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Published on 25 Oct 2024 by Jean T.
As a caring employer, you may have noticed your migrant domestic worker (MDW) snacking frequently or purchasing numerous treats. While snacking can be harmless, it's essential to understand the reasons behind this behavior and how to approach it positively.
Why is your helper snacking?
- Busy schedule: Your helper may be too busy to sit down for a meal. If her workload is heavy, she might rely on snacks to sustain her energy rather than take the time for a full meal.
- Unsatisfying meals: After doing household chores, she may feel that her meals aren’t filling enough, leading her to seek additional snacks.
- Emotional comfort: Snacking can be a response to stress. As Ms. Josephine Tham, Head of Care at Brahm Centre, explains, certain snacks can trigger the release of dopamine, giving a quick mood boost. Over time, this could create a habit where your helper associates snacks with emotional comfort.
How to address your helper's snacking habits
If you’re concerned about your helper's snacking, here are some steps to take:
- Open the conversation: Talk to her about her snacking habits without sounding controlling. Approach the discussion with empathy. Is she feeling stressed, homesick, or struggling to adjust to local cuisine?
- Ensure sufficient meals: Providing three balanced meals each day and allowing her enough time to enjoy them can reduce her cravings for unhealthy snacks.
- Encourage healthier choices: If she enjoys snacking, suggest healthier alternatives. Fresh fruits, vegetables, or whole-grain snacks are nutritious options that can keep her energy levels up while promoting overall well-being. Make it clear that you want to offer more options, not restrict her choices.
- Indulge occasionally: It’s perfectly fine to allow some treats. Remind her that having the occasional indulgence can help her avoid feelings of deprivation, which could lead to unhealthy bingeing later.
- Support self-esteem: Encourage her to choose healthier snacks by emphasizing the positive impact on her health and well-being. Feeling empowered to make better choices can boost her self-esteem.
Understanding your MDW's snacking habits and working together to find healthier options can foster a positive relationship and create a healthier household. Small changes can make a significant difference in her well-being and productivity, leading to a more harmonious home environment.
You might be interested in:
Hiring a Second Helper in Singapore: What You Need to Know
A Guide for Employers: Navigating Domestic Helper Management in Singapore
Qualities Employers Should Look for in Their Domestic Helpers
Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Live-In Domestic Helper in Singapore
Common Challenges and Solutions in Hiring Domestic Workers in Singapore
As a caring employer, you may have noticed your migrant domestic worker (MDW) snacking frequently or purchasing numerous treats. While snacking can be harmless, it's essential to understand the reasons behind this behavior and how to approach it positively.
Why is your helper snacking?
- Busy schedule: Your helper may be too busy to sit down for a meal. If her workload is heavy, she might rely on snacks to sustain her energy rather than take the time for a full meal.
- Unsatisfying meals: After doing household chores, she may feel that her meals aren’t filling enough, leading her to seek additional snacks.
- Emotional comfort: Snacking can be a response to stress. As Ms. Josephine Tham, Head of Care at Brahm Centre, explains, certain snacks can trigger the release of dopamine, giving a quick mood boost. Over time, this could create a habit where your helper associates snacks with emotional comfort.
How to address your helper's snacking habits
If you’re concerned about your helper's snacking, here are some steps to take:
- Open the conversation: Talk to her about her snacking habits without sounding controlling. Approach the discussion with empathy. Is she feeling stressed, homesick, or struggling to adjust to local cuisine?
- Ensure sufficient meals: Providing three balanced meals each day and allowing her enough time to enjoy them can reduce her cravings for unhealthy snacks.
- Encourage healthier choices: If she enjoys snacking, suggest healthier alternatives. Fresh fruits, vegetables, or whole-grain snacks are nutritious options that can keep her energy levels up while promoting overall well-being. Make it clear that you want to offer more options, not restrict her choices.
- Indulge occasionally: It’s perfectly fine to allow some treats. Remind her that having the occasional indulgence can help her avoid feelings of deprivation, which could lead to unhealthy bingeing later.
- Support self-esteem: Encourage her to choose healthier snacks by emphasizing the positive impact on her health and well-being. Feeling empowered to make better choices can boost her self-esteem.
Understanding your MDW's snacking habits and working together to find healthier options can foster a positive relationship and create a healthier household. Small changes can make a significant difference in her well-being and productivity, leading to a more harmonious home environment.
You might be interested in:
Hiring a Second Helper in Singapore: What You Need to Know
A Guide for Employers: Navigating Domestic Helper Management in Singapore
Qualities Employers Should Look for in Their Domestic Helpers
Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Live-In Domestic Helper in Singapore
Common Challenges and Solutions in Hiring Domestic Workers in Singapore