The Guide to Yaya Hunting

I won't say "I have no idea how my mother raised me without the help of a Yaya", because I do.

For the first month after giving birth, I was hands-on on everything. Not a single help from anyone, not even my mother (who did not live with us then but was in the process of moving in). Our household help is only dedicated to doing household chores and she was over fifty years old, so I did not really expect her to do more, since she's got her hands full with the housework alone.

It took me 30 days looking for the ideal Yaya and I've learned a lot from the process of Yaya Hunting. Here are a list of things I prepared for before starting the hunt:
1. Have a biodata sheet ready. - You can just make a biodata sheet of your own and have it filled out by your potential Yaya prior to the interview. You can just put questions you want to know the answers to. For instance, if it matters to you that she knows how to speak English, then have a question there that asks what languages or dialects she speaks. Make sure you have her completely filled out biodata with you when you do the interview. Having this file also allows you to verify her identity and claims later on.Believe me, you want to know what the biodata reveals ---- such as underlying illness, civil status, number of children, religion, etc.

2. It pays to know what exactly you're looking for. - Have a list of things you expect your Yaya to have moderate experience on and things you expect her to be an expert on. Do you prefer a married Yaya with children or would you rather hire someone who does not have a dependent? Once you have the list of your Preferred Yaya, make sure you have it with you during all potential Yaya interviews. If they fit the criteria, then it will be easier for you to make the decision whether to hire them or not.

Don't forget to consider the following factors when setting the criteria:
a. How old is the ward? (new born, 6 months, 3 years old, etc)
b. Will you be giving allowances? (load allowances, clothing allowance/uniforms, etc.)
c. Full-time Yaya or just assistance to the mother?
d. Will there be benefits? (SSS after a year, health, etc.)
e. Do you prefer the ones from provinces far away or just hours away from where you live?
f. Will you consider relatives and family of your existing household help or not?

3. Have her job description ready. - Some yayas expect to only take care of the kid and nothing else. However, some Yayas also wash the kids' clothes. Some Yayas prepare everything day-in to day-out, while some only takes care and assist the mom. Make sure it is clear what the Yaya's schedule is and what her tasks are. For instance, bottle feeding, diaper duty, wash the kids' clothes on Saturdays and Day Offs on Sundays. Don't forget to specify her salary, allowances and bonuses. Again, it helps to have these things listed.

4. Have them sign. - Once you and your yaya have agreed on the terms of her employment, you can make a contract of your own. Something that proves her understanding of the job description, conditions, and requirements. One thing that I put in my Yaya's 'mini-contract' is that she needs to advise us 30 days before she plans to leave to give us time to look for a replacement and she must not have any existing advances at the time of her separation.

5. Make copies to give away. - I photocopied a blank biodata and list of the criteria of my preferred Yaya and gave few copies to chosen and trusted friends and relatives to help me find and set up a pool of potential Yayas. It's easier to spot the right one when you have choices.

One thing I learned from fellow mother friends, avoid hiring a Yaya from an agency as much as possible. Not only do you not know their real background, but you also will have very little idea of their attitude, behavior and work ethics. These things are normally not found on biodatas. But if the agency you're looking at hiring from is an agency you trust and know, then perhaps it's okay.

Also, if you are considering the idea of referrals, make sure the Yaya is from a trustworthy source. A "friend of a friend of a friend's yaya" is not really a safe bet. Since you will have to find the "friend of a friend of a friend's Yaya" before you can confirm your Yaya's identity, claims and background. And sometimes, because of the long process of the search, the confirmation never gets done. You still end up not knowing the person you leave your child with for more than half the day.

Try not to be too desperate during the hunt to the point of putting signboards on your gate saying Wanted Yaya. Walk-in Applicants or those who knock on your door to apply are possibly the scariest and the most dangerous of all. You don't know them --- at all.

Good luck !!!