Iftar on the job: No reduced timing for this nanny during Ramadan

Samira gets a two-hour break after the family finishes their Iftar.

Samira Ahmed, a nanny working with a Sharjah-based family, ends her fast with dates and water, as she keeps an eye on the children she is responsible for. After the family finishes their Iftar, she gets time to have a full meal.
"During Ramadan, it is hard for me to have a normal Iftar meal because I have to take care of the children and keep them engaged so as to allow their parents to have their Iftar peacefully. I ensure that the kids don't yell or create mischief. I end my fast with the kids around me."
Samira gets a two-hour break after the family finishes their Iftar. "But the children want to be around me all the time. While I tell them to go to their parents during my break time, they always come to me."
For Samira, Ramadan involves striking the perfect balance between worship and work. The children wake up at 6am, after which they are dressed, fed and sent off to school. Her day ends when they are put to bed at night.
"After the children leave for school, I get to take a nap for a couple of hours. This is essential for me to gain enough energy to take care of the kids for the rest of the day. It's hard work for me during Ramadan, but I have to fulfil my job commitments and carry out extra acts of worship during the holy month," Samira said.
The nanny said she doesn't get reduced job hours as taking care of children is a "full-time job" when both parents are working. "When the children are at school, I prepare their clothes while waiting for them. I also prepare some snacks. After picking the kids up at 2pm, I put them to bed for a nap."
In the evenings, Samira takes the kids out to parks. "My responsibility here is not only to provide food and take care of the children, but also to create daily schedules and keep them engaged in activities to ensure their mental, physical and emotional growth. I have more responsibilities than maids because I also clean the children's rooms and arrange their toys and clothes."
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021