Bonus

Is it ok to give the maid a bonus? How would I go about that so she doesn't think it's a pay raise?

You can wait until Xmas and give her the mandatory "2 week pay" bonus or you can give it now and call it  propina (tip). You still need to give her the Xmas bonus though.

We occasionally give our maid extra if she has gone above and beyond.

Thanks. She does so well and I'm a slob. Plus my mother is coming and the place has gotta be spotless!

If mom is coming I suggest a BIG tip and get the dust bunnies from under the bed... (Moms check there first).

Im actually nervous for her to see my place. She's coming next Sunday. The maid will come again next Friday. She came today and I told her my mother will be here next Sunday. She smiled. I'll remind her again next Friday. Im so thankful I have a maid. I'm a bachelor slob. I should probably put some food in the fridge. She'll defiantly be upset if she thinks all I eat is take out pizza. Ill put lots of green leafy things in the fridge. I'll hit the market this Wednesday

No, go to the market Friday or Saturday. You don't want dead leafy things in there. Get a bottle of vitamin pills and set them in a noticeable place.

Well. I did shave and get a haircut. I'm not a beard guy she kept telling me. Thanks for the advice on timing. Of course we'll be eating out every night. But the refridgedor matters.

What does your mom eat? Stock up on her favorites. I always ask guests what I can have in the house for breakfasts and snacks. When my son and DIL came I had milk, yogurt, granola, bananas, good coffee, a selection of tea bags in a nice jar, pistachios and walnuts, peanut butter, whole grain crackers, several cheeses and some sandwich meats. They were delighted. We went out for meals but were well supplied otherwise. Plus, they thought I ate like that all the time.

Youre right. Even if we're eating out every night we'll still need to eat something. I think I'll pick up,some cheese and crackers and maybe soda. She loves tequila but I don't have alcohol in the house. She can get all she wants on the tour. The first night I'll be taking her to Ajijic tango. Set a standard

BTW. I gave the maid a propina or tip and explained to her that it is a tip and asked her to clean extra special. When I came home the house was spotless. Still keeping it an employer employee relationship. I see why people have problems with help because sometimes they're just so nice. But I talk very little and make sure I,m out of the house when she's cleaning so I don't strike up any conversation

Don't forget the number one rule for gardeners/maids!!!! Never ever give anything away without asking them if they want it. It is one way to make your help mad. That leaky water heater....."But it leaks" Maid says "well mine at home leaks worse". Heck I had an old mattress that frankly was in very very sad dirty shape. My house painter asked for it and I said " But its filthy and worn out" Painter visual comment was to show a picture of her baby sitting in a dresser drawer. Ever since these two episodes I have never thrown anything out without asking who wants it. You have been warned!!

Z

Ha! Noted. They deserve dibs anyway...

My maid is wonderful as is my gardener. When I left for the season I gave them both bonuses. I wanted to reinforce that even if there are renters, they work for me.

I also had my maid come when my mum was visiting. Mum's 94 and her mind is great, but hey. I had Yolanda come every day to help her, and she was wonderful. Helped her dress, shower, and made sure she was comfortable. Money well spent.

Such a nice positive post. Thank you for that!