A guide to partnering with our yayas
July 27, 2004 | 12:00am
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I have asked a group of 37 yayas what their employer repeatedly asks them to do and accomplish. Here are their top answers: Give their wards vitamins, give kids a bath, talk to them, change diapers, care for them, be alert and make sure everything is ready (when they have to go out). I asked them what they hoped their employers would do for them. Their top answers are: That their employers wouldnt tell them off in public, increase their salaries, for them not to be asked to do too many things at the same time, not to use too many words to remind them about something and not to exaggerate their observations. Oftentimes, we tell our helpers what they should do. It would be wise to find out also what they need in order to help them do their job better. That way, everybody is happy.
2) Understanding each others strengths and weaknesses will help prevent recurring frustrating moments. You do not require your yaya to speak in straight English when you know she is a first-time yaya who barely finished grade school. She shouldnt require you to pay her a huge salary like her best friend because she understands that you agreed on a certain amount.
3) Trust After all has been said and done, at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself if you feel at peace and safe leaving your kids alone with your yaya. If not, then you have not reached a level of trust. If this goes on for a prolonged period of time, you are endangering your children. Trust is vital in any partnership. I remember once when I asked Gelli de Belen about leaving her kids with her mom (she doesnt have a yaya). She said that after giving her reminders and "bilins," I leave her and trust that shed do what I said and, "bahala na siya." There is a sense of surrender knowing she has entrusted her kids to able hands.
4) Mutual respect for each others rights and responsibilities. Realizing that shes a yaya who goes the extra mile, acknowledge her for that. You give her a raise and she thanks you for it. That shows mutual respect. Dont call her names. Give her salary on time. Allow days off. Remind her to eat her meals on time (of the 37 yayas I spoke to, almost half of them have ulcers). Make sure she speaks to you in a nice way. Teach her how you want things done and help her do it. If youve done everything to help her do her job well but are still dissatisfied with her, let her go as soon as possible even without a replacement. Another job might be more suitable for her.
5) Each one submits to one another. Dont defy your yaya in front of your kids because youre teaching your kids that she doesnt have authority over them. Submit to her when you know shes right and make sure she submits to your orders without forcing her.
Hope that helps.
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