DOMESTIC helpers, for better or for worse, are a part of our national landscape.
They play important roles in helping the average Singapore family juggle the pressures of daily life.
Our domestic helpers are deserving of much gratitude and respect.
However, the Mums & Maids video does nothing to further their cause ("Video to get maids a day off ends up riling mums"; last Saturday).
In fact, it seems to suggest that households should do away with maids completely.
The issue of maids being closer to their employer's children has nothing to do with whether they are given a day off.
It is far more complex.
Many stay-home mothers have domestic helpers.
Many mothers have no choice but to work to make ends meet.
Managed well, domestic helpers take on daily chores, freeing parents to spend more time with their children.
Many domestic helpers themselves do not want the day off, but would rather earn extra income to support their own families back home.
The video misses the point for both mothers and maids.
Tan Li Feng (Dr)
