{"id":7203,"date":"2020-09-21T15:48:04","date_gmt":"2020-09-21T07:48:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.helperchoice.com\/?p=7203"},"modified":"2026-02-03T03:54:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T19:54:59","slug":"helper-on-leave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/","title":{"rendered":"Creative and Affordable Options When Your Helper is On Long Leave"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Updated 02 February 2026<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Seek_Support_from_Your_Network\" >Seek Support from Your Network&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Extended_Family\" >Extended Family<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#School\" >School<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Workplace\" >Workplace<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Friends\" >Friends<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Religious_Group\" >Religious Group<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Neighbourhood\" >Neighbourhood<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Community\" >Community<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Think_Out_of_the_Box\" >Think Out of the Box<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Engage_Your_Whole_Family\" >Engage Your Whole Family&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Empower_Your_Children\" >Empower Your Children<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Tweak_Your_Daily_Habits\" >Tweak Your Daily Habits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Childcare_Support_By_Au_Pairs\" >Childcare Support By Au Pairs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-on-leave\/#Be_Open_and_Flexible\" >Be Open and Flexible<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p><em>By PathFinders<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many households in Hong Kong, especially those with young children and elderly parents, rely heavily on the support of foreign domestic helpers. When helpers need to be on long leave for a period of time \u2013 due to childbirth, illness, a crisis back home &#8211; it is understandable a lot of employers feel some degree of anxiety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The imminent questions tend to be: \u201cWhat will happen to my household during those weeks? Who will look after my children when I\u2019m at work? What about my elderly parent who\u2019s ill?\u201d For employers who are single parents and have dependents in need of constant caregiving, this can indeed be very unsettling. The level of stress is compounded when working from home or taking days off from work is not possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hiring a local domestic helper is a great solution to manage household chores for a few hours each week. Yet it can be impractical and costly for families who need someone to mind young children and elderly parents for most part of the day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The costs do add up when your helper is on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/pregnancy-domestic-helper\/\">paid maternity<\/a> and sick leave, and you need to budget for her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/hong-kong\/helper-minimum-wage\">salary<\/a> as well as other costs involved to support your household. Here are some creative and affordable options to consider when your helper needs to be on maternity or other types of leave for an extended period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/photo-1579208570378-8c970854bc23ixlibrb-1.2.jpg\" alt=\"seek support from your network\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:45px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seek_Support_from_Your_Network\"><\/span>Seek Support from Your Network&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Think through who in your network and support system you can safely entrust your young children and elderly parents with. We may think we are inconveniencing others. But more often than not, many people find it very fulfilling to lend a helping hand to others in times of need. It also connects people and builds a sense of community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Extended_Family\"><\/span>Extended Family<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Reach out to your extended family. Consider getting a grandparent to drop by a few times a week, or arrange for your children to spend after-school hours with their cousins. This may actually be a great opportunity for your children to create wonderful memories with your extended family. Try working out your schedules ahead of time so all parties have ample time to prepare and make arrangements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"School\"><\/span>School<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When family support is not available, try discussing this situation with your child\u2019s teachers and school social worker. There could be support services in the school or community that your child can access after school.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Workplace\"><\/span>Workplace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Have a conversation with your supervisor to explore work-from-home arrangements on some days. If your supervisor is agreeable, you could also consider adjusting your daily working hours during this period. Try starting your day earlier and having your lunch at your desk so you can leave your workplace earlier. Encourage your partner to do the same, so both of you can successfully manage this situation together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Friends\"><\/span>Friends<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Close friends might offer to help look after your children or parents on some days. Some friends with children of similar age could be keen to organise play dates and study sessions after school. Parents at your child\u2019s playgroup or class might be interested to do likewise too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Religious_Group\"><\/span>Religious Group<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Some churches and mosques have a strong support system to help their members during times of need. Share about your needs with your religious leaders. There might be members who could support you with ad-hoc caregiving and home-cooked meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neighbourhood\"><\/span>Neighbourhood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Check with trusted neighbours if they can help keep an eye on your children or elderly parents when you are at work. Your neighbour\u2019s teenage children may also be willing to babysit your children and coach them on their school work after school for extra pocket money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Community\"><\/span>Community<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Government-Run Day Child Care Services<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The government runs affordable child care centres nationwide. There are centres and schemes that cater to the needs of different families, including those who need temporary child care. Check out Occasional Child Care Service, Extended Hours Service, Mutual Help Child Care Centre and Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project to find something that is suitable for your household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swd.gov.hk\/en\/index\/site_pubsvc\/page_family\/sub_listofserv\/id_childcares\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.swd.gov.hk\/en\/index\/site_pubsvc\/page_family\/sub_listofserv\/id_childcares\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>After School Care Programme\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Different NGOs run after school care programmes in the community for children between 6 to 12 years old after school hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swd.gov.hk\/en\/index\/site_pubsvc\/page_young\/sub_ascp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.swd.gov.hk\/en\/index\/site_pubsvc\/page_young\/sub_ascp\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Government Run Elderly Community Centres and Day Care Centres<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There are day care centres and day respite care services which might be suitable for your elderly parent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swd.gov.hk\/en\/index\/site_pubsvc\/page_elderly\/sub_csselderly\/id_daycarecen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.swd.gov.hk\/en\/index\/site_pubsvc\/page_elderly\/sub_csselderly\/id_daycarecen\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Think_Out_of_the_Box\"><\/span>Think Out of the Box<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Try thinking about your situation in a different way. It could come as a surprise, but very often when we do so, we discover we already have the resources we need to improve our situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/photo-1569073120512-05362a6b92e7ixlibrb-1.2.