The idea of having house help or domestic workers is not new. It has been a part of human society for centuries. From maids, butlers, cooks, nannies, drivers, and gardeners, household employees have been an essential part of many households. However, the practice of having house help has often been seen as a necessary evil, with many arguments for and against it.
On the one hand, having house help can be a blessing for many households with busy work schedules, long commutes, and other responsibilities. Many families simply don’t have the time or energy to take care of all the household chores themselves. House help can take care of the cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other household chores, freeing up time for families to spend with each other or pursue other interests.
In addition, house help can provide valuable support for families with young children or elderly relatives. Nannies can take care of children while parents are at work, while caregivers can provide much-needed assistance for elderly or disabled family members. In some cases, house help can even become a part of the family, forming close bonds with the household members, and becoming an essential part of their daily lives. The Nanny that raised me keeps in touch. I call her my Big Mummy. She is a blessing to me and my household as she did Omugwo for me when I had my own son. She sees me as her own baby and has never accepted that I am a grown woman even at age 38.
On the other hand, having house help can also be problematic, and the term “necessary evil” may be an apt description for some. One of the most significant concerns is the potential for abuse. We have heard experiences from some people where house helps had abused female kids sexually, which leaves a bitter experience on them and messes up their mental health. Some kids are even bewitched and introduced to all sorts of evil manipulations.
Another one is the disruption of family dynamics. In some cases, the presence of house help in the household can disrupt family dynamics, leading to conflicts between family members. some wives feel threatened by this help presence as some husbands have preferred their help to their wives. Some go as far as taking this help as a second wife.
Despite these concerns, many families continue to rely on house help as an essential part of their daily lives. However, it is important for households to approach the hiring process with caution and to be mindful of the potential risks and challenges involved.
One way to mitigate the risks of hiring house help is to ensure that they are treated fairly and with respect. This means providing them with reasonable working hours, adequate pay, and a safe and comfortable living environment. It also means being mindful of their needs and concerns, listening to their feedback, and addressing any issues that arise promptly and effectively.
Another way to reduce the risks of hiring house help is to be clear about the expectations and responsibilities from the beginning. This means providing a clear job description, outlining the duties and expectations, and setting clear boundaries and guidelines for both the employer and the employee. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts down the line.
Ultimately, whether house help is a necessary evil will depend on the specific circumstances and needs of each household. While there are certain risks and challenges involved, many families find that the benefits of having help around the house outweigh the potential downsides. It is up to each individual household to weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision for their unique situation.
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