I don’t usually buy Good Housekeeping magazine but their July 2007 issue has a very interesting article on how to deal with yayas. I wasn’t disappointed because i’ve learned a lot from reading it. I’m going to share some of the points i found useful.
27 Yaya Questions Answered by Kat von Einsiedel
How and when should I lay down the house rules? It’s best to inform the yaya of the house rules during the interview stage, and also clarify the extent of the job. “Para malinaw. Kung ayaw nila, then we’ll look for one who is willing.”
How much should I pay my yaya? Keep in mind the age of your child and the yaya’s work experience. The rate is usually higher for newborns because they require extra care. Based on information from an association of private local employment agencies, the current rate for yayas is about 2,500 to 3,000.
What kind of benefits are yayas entitled to? If they receive a minimum monthly salary of 1,000, they are eligible to apply for SSS benefits. Since personal information is needed for the SSS application, the yaya should be the one to process it. Though this is not mandatory for employer to give, this is something nice to provide to the yaya.
Other benefits are : free board and lodging, and medical assistance.
How mant days off are they allowed? Yayas fall under a special category of workers and are entitled to four days off a month.
What should I Do if
…my yaya gossips with the neighbors’ helpers and compares salaries with them? Simply tell her that such behaviour is not acceptable, and if she persists, you will have to let her go.
…my yaya has an offensive smell and I want to tell her nicely? Buy her a deodorant and casually tell her that you’ve found this effective. Observe her hygiene routine as well. She may not be taking regular baths. Remind her that you expect everyone in the household to take baths at least once a day, and twice during hot days.
…my yaya keeps kissing my baby and I don’t like it. Tell her that sickness is spread through contact and sometimes we are carriers of sickness without our knowing it. Ask her to kiss your baby’s feet or hands instead of the face, if that’s okay with you.
…my yaya is older than me and she thinks she knows better? Be respectful and acknowledge her seniority. But when she wants to do something, explain why you don’t agree. Cite your doctor if you have to, or simply tell her that this is the way you want it to be.
…my baby prefers his yaya over me. Young babies are closer to whomever they interact with more. In time, they will recognize the difference between parents and caregivers, so don’t be jelous. Just spend as much time as you can with your baby.
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There’s a lot more in that article so if you’re interested you can grab a copy on the magazine stands. 
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