Can I Trust You Yaya?

As most of you know, my daughter has autism. She is functional but non-verbal. That said, she can do things for herself but she can’t tell anyone, including me, whatever is on her mind. She is not mute but she can’t verbalize or put into words her thoughts, feelings, or actions.

With that in consideration, I need a caregiver who is trustworthy and has an understanding of kids with special needs. Years back, I got a Yaya who was a former classmate of my older sister and finished a care giving course. When my sister recommended her I did not hesitate but get her. Her background was perfect. I even enrolled her at understanding Autism seminars so she could better understand and take care of my daughter well.

Even with the Yaya around, I still bring my daughter to school and fetch her. Until after almost a year that the Yaya was with us when I decided I can trust her to do that job without me anymore.

For the first time, the Yaya and my daughter went to school alone. Hours passed when I realized the time and that they are not home yet when they are supposed to. My moms instinct was ringing aloud.  I started worrying so I decided to call her. Thank God, I know her cell phone number! I asked where they are if they got stuck in traffic or any spontaneous school activity happened I did not know about that made them late. Yaya answered, said she and my daughter was now at their house!

Shocked as I was, crazy thoughts ran into my head. What the heck is she thinking? Why did she bring my daughter to her house? Why did she think she can even do that? What are you doing with my daughter?

Even if I was worried like hell I did not let the Yaya hear the angst over the phone. Instead I nicely asked her to come home and have snacks since it is way past lunchtime. She replied: “Ma’am we already ate and Tasha is playing piano here. She’s OK. Would you like to come here instead so we can talk?”

TALK? What does she mean with talk? I got really scared. Afraid as I was I did not let her hear my anxiety I patiently told her: “Tasha is very picky with food and the people around her I would really like for the both of you to come home now, please.”

She answered back: “Ma’am there’s something I want to tell you that I can’t tell you at your house because your mother is very intrusive. Can you come here at my house instead So we can talk?”

Intrusive? “Edel, if you want to tell me something you can go to my room and we can talk. Nobody will hear it, ” I said in a calm voice. “Please come home now. OK? Take care.” She said OK.

It took them more than an hour to get back and I was very much relieved that my daughter is home. I immediately asked the Yaya to go in my room so we can talk, just like what she wanted. But instead of letting her say her piece I let out a very loud cry of relief and handed her last pay right away and told her not to come back.

I was very traumatized. I felt I can no longer trust her with my daughter ever again. It was the first time I entrusted her the responsibility to bring and fetch my daughter from school and she broke that trust. I know she is a very good Yaya and that I invested money for her seminars already. But she broke my trust when it comes to bringing her to school and taking her back home right after. A very basic duty a Yaya must fulfil and she did not do it.

My daughter is non-verbal. I understand she is good to my daughter. She is capable to teach my child things she learned from the seminar. However, I don’t know the people in their house and how they will treat her. It is very likely I find out untoward incidents that could happen when she is alone with them. My daughter can’t tell me that because she can’t talk. More than anything else, my daughter’s safety always comes first.

That incident made finding a Yaya I can trust even more daunting than ever. Since then, I don’t let anyone bring my daughter to school or fetch her from school anymore except me or with me. Just like with the drinking water we have at home, we only have Wilkins. My daughter’s pedia recommended it since I gave birth more than a decade ago. The doctor said it is the safest drinking water best suited for nursing babies and beyond.

How about you, do you have a story of you being too picky when it comes to your kid’s safety? Smart Parenting and Wilkins would like to hear your story! You may share your story below: (click image)

P.S. : Only moms aged 18 and above can submit their stories at Smart Parenting and will get the chance to win the following:
a. Writers of the 5 selected stories for publication in magazine will each receive Php 5,000 cash and Php 5,000 gift certificates for Wilkins products.
b. Grand winner (story will be turned into a short film) will receive Php 10,000 cash and P5,000 gift certificates for Wilkins productsStay gorgeous everyone!

Some talking points suggested by sponsors but story and opinions written are mine.