Q
How would you describe your
helper’s relationship with your
family?
A
While an equal number of
respondents said they were
very close or not at all close, the
majority said they were somewhere
in between.
70%
We’re friendly and occasionally chat
about personal matters, but not about
everything.
15%
We consider her a family member;
we know most things about her life and
vice versa.
15%
We have a polite and professional
relationship, and we don’t discuss
personal issues.
57%
They like her and are happy to spend
time with her, but they’re not concerned
when she’s not home.
30%
They love her. They spend a lot of
time with her and miss her when she’s not
home.
13%
They are not close, but it has no effect
on her ability to look after the children well.
“They have known her all their life and
they love her.”
Q
How do your children get on with
your helper?
A
Most of the respondents say
their kids and helper are close.
Q
If you could change your
relationship with your helper,
would you?
A
The good news? Most of us are
happy with the status quo.
90%
No, I believe we are all comfortable
with the current relationship.
7%
Yes, I sometimes think it would
be better if our relationship was less
personal.
3%
Yes, I would like it if we were closer
and got along a little better.
“I do not need a relationship with her
as such, just trust.”
“We communicate well and are very
open with each other and up front
about everything.”
“The only change I’d like is with live-
in versus live-out. I think she would
like more privacy and, ethically, I
believe she has the right to it; she
hopes they will change the law so
that she can legally live out. I can
understand this; I wouldn’t want to
live with my boss either!”
“Our helper is new with our family.
[The] previous one was with us over
ten years and we decided to be
friendly, but more professional, this
time.”
“We love her and respect her,
but she is not my best friend or
family. I would feel weird having her
wash, cook and clean for us if our
relationship was too close. Also,
when I’m home, I just like to relax
and not always have to be chatting.”
48
Playtimes
70%
15%
15%
57%
13%
30%
90%
3%
7%
