House Keeper Question - Should I Keep Her

What I don't know from what I'm reading here is if you are paying a set amount or by the hour. You also haven't told us if you are unhappy with the cleaning.

If you are paying MORE because it is taking longer to clean, or because she is expecting the son to be paid, that's one thing. I have to admit that I am surprised the boy cleans - most 14 year olds would just laze around and play a gameboy or read or watch TV. This young man actually knows what it means to not be able to "have" - perhaps he understands what it means to not be able to pay the bills.

If you were starting out new, didn't have the experience of having had the other woman, and accepted the time frame of late afternoon into the evening, then I doubt this would bother you as much. I would think that the woman is training her son to be able to get a cleaning job with a company, by starting him out cleaning in a home.

What is his attitude? Is he a smart aleck? Does she pay attention to the details of his work? If he misses something, does she fix it or have him do it over?

If you are happy with the cleaning and if the son is not rude, if they are both honest, and if you are paying by the job and not the hour, I hope you will put your irritation aside and keep them on. You could have them start downstairs or in the common rooms when they arrive, and closer to dinner, bathrooms and bedrooms so they won't be underfoot so much.

Once or twice a month isn't bad, really.

Dawn

Tell her that now that your child is approaching double digits, and for 9 years, she's been a lifesaver and a HUGE help, but you can handle it from here, and finances are tough all over...
(Maybe add the possibility of pre-holiday/spring cleaning on occasion?)
I know she's your friend, but this is business.
She can still be your friend.
If she's not, then she never was, right?
Good luck!

Is it the fact he does lousy work or that he is working and learning to earn some money but he's kind of young in your mind to be doing this?

I think it is interesting that he is actually coming and helping.

Is he creating a problem? Is he rude? Obnoxious? Lazy? or is he actually working? Doing a good job?

I think what you need to do is tell her you have to be somewhere and she needs to come earlier in the day next time. Make sure it is a day school is in session. Tell her she has X amount of time and whatever she gets done is fine then leave her a list of what you think she can do. If she is unable to finish the tasks that would tell you that she can't do the job anymore.

I would think she'd want to work during the times of day she didn't have her son with her. She may just not have time to take him home or not want to leave him alone for a couple of hours.

I think if you really like her and can afford to pay her for the work, if she is doing a good job and it's an equitable exchange for both of you, then it is nice of you to keep her. But I would make some excuse to change the time of day she comes so he would be in school. Summer is coming though so you need to think about what you are going to do after May.

That way he will not be available.

We have tried one lady and two crews. I loved the lady and trust her 100% to be in our room. She however only cleans what she sees is dirty. Toilets need it weekly and the floor is filthy so she had to go. Our friendship ended though not dramatically and I don't miss her at all.

The crews took turns working and did not do nearly as well as I do. They are NEVER coming back. In fact the one did so poorly I made the owner come over and look at it. They recleaned for free, but I was pissed.

As much information you have given there is some missing. Is she doing a good job? Why is she staying longer? Are you paying a flat fee? Do you pay them both or just the mother? Are they doing a good job, I think is the main question. Since you originally had two, to do the work, I think that having two now wouldn't make much of a difference, but it should take less time. Maybe you need to sit down with her and let her know what you want. If they both can do the work in less time, then keep them. But if they can't then let her know that you will have to let them go.

I would think her 14 year old is old enough to stay at home. Really though, unless you have started paying her more since her kid has been coming, you aren't also paying her child.

If it really bothers you, just talk to her and tell her that you really need a specific amount of time of her there, say from 3-5 and no later. If you have to reduce a few things she does to make that time work then it may help. Also, let her know that you prefer just her come.

I'd rather give her some options first, than to fire her without it.

If you're ready to let your housekeeper go, then all you need to do is say, "I'm sorry, but this will be the last month that we need your services. It's been such a pleasure doing business with you. Thank you for all you've done. If you'd like, I would be happy to write a letter of recommendation for your next job."

It's not your responsibility to keep her employed.