Nannies, maids, or both?

SIHAM AL SAIDI
SUHAR: In many Omani households, domestic helpers have become an essential part of daily life. Beyond managing household tasks, some families rely on them as caregivers for their children. This dual responsibility has sparked a debate; can domestic workers effectively and safely balance the role of housekeeper and a nanny? And does their job title or training truly matter when children’s well-being is at stake?
Household agencies often present their maids as “multi-skilled', capable of managing the home and supporting childcare. According to Um Bader, owner of a domestic worker recruitment office in Barka, “Families increasingly request workers who can handle both responsibilities. It’s seen as more practical and affordable. However, not every worker has the training to deal with young children, especially infants or children with special needs.”
On the other hand, many parents remain careful. For some, trusting a domestic worker with childcare feels like handing over their most important responsibility to someone they hardly know. Halima al Balushi, a mother of four, explains, “I need help at home, but I wouldn’t leave my children entirely in the care of a worker. They are not trained educators or nurses. Their main role should be managing the house, not taking care of the children.”

For others, the decision is clear and precise. Some parents prefer nurseries or childcare centres over leaving children at home with nannies. “I would never trust leaving my daughter with a housemaid,” says Khalsa al Jabri, a working mother. “If I have to choose, I would rather place her in a licensed nursery where I know professional nannies are watching her. At least there, she learns, plays and interacts in a safe environment.”
Yet, other families argue that domestic workers can become like second mothers, offering love and consistency. For working parents, especially mothers balancing careers, the support of a trusted domestic worker is invaluable. Some even prefer to hire workers specifically as nannies, focusing only on childcare rather than household duties.
The debate also raises questions of safety and regulation. Agencies admit that training standards vary widely. While some workers receive orientation in childcare, others arrive with no relevant experience. This gap fuels concerns about the child’s emotional and physical well-being.
Dr Jawaher al Hadhrami, an educational specialist, offers a warning as high concerns note: “Children need not only supervision but also proper emotional and educational stimulation. When childcare is left only to untrained workers, the child may lack the developmental support they need. Parents must remain the primary source of guidance, while nurseries and schools complement this role. Domestic workers can help, but they should never replace the parents’ active involvement.”