Principles of setting house rules
- maliebebaby
- Dec 11, 2015
- 2 min read
House rules for domestic helpers can be helpful in setting boundaries and an opportunity for you to convey to your new domestic helper what you can accept and not. It helps avoid conflicts or discontent later on due to living together and not communicating boundaries early on. Below are some guidelines on setting effective house rules.
1. Set house rules early on
People usually are more receptive to discussion of rules when they are new to each other. Within the first few days of the helper arriving in your home, you should set these house rules with your helper. If you do it a few weeks after the arrival of your new helper, rules may feel like they are a feedback or a personal criticism toward the helper.
2. Don’t make a long list
Focus on what is really important. It’s better not to include detailed instructions on how to do things, daily schedule, etc. on your house rules as helpers are unlikely to refer to your “manual” when it comes to daily work. The instructions and daily responsibilities are better communicated hands-on. Make your house rules succinct and reader-friendly as much as possible.
3. Put down inclusions and exclusions
Many frustrations from employers originates from not properly defining what helpers can and cannot do in your household. Mention behavior/things you cannot accept from the helper early on. For example, if talking on the phone during work hours is something that will really bother you, or if you sleep at 10pm and does not want the helper to come back home after your sleeping time, include those in your rules.
4. Go through your rules face to face
Not all helpers can read your language (whether it be English or Chinese). Even if they do, don’t assume they will read everything you wrote. It is always better to sit down to communicate the helpers about these rules to make sure you both are comfortable with them.
5. Be open-minded and be open to compromises
Domestic helper should receive house rules with grace and recognize that this is, afterall, your employers’ home and respect their rules. For employers, although most helpers are unlikely to oppose to your rules, you should also allow them to communicate any flexibility they may need, if any.
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