BLOG
Published on 25 Feb 2025 by Tina L.
Domestic helpers play a crucial role in many households, ensuring that homes are clean, meals are prepared, and families are well cared for. However, it’s important to teach children to see them not just as employees but as valued members of the household.
Instilling respect and appreciation for domestic helpers at a young age helps cultivate kindness, empathy, and good manners in children.
Why respecting domestic helpers matters
Children learn by observing their surroundings, and the way they treat others—especially those who help at home—reflects the values they absorb. Teaching kids to respect domestic helpers fosters:
- Empathy and kindness – Understanding that helpers have feelings, families, and personal lives.
- Good manners – Learning to say "please" and "thank you" when asking for help.
- A positive home environment – Creating a household built on mutual respect and appreciation.
Practical ways to teach kids to respect and appreciate helpers
1. Lead by example
Children mimic the behavior of adults. If they see their parents treating the helper with kindness and respect, they will likely do the same. Address your helper politely, acknowledge their efforts, and show gratitude regularly.
2. Teach basic manners
Encourage children to use polite words like "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" when interacting with helpers. Simple gestures of respect can make a big difference in how they view and treat them.
3. Encourage conversations and connection
Help your child see the domestic helper as a person, not just a worker. Ask about their day, learn about their background, and encourage kids to have friendly (but respectful) conversations with them.
4. Set clear boundaries
Children should understand that domestic helpers are not their personal assistants. They should clean up after themselves and not expect the helper to do everything for them. Teaching responsibility ensures they don’t develop an entitled mindset.
5. Celebrate special occasions together
Small gestures, such as including the helper in birthday celebrations, recognizing their work during special occasions, or simply giving them a thoughtful gift, can make them feel valued and appreciated.
6. Educate through storytelling
Use books, movies, or real-life examples to teach children about the importance of respecting all workers, including domestic helpers. This can help them understand the value of hard work and kindness.
7. Teach empathy
Help children understand that domestic helpers may have families of their own they miss. Encourage them to ask about the helper’s life in a respectful way and show care for their well-being.
8. Say ‘thank you’ regularly
Something as simple as saying “thank you” when the helper serves a meal or tidies up a room can go a long way. Gratitude makes the helper feel appreciated and teaches children the importance of acknowledging others' efforts.
Building a culture of respect at home
Creating a home where domestic helpers feel respected and valued benefits everyone. It fosters a positive atmosphere and teaches children important life skills about kindness, fairness, and gratitude.
By making small but meaningful efforts, we can raise children who not only respect domestic helpers but grow into adults who treat all people with dignity and appreciation.
You might be interested in:
Making Helpers Feel Like Part of the Family: Small Gestures That Make a Big Difference
What You Need to Know About Hiring Burmese Domestic Helpers in Singapore
8 Ways to Implement Basic House Rules for Your Helper
Financial Planning Tips Before Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore
Domestic helpers play a crucial role in many households, ensuring that homes are clean, meals are prepared, and families are well cared for. However, it’s important to teach children to see them not just as employees but as valued members of the household.
Instilling respect and appreciation for domestic helpers at a young age helps cultivate kindness, empathy, and good manners in children.
Why respecting domestic helpers matters
Children learn by observing their surroundings, and the way they treat others—especially those who help at home—reflects the values they absorb. Teaching kids to respect domestic helpers fosters:
- Empathy and kindness – Understanding that helpers have feelings, families, and personal lives.
- Good manners – Learning to say "please" and "thank you" when asking for help.
- A positive home environment – Creating a household built on mutual respect and appreciation.
Practical ways to teach kids to respect and appreciate helpers
1. Lead by example
Children mimic the behavior of adults. If they see their parents treating the helper with kindness and respect, they will likely do the same. Address your helper politely, acknowledge their efforts, and show gratitude regularly.
2. Teach basic manners
Encourage children to use polite words like "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" when interacting with helpers. Simple gestures of respect can make a big difference in how they view and treat them.
3. Encourage conversations and connection
Help your child see the domestic helper as a person, not just a worker. Ask about their day, learn about their background, and encourage kids to have friendly (but respectful) conversations with them.
4. Set clear boundaries
Children should understand that domestic helpers are not their personal assistants. They should clean up after themselves and not expect the helper to do everything for them. Teaching responsibility ensures they don’t develop an entitled mindset.
5. Celebrate special occasions together
Small gestures, such as including the helper in birthday celebrations, recognizing their work during special occasions, or simply giving them a thoughtful gift, can make them feel valued and appreciated.
6. Educate through storytelling
Use books, movies, or real-life examples to teach children about the importance of respecting all workers, including domestic helpers. This can help them understand the value of hard work and kindness.
7. Teach empathy
Help children understand that domestic helpers may have families of their own they miss. Encourage them to ask about the helper’s life in a respectful way and show care for their well-being.
8. Say ‘thank you’ regularly
Something as simple as saying “thank you” when the helper serves a meal or tidies up a room can go a long way. Gratitude makes the helper feel appreciated and teaches children the importance of acknowledging others' efforts.
Building a culture of respect at home
Creating a home where domestic helpers feel respected and valued benefits everyone. It fosters a positive atmosphere and teaches children important life skills about kindness, fairness, and gratitude.
By making small but meaningful efforts, we can raise children who not only respect domestic helpers but grow into adults who treat all people with dignity and appreciation.
You might be interested in:
Making Helpers Feel Like Part of the Family: Small Gestures That Make a Big Difference
What You Need to Know About Hiring Burmese Domestic Helpers in Singapore
8 Ways to Implement Basic House Rules for Your Helper
Financial Planning Tips Before Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore