7 Habits That Make Foreign Moms Avoid Certain Nannies in Bali,Indonesia
🅿️ Many foreign moms in Bali want a trustworthy, professional nanny—but some quickly realize their helper isn’t what they hoped for 😟 Whether it’s chronic lateness or lack of focus, certain habits can damage trust and lead to frustration.
🅰️ Imagine expecting help with your toddler, only to find your nanny scrolling on her phone or arriving 30 minutes late without apology 😤 Some even request more money than agreed—or worse, demand advance payment before showing commitment. These behaviors leave moms feeling stressed and taken advantage of.
🆂 The good news is that these issues can be spotted early and avoided altogether ✅ By knowing what red flags to look for, you can protect your family and find a nanny who’s not just helpful, but a true partner in raising your children.
🆃 “We agreed on a salary and duties,” says Emma, a mom from Germany living in Ubud. “But within days, the nanny asked for more money and stopped following instructions. I had no choice but to let her go.” 💔
🅴 For example, some nannies appear perfect during interviews—but once hired, they skip work when the child is asleep, ignore job lists, or casually break house rules 📱🛋️ Without accountability, even small habits can become big problems.
🅰️ This blog will guide you through the 7 most common nanny habits that foreign moms in Bali find unacceptable 🚫 By learning from others’ experiences, you’ll be better prepared to spot warning signs and hire with confidence 👩👧👦💡
Table of Contents
7 Signs Your Nanny in Bali Is Not Taking the Job Seriously 😑
Sometimes a nanny looks great on paper, but once the job starts, things change. Foreign moms in Bali often complain about certain red flags 🚩 that signal a lack of professionalism and care. Here are 7 warning signs to watch out for:
Chronic lateness without apology ⏰
Using her phone constantly during work hours 📱
Treating the job casually, like a favor—not a responsibility 😕
Not following instructions or doing unrelated tasks 📋
Requesting more money after agreeing on terms 💸
Slacking off when the child is asleep or alone 😴
Showing no concern for safety or cleanliness ⚠️
When you hire someone to care for your child, you expect professionalism—arriving on time, staying engaged, and respecting your household.
If several of these signs appear, it’s time to re-evaluate the working relationship. Spotting these habits early can save you stress and protect your family’s peace of mind
Why Foreign Moms in Bali Lose Trust in Certain Nannies 💔
Trust is everything in childcare, and once it’s broken, it’s hard to repair. Many moms lose confidence in their nannies after repeated small issues: not saying sorry for being late, leaving early without permission, or acting like they don’t care
These behaviors show a lack of respect—not just for the job, but for your family. Even when you’re kind and clear, some nannies may not return that effort. Over time, frustration builds until letting them go feels like the only option.
Preventing this starts with setting clear expectations—and recognizing when those expectations aren’t met 🚫
The Problem with Constant Phone Use During Work Hours 📱
One of the top complaints from moms in Bali is seeing their nanny glued to her phone 📵 It might seem harmless at first—but during work hours, especially around young kids, it’s a serious issue.
While the child naps or plays, some nannies scroll through social media, chat, or even take video calls. This can lead to accidents, missed signals from the child, or neglected chores. Worse, some moms feel disrespected when a nanny ignores the child to reply to messages.
Setting phone use boundaries early—and checking in regularly—helps keep your nanny focused and accountable 📶
When Nannies Demand More Money or Advance Payments 💸
While everyone deserves fair pay, some nannies in Bali shock employers by demanding more money after the contract is signed—or asking for large payments up front before proving reliability 💰
This puts foreign moms in a tough spot. You want to be supportive, but it feels like being taken advantage of. It’s especially frustrating when you’ve agreed on terms clearly, only to have them questioned days into the job.
A professional nanny should honor the agreement without pressuring you. If someone keeps asking for extra cash, it’s a red flag—no matter how friendly they seem at first 🚩
How Lack of Punctuality and Responsibility Damages Trust ⏰
Being on time is basic—but unfortunately, some nannies show up late regularly and don’t even apologize.
In Bali, it’s not uncommon for people to run on “rubber time,” but in childcare, timing matters. Whether it’s for school pick-up, feeding schedules, or your own work calendar, every minute counts. A nanny who treats punctuality casually can throw your whole day off—and make you feel disrespected.
If there’s no accountability or awareness, it becomes a habit. Moms should feel comfortable expecting timeliness and consistency from someone responsible for their child’s well-being.
What Happens When Nannies Ignore Instructions or Overstep 🧼
It can be frustrating when a nanny can’t follow instructions—or worse, does things you never asked for 😕
For example, you might say “just care for the baby,” and later find your nanny doing laundry incorrectly, rearranging your kitchen, or disciplining your child in a way you don’t agree with.
These actions may come from good intentions, but they cross professional boundaries. It’s important that your nanny understands your parenting style and household rules. Clear written guidelines and open discussions help avoid confusion and prevent awkward or unwanted surprises down the line 📋
Hidden Habits Moms Discover When Kids Are Left Alone 😮💨
Some nannies work hard when you’re home—but act completely differently when you’re not.
Several moms in Bali have discovered that once the parent leaves, the nanny relaxes too much: sitting on the phone, skipping chores, or leaving the child to play unattended 😬
This “two-face” behavior is especially worrying for mothers who need to work or go out often. Cameras or surprise check-ins sometimes reveal shocking habits. It’s not about spying—it’s about making sure your child is truly safe and cared for. A trustworthy nanny behaves the same whether you’re watching or not 🎥
FAQs About Hiring Reliable Nannies in Bali for Foreign Families ❓
Q: How can I tell if a nanny will be reliable before hiring?
A: Ask specific situational questions in interviews. Also, do a paid trial period before long-term commitment.
Q: Is it normal for nannies to ask for advance salary?
A: Some may ask, but it’s not professional. If they do it too early or too often, reconsider.
Q: What’s the best way to set rules around phones or behavior?
A: Discuss it openly on day one. Put rules in writing in your agreement or daily checklist.
Q: What do I do if my nanny keeps arriving late?
A: Talk to her once calmly. If it continues, it’s a sign she may not respect your time or needs.
Q: Should I use a nanny agency or hire independently?
A: Agencies may offer more accountability, contracts, and replacements—great if you want structure and support.