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Engage_Your_Whole_Family\"><\/span>Engage Your Whole Family&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Have a family meeting and ask each member to come up with workable solutions. For example, an older sibling can offer to pick up a younger sibling from school. On weekends, the family can come together to plan and even prepare the week\u2019s meals. Some meals such as Bolognese sauce for pasta and fried rice can be frozen for fuss-free reheating on weeknights. It is budget-friendly and minimises stress during the work week. Not to mention it helps the whole family bond by engaging in an activity together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Empower_Your_Children\"><\/span>Empower Your Children<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a fantastic opportunity for children to learn to be more independent and flexible, as well as do age-appropriate tasks for themselves. Get children to prepare simple meals, tidy their room, and wash up after meals. Encourage older children to care for the younger ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tweak_Your_Daily_Habits\"><\/span>Tweak Your Daily Habits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Make small changes during this time to stretch your budget. For instance, bring home-made meals to work and school. Instead of getting your daily caffeine fix from the caf\u00e9 near your workplace, try brewing your own at home or in the office. The savings can help pay for the occasional local helper or babysitter you may need. It could also fund your child\u2019s after-school activities so they are meaningfully occupied.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Childcare_Support_By_Au_Pairs\"><\/span>Childcare Support By Au Pairs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider hiring au pairs for a few months when your helper is away. Au pairs are young people who travel abroad to live with host families and learn a language. They support families with childcare and light housework, in exchange for room and board and an allowance. Many families find the cultural exchange an enriching experience, especially for their children. It is also an excellent opportunity for children to learn English or another foreign language.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aupair.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">www.aupair.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greataupair.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">www.greataupair.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_Open_and_Flexible\"><\/span>Be Open and Flexible<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is undoubtedly challenging to cope without a helper for a number of weeks. One employer shared how tough it was in the beginning when her helper was on maternity leave. She maintained an optimistic attitude and made it work by rallying everyone in the family to do their part. She, her husband and young son undertook tasks they never knew they could manage. The whole family eventually grew from the experience and developed life skills, confidence and resilience. They also drew closer as a family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A positive mindset would indeed help you cope better when your helper is away for a period of time. Your openness and flexibility will also enable you to get creative and explore possibilities that you might not have otherwise considered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As in the case of managing changes in life, it\u2019s always best to keep an open mind. Embrace the change. Give yourself and your family time to adapt to the new temporary routine. Besides looking after your family\u2019s needs, pay attention to yours too. Make time for self-care and allow yourself to grow from the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"331\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Bilingual-logo-High-Resolution-1-1024x331.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6620\" style=\"width:298px;height:96px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Bilingual-logo-High-Resolution-1-1024x331.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Bilingual-logo-High-Resolution-1-300x97.png 300w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Bilingual-logo-High-Resolution-1-768x248.png 768w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Bilingual-logo-High-Resolution-1-1536x497.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Bilingual-logo-High-Resolution-1-2048x662.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers of pregnant foreign domestic workers can access PathFinders\u2019 practical guide book (<a href=\"https:\/\/pathfinders.org.hk\/assets\/media\/files\/PFxHW%20Employer%20Guide%20ENG%20May%202020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/pathfinders.org.hk\/assets\/media\/files\/PFxHW%20Employer%20Guide%20ENG%20May%202020.pdf<\/a>), produced jointly with Helpwise (www.helpwise.com.hk), to navigate their next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers can also reach out to PathFinders for more information and support.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact Number: 5500 5486<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Facebook: facebook.com\/ pathfindershk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Email: info@pathfinders.org.hk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pathfinders.org.hk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">www.pathfinders.org.hk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated 02 February 2026 By PathFinders Many households in Hong Kong, especially those with young children and elderly parents, rely heavily on the support of foreign domestic helpers. When helpers need to be on long leave for a period of time \u2013 due to childbirth, illness, a crisis back home &#8211; it is understandable a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":7204,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Creative and affordable options for childcare and household support when your helper is on long leave, with tips for employers from Pathfinders & HelperChoice.","title":"Creative and Affordable Options When Your Helper is On Long Leave - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,339],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7203","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-post","category-home"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/coins-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7203","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7203"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7203\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15270,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7203\/revisions\/15270"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7204"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7203"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7203"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7203"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}