Kris Bernal Is Looking For Yaya Referrals For Her Baby. Here Are The Qualifications

With access to social media, it seems like finding a yaya or a kasambahay is going to be an easy task. The challenge, however, lies in finding "the one" who fits the bill.

Actress and new mom Kris Bernal posted a call for yaya referrals on her Instagram story recently. She listed the qualifications and emphasized that she's looking for someone who is unique and fits her and her baby Hailee Lucca's needs.

Netizens say all of the qualifications Kris listed are valid, as moms surely want only the best for her children.

"Looking for yaya for Hailee. 1. Honest; 2. Dependable; 3. Has great patience + gentle on babies; 4. Loves her job/capacity to love our baby; 5. Alert and attentive; 6. Respect[s] privacy, family life, and belongings."

She added some more requirements, "7. Open and willing to learn new things and adapt to change; 8. Has knowledge on new methods in taking care of a newborn; 9. Good listener; 10. Good personal hygiene; and 11. Loves dogs too."

Lastly, she stressed in all caps, "12. PULIDO MAGTRABAHO! HINDI BARA-BARA/BASTA-BASTA!"

She then asked her followers to send her a message should they have recommendations.

In our Facebook group Smart Parenting Village, parents have been sharing their experiences with their yayas. Some generously shared tips on how they were able to find a good yaya over the years that might help Kris and other parents.

Parents share experiences in looking for a yaya

One mom said, "Ito lang talaga natutunan ko, sa dami ng kasambahay na nanamantala, bago pa mamasukan, mag-background check at maghanda ng kontrata. Lahat ng rules nandun at ipaliwanag sa kanya. Observe and kapag may napansin ka, kausapin agad. Pag paulit-ulit pa rin, paalisin na para di humaba ang agony. Waiting na lang ako sa time na maglalakihan din mga anak ko at di na need ng kasambahay. Sinasanay ko rin naman sila sa mga household chores at self help."

The mom highlighted the importance of setting your non-negotiables, "If may red flags talaga, learn to let go. Hindi worth it ang stress."

She also shared what can help them stay, "Pay them decently. If gusto niyo talaga mag-stay or tumagal sila, please do this. If too much burden sa atin na wala tayong helper, then they must be compensated accordingly."

She added, "Yung totoo, mahirap yung trabaho nila plus being away from family. Treat them as family. Unfortunately, hindi nababayaran ang "malasakit." So we only get this, when we give it. At the very least, treat them with respect."

What parents can do if they are not yet ready to get a yaya

For those who are still wary about employing a household help, a mom shared how parents can make do with their current set-up. "Tulungan kayo ni hubby. Try to make house chores easy as possible. You can buy vacuum, dishwasher, and fully automated washing machine. Or get services. Madaming full-service laundry shop na free pick up at delivery, for sure meron dyan malapit sa inyo. If hindi kaya always magluto, wag ma-guilty na magpa-deliver. Hanap kayo ng weekly taga-linis."

Parents share where to find a good yaya

According to a mom, the best way to look for a yaya, "Word of mouth po talaga ang best way to find a good yaya. I don't trust yang sa social media kasi you can't trust a picture. At least kung word of mouth you can somewhat trust the word of the referrer. Pero 'yun nga, ilang beses na din ako nagpadala para pang bus fare but hindi dumating.

Some moms at the Smart Parenting Village say they were able to find their yaya through the Instagram page, Housemaids.ph. Some meanwhile vouch for the on-call yaya services provided by My Fairee. 

Here's how to make a smart kasambahay contract, according to Isabelle Daza.