Baby sitters in Hong Kong

We aren't that keen on getting a full time maid because we're worried about the intrusion into our privacy, does anyone know if babysitters are easy to come by in Hong Kong. Are there any agencies that anyone can recommend? thanks.

joandtahnoon, I felt the same way you do when we first arrived and we didn't get a full time helper until our daughter was born more than 3 years after we arrived. I can say with confidence that if you hire someone with the "right" personality for your family, you won't feel an intrusion to your privacy. Besides, most helpers will disappear to their room when their work is done for the time being.


As far as babysitters, I have just a couple of friends that don't have helpers and they are always struggling with the sitter thing. Babysitting hardly exists as a job for high schoolers here as it does in parts of the world that don't have such an abundance of households with fulltime helpers. And, of course, one always wants to leave their children with someone the children know and trust, not just whoever was available from an agency.


Another thing you may find is that patching together part-time help for housecleaning, ironing, baby sitting and whatnot could end out costing nearly what it would to have someone available to you full-time--and with a full time helper, you have loads more enjoyable time with your kids and someone ELSE does all of your chores. Just think about it, no more evening dishes, no more evening cooking for that matter, or only when the mood strikes you...:-)


You can tell we just adore our helper--so much so that we're taking her with us to London, where it'll cost us far more to enjoy a quality of life and time together that we've come to really appreciate here.


Sorry not to have answered your specific question--my friends anyway, haven't been satisfied with the agency alternative.

There are many teenagers in HK that would be willing to babysit, including my daughter. She has a few times for friends when their helpers have been on holiday. But I spent many months trying to get babysitting jobs for her but everyone has a helper. So I'm sure if you don't want to go down the helper route (and believe me I can understand why, I find it very difficult having a live in helper) that if you ask around your neighbourhood you will find someone willing to babysit. Where abouts are you?

When choosing a flat, choose one that has a 'maids rooom' behind the kitchen with a private entrance and exit to the flat. You will hardly know your maid is there except when she is workign. And you can set the guidelines as to when she is to work and not to work.


I do think it is a slight disadvantage to have an open kitchen or maids room without access to a back stair or back lift.


You can also arrange live out maid, but this is illegal. (although does happen)


A full time live in maid costs around USD 500 per month, and this gives you 100% cleaning, laundry, cooking and childcare when required. It will cost a lot more to have someone come in for a few hours a day and sometimes babysit.


Saying all that, Shirley from Rent-a-mum can provide babysitters at a price.

rentamum@netvigator.com

contact her for a service and price list.

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/atoz.asp?cat=205&id=405

i am a uni student in hk looking for baby sitting all the time i love kids and have worked and played with them many times, i am a willing babysitter

Hi Ammi,

I have a 2.5-year-old daughter who wants somebody to play with. please pm me if you have interest.

I have full time job in Hong Kong. I am looking for babysitting job after work. I have experience in teaching and playing with kids of 3 years old and they are British.