Residents of Karu in Nasarawa state have advised parents to take security precautions in recruiting the services of domestic staff because of the increasing cases of child abuse in the society.
The residents gave the advice in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday at New Nyanya and Maararabab in Karu Local Government area of the state.
They argued that although the presence of domestic staff in homes allowed career parents to pursue their careers or vocations, leaving children in the hands of such staff, should know the history of the staff before employing them.
Mr Effiong Okon, a civil servant, said “employing domestic staff is not a bad idea if only the person is from a good background. “
Okon said that most parents engaged domestic staff in order to be relieved of stress, especially the working class couples but that at times, the results were not usually palatable.
“It only takes the grace of God for one to get a good house help.
“Some of them come with ulterior motives, either for revenge for the pains and anguish they have passed through in somebody else’s house.
”I see nothing wrong with the employment of domestic staff if one can find one without any evil intention,” he said.
Mrs Grace Destiny, a housewife, told NAN that she strongly opposed the employment of domestic staff, adding “I won’t advise anybody to employ one’’.
According to Destiny, cases of child assault and other vices carried out by domestic staff have been on the increase especially the children that had lost their lives in the process.
” As for me, I prefer somebody that I will pay weekly or monthly just come two or three times a week to my house, help me to do my house chores and go.
“But for me to bring somebody to my house, all in the name of house help; whereby bringing problems to family is beyond my capacity,” she said.
However, Mrs Vicky Peter, a beauty therapist, said employment of domestic staff had its pros and coins.
According to Peter, the employer is at risk because he or she does not know the person he or she is dealing with or leaving children’s` custody with.
“Base on parents’ schedules, you hardly know the domestic staff is impacting on your children, especially those that have negative influence.
“However, in the case of domestic staff with good family background, you love t have them in your house.
“For some men that are so irresponsible, to bring a female house help to their homes, such action can generate serious problem.
‘’Such house help, most especially the female, ones might end up taking over the home if you are not careful and observant.
“I do not see any reason for such service if only you can plan your schedule well. I grew up with a mother that did not call for assistance.
“We are eight in number, she brought us up all alone, therefore, I do not see reason for house help,” she said.
Mr Julius Simeon, a business man, called for employment of fairly educated domestic staff to ensure that such an employee had polished behaviour and translate that to the keeping of custody of children and carrying out chores.
Simeon said for someone to get the best from domestic staff ,he or she has to show love and care toward them.
“As she watches over your kids and home, make sure she feels loved and comfortable,“ he said.(NAN)