know how soul destroying it is to have every single person try to haggle ? lol I only wanted 100 dhs off just because I'd be getting to her and back via taxi and she lives very far from my in JBR. I'm not one of those callers offering half the price. Anyway the discount was the first thing I asked and then dropped it. I wanted the cot so I moved onto other things I wanted to know about it. Sheesh. ONLY 100 dhs ??? :\: not her fault you need a taxi... sorry... Do you understand that it had nothing to do with the discount ?
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 19:57
Have you ever tried to sell anything in the small ads ?? you know how soul destroying it is to have every single person try to haggle ? lol I only wanted 100 dhs off just because I'd be getting to her and back via taxi and she lives very far from my in JBR. I'm not one of those callers offering half the price. Anyway the discount was the first thing I asked and then dropped it. I wanted the cot so I moved onto other things I wanted to know about it. Sheesh. She got her knickers in a twist because I didnt know about the brand and wanted to know what these cots are worth not over me asking for 100 dhs off. I sell things on dubizzle all the time as well and yes its frustrating when people call up with stupid offers but I've never been so rude to someone enquiring about the product. <em>edited by Dubai_City_Chick on 19/11/2012</em>
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 19:55
Unfortunately I dont see these people getting much support financial or otherwise. I just cant imagine how they are all coping right now. What a horrible situation to be in =(
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 16:26
If your giving it away why not donate some things to the residents of the tamweel tower fire?
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 16:05
obviously we all know that it is our own responsibility to insure the contents of our home...I don't think it's necessary or helpful for people to gleefully point that out at a time when so many families have been devastated and face a terrible time ahead... (happy christmas anyone ?) AT last.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 15:43
If you lost everything, including paperwork, how would one even begin to replace passports, ID's, etc. Each document requires a passport, a passport requires some sort of ID, it just seems like such a daunting and scary task, to be suddenly "no one" in a country which is not your own. We have a briefcase with all our passports, birth certificates, insurance policies and other important documents as well as some cash and an emergency credit card we dont use. Thats the first possession we would pick up if in such a scenario.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 15:41
I think what ShopGirl12 is trying to say is that the residents are not owed anything if they didnt have contents insurance. Perhaps the harsh truth which is not needed right now. Its a sensitive time for alot of people including my friends so lets try to show some sympathy.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 15:21
A friend of mine is currently staying with his family. They were able to go back up and collect a few valuables but apart from 2 suitcases they've lost everything. They dont have contents insurance and till now there isn't much clarity on whether Tamweel will be somehow reimbursing these families. From what hes told me people would be grateful for any help at all. We've always said we would get contents insurance and forgot about it. I'm getting it sorted this week.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 11:17
shall we start a new thread for collections to raise awareness? Yes, I think so
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:45
Thanks Arch I didn't get to read that post. I lost interest half way to the top of the thread.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:43
We had a horrendous experience at American Hospital just last week. At 2am DS became very sick (continuous projectile vomiting, fever and very loose stools). We travelled from Marina all the way to American Hospital and they just looked at us with a blank face like we were aliens and told us there wasn't a pediatrician to see our son. Shocked. Luckily City Hospital across the road had a totally different attitude and set up.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:38
Wow rather than spending so much time trying to prove a point why not actually *do something* to help those who have lost everything in the fire. I've just made a big bag of my clothes including tops, maxi dresses and some clothes of DH's ready to drop off tonight. I'll look around the house for spare duvets now. Can somebody please tell me exactly where I need to get DH to drop these things off? He has a phobia of JLT (I really dont think the loop is that bad) so an in-out job would be great!
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 16:31
Probably laugh and ask her if that is a serious question as it is a ridiculous statement. That was the initial response, but then the mind started to work... long standing family relationship, Christmases, New Years, birthdays and all the rest together... I don't know how to get past this... she will always be suspicious, right? And just to be clear, duh, no,[u'>[b'> he is more of a girlfriend than a boyfriend!!![/b'>[/u'> This statement alone says it all. I feel sorry for the wife in the middle of this.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 10:19
Sorry I completely disagree. The whole idea of a schedule is to stick to it. If your still feeding in between you are not feeding on schedule you are demand feeding. I would only feel the need to recommend demand feeding if your LO's are under weight. Other than that the choice is really yours. There are many many people who find the babywise book helpful so I would advise reading it for yourself and being the judge of it.
Dubai_City_Chick
336
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 10:11
I wanted to get some opinions from ladies living in Springs 2 bedroom villas please. 1. Are the corner plots any bigger inside or is it just that the garden is bigger? 2. Is chiller on top or is it just dewa? 3. What is your monthly dewa bill like? 4. Is it fair to say that a 2 bed is manageable in Springs for 85k and 90k for a corner plot? 5. What don’t you like about the area? Our main goals are 1. Upstairs and downstairs for the kids 2. Garden for the kids 3. Extra bedroom/study/maids room 4. Nice area 5. Good space (which I know we wont get in Springs.)
Dubai_City_Chick
336
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 10:09
As already mentioned you are not a UK resident, therefore you are not entitled to give birth for free on the NHS. If you went back to UK you would likely be treated as a private patient and pay upto 8k for antenatal appointments, scans and delivery. I have no idea how ready to pop women rock up to their local hospital in UK and get it all done for free but I personally would not recommend it and I've told they're now cracking down hard on expats. My friend learnt this the hard way. With regards to vitamins, I took Pregnacare in the beginning. Around 12 weeks I added Nordic DHA and Vitabiotics Osteocare into the mix.
 
 
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