Top 5 Most Difficult Families for Nannies in Bali, Indonesia —By Nationality
🅿️ Not every nanny job in Bali is sunshine and smiles 😓 While many foreign families are kind and respectful, some leave nannies feeling overworked, disrespected, or even invisible. These challenging experiences can cause stress, burnout, and high turnover.
🅰️ Imagine showing up each day to a home where parents yell, kids scream, and no one ever says thank you 🙈 Some nannies report feeling more like a robot than a human being. Others are given too many tasks—cleaning, cooking, tutoring—without clear instructions or fair pay.
🆂 The good news? You’re not alone. Many Indonesian nannies in Bali share similar experiences—and patterns have emerged. By identifying which families are most difficult to work with, you can protect your peace of mind and choose wisely 💡
🆃 “I once worked for a family who changed my schedule every day and never said hello,” says Nita, a nanny in Canggu. “It made me feel unimportant and tired all the time.”
🅴 For example, some nationalities tend to ignore nanny contracts, cancel rest days, or expect full-time help without proper communication. These red flags are common—and knowing them in advance can help you avoid a toxic situation 🧠
🅰️ If you’re an Indonesian nanny looking for better jobs in Bali—or a foreign parent who wants to build a better relationship with your caregiver—this guide will help you understand the warning signs and create a more respectful work environment 🌿
Table of Contents
Why Some Nannies Struggle with Certain Families in Bali ⚠️
Working as a nanny in Bali isn’t always easy. While many families are kind and respectful, others can be unpredictable or even disrespectful 😢
Some nannies say they were treated more like “invisible help” than people. Long hours with no breaks, unclear expectations, and a lack of basic kindness can make the job feel exhausting.
These struggles can affect both mental and physical health, causing many nannies to quietly look for better employers.
Common Traits That Make a Family Hard to Work For 😓
Nannies across Bali mention similar complaints when describing difficult families. These include parents who change schedules last-minute, give too many tasks outside of childcare, or refuse to say thank you 😠
Some nannies are never allowed to rest or eat properly during long shifts. Another common issue is a lack of empathy—when a child is sick or the nanny is feeling unwell, some employers still expect everything to go on as usual, with no support or flexibility.
Top 5 Most Difficult Nationalities According to Bali Nannies 🌍
Based on real feedback from nannies in Canggu, Ubud, and Sanur, here are the nationalities they found hardest to work with:
China – Communication gaps and high pressure on child performance.
Russia – Expect strict discipline, sometimes treat nannies like silent staff.
France – Seen as demanding and often cold.
India – Long work hours, large extended families, unclear tasks.
Saudi Arabia – Strict rules, very private, sometimes culturally isolating.
These don’t apply to everyone—but trends like these shape many nannies’ opinions and job choices.
What Cultural Gaps Cause Misunderstandings with Nannies 🌐
One of the biggest issues is cultural expectations. In some cultures, household staff are not included in family life, which can feel cold or isolating to Indonesian nannies 😞
Also, parenting styles that emphasize strict control over children may not align with the nurturing, gentle approach most nannies are used to.
Misunderstandings often happen when families don’t explain their expectations or fail to consider the nanny’s perspective, leading to tension and mistakes.
How Poor Communication Creates a Toxic Work Environment 🚫
When families don’t communicate clearly or respectfully, it creates stress. Nannies may be unsure what’s allowed, what’s expected, or how to respond in emergencies 😰
Being blamed for things they weren’t told or punished for speaking up leads to emotional burnout. Clear, kind communication—spoken slowly and with patience—can prevent almost every problem.
Unfortunately, not every family takes the time to build that mutual understanding.
Red Flags Nannies Should Watch Out for Before Accepting a Job 🧯
If you’re a nanny in Bali considering a new job, watch out for these red flags:
– Families who avoid discussing the schedule or salary clearly.
– Parents who interrupt or talk over you in interviews.
– Homes with no boundaries between nanny duties and house chores.
– Kids who already treat staff poorly—it’s usually a reflection of the parents.
– No written agreement or trial period offered.
Spotting these early signs can help nannies avoid burnout and find families that truly respect them 🙏
Advice from Experienced Nannies on Avoiding Bad Employers 💡
“I once worked for a family that made me cook, clean, and care for three kids—without a break,” says Wulan, a nanny in Jimbaran. “When I asked for help, they just said ‘that’s your job.’”
Another nanny, Yani, shared: “I now ask clear questions during interviews.
I also check if the kids are respectful. If the parents don’t say hello or thank you, I walk away.”
Smart nannies learn to protect themselves by setting boundaries early and asking the right questions before starting.
FAQs About Dealing with Difficult Families as a Nanny ❓
Q: What’s the biggest problem nannies face with difficult families?
A: Lack of respect and unclear boundaries.
Q: Should I still work if I feel sick or tired?
A: No—you have the right to rest and recover. Communicate early.
Q: Can I refuse tasks that are outside my agreement?
A: Yes—if it’s not in your contract or discussed, it’s okay to say no.
Q: How can I know if a family is good before starting?
A: Ask about schedule, rest hours, and observe how they treat you during interviews.
Q: What’s a good way to leave if it’s not working out?
A: Be polite, give notice if possible, and protect your mental health first 🌿