House Help Blues

One of the trials of family life is finding the right help for the home. It has been a learning experience for both Mike and Pia.


Going through many different "kasambahay" allowed them to more or less come up with an evolving set of rules:

1.  Teresing Rule 1
Two week trial period to determine if the applicant is acceptable.  If the applicant was referred by an "agent" and a referral fee is paid, the referral fee shall not be paid, or if paid, it should be refunded unless the kasambahay is immediately replaced by the "agent".

2.  Teresing Rule 2
Six months training period to train and monitor the helper.  If the helper leaves without justifiable reasons, all costs are deducted from last monthly salary of the helper.

3.  Lourdes Rule 1
Never advance payment of first salary regardless of who recommends a helper.

4.  Jessica Rule 1
They have strong hands, require them to be gentle in opening locks.

5. Ging Rule 1
Always require the submission of both picture and bio-data before entering your home and never after.  Any sign of lying must be investigated immediately.

6.
Make it a rule not to allow helpers or yayas to take pictures with their camera phones of your children.

7. Lourdes Rule 2
If there is any sign of mental instability (like indecently exposing oneself, regularly crying at night, talking to oneself in the shower, and blank looks), immediately investigate and question the other household members.

8. Jane Rule 1
If you leave them alone at home, they might go out without locking the door to buy soft drinks. Test them first by coming back unexpectedly.

9. Jane Rule 2
Explicit no smoking rule is required.