Ramadan is a time of reflection, community, and devotion for many in the UAE, including domestic helpers such as nannies and maids. As families adjust their schedules to accommodate fasting, prayer, and, often, school timing changes, it’s important to also consider how these shifts impact those working in the home. Whether your domestic helper is fasting or not, showing understanding and support during this month can help create a harmonious household.
For Families with a Fasting Nanny or Maid
If your nanny or domestic helper is fasting, here are some ways to support them:
Be Mindful of Energy Levels – Fasting from dawn until sunset, especially in the warm climate of the UAE, can be physically demanding. Try to schedule physically strenuous tasks for the morning when they have more energy.
Offer Flexible Rest Breaks – Allowing short rest breaks during the day can help them conserve energy. If possible, adjust their working hours to be more manageable.
Provide a Comfortable Space for Rest – Ensure they have a quiet, cool place to rest, particularly in the afternoon when fatigue can set in.
Adjust Meal Preparation Duties – If your helper typically prepares meals, consider making arrangements to reduce their workload around cooking, particularly during iftar and suhoor times. Ensure they have time to break their fast around sunset.
Be Discreet with Food and Drinks – While you may not be fasting, eating and drinking in a respectful and mindful manner can help maintain a positive atmosphere in the home.
Discuss Impacts of Music - Some fasting individuals prefer to avoid listening to music, so keeping household music at a lower volume or using headphones can be considerate.
Respect Prayer Times – Fasting is often accompanied by additional prayers. If your helper observes these, giving them space and time to pray can be a meaningful way to show support. Avoid last-minute requests around iftar time.
For Families with a Non-Fasting Nanny or Maid
Some domestic helpers may not be fasting due to personal reasons, religious beliefs, or health conditions. If your helper is not fasting, it’s still important to be considerate:
Clarify Expectations – Ramadan often comes with altered family routines. Communicating any schedule changes in advance will help them adjust their duties accordingly.
Ensure Access to Meals – If the household is observing fasting, ensure your helper has access to meals and knows when and where they can eat comfortably.
Encourage a Supportive Atmosphere – Promoting an environment of mutual respect and understanding during this time fosters goodwill within the household.
Impact of Adjusted School Timings
During Ramadan, schools in the UAE typically start later in the morning and finish earlier in the afternoon. These changes can impact the daily routine of both families and their nannies or maids, particularly in households where they assist with school drop-offs and pick-ups.
Plan for Earlier Pick-Ups – Since school ends earlier, ensure your nanny or maid is prepared for the change. It may also mean adjusting their break times accordingly.
Allow for Extra Rest if Needed – If your nanny is fasting, managing children earlier in the day and for longer may be more physically demanding. Consider offering additional rest periods where possible.
Be Understanding About Increased Traffic and Delays – The roads tend to be busier during school drop-off and pick-up times. If your helper handles school runs, be patient with any potential delays.
Consider Carpooling or Transport Assistance – If feasible, arranging shared transport or adjusting driving duties can help ease the burden of managing school runs during Ramadan.
Final Thoughts
Ramadan is a time of patience, kindness, and reflection. Supporting your helper, whether they, or your family, are fasting or not, fosters a positive and respectful home environment. Small gestures of consideration can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and harmonious household during this special month.
By being mindful of their needs, adjusting workloads where necessary, and showing empathy, families can create an atmosphere of mutual respect and care throughout Ramadan.
If you have any additional insights or experiences, we’d love to hear how you support your domestic helpers during Ramadan. Share your thoughts in the comments!