I've read articles before about bosses against maids wearing make-up to work. Most female bosses are touchy over this issue (especially if the househelper is pretty), while there are a few others who do not really care at all. This is my personal take about the subject.
Some bosses have a very clear stand about it, and that's fine. Kung ayaw, ayaw. Period! Especially where young children are involved, contact with make up may cause rashes or asthma attacks. There's a study a few years ago that some cosmetics (the cheap brands really) have lead content in their ingredients that may be harmful to the skin. If that passes to your kid, wouldn't you feel the same way too? And come on.... would you want your yaya wearing long fingernails and shimery nail polish while holding your kid? For paranoid mothers, this is utterly shocking. A NO-NO! With this line of thinking, you will understand why most employers strictly prohibit it.
Personally, I discourage my kid's yaya to wear long fingernails, not just because it's plain vanity and the nature of her work simply forbids it, but more so because of the potential harm that can result from it. Long nails could accidentally scratch my kid's baby skin and don't forget, the possible temptation that she could use it to "kurot" (pinch) my son for minor misdemeanors. And don't forget what we mothers would usually warn our kids about untrimmed fingernails: Papasok ang germs sa kuko - ewww YUCK!!! DIRTY!!! We would screech in horror. Same principle applies to long fingernails in adults. But as to make-up? I don't really mind unless I see an indication that it is adversely affecting my boy's health.
My son had a yaya before that looked like the character from the tv show "The Nanny" (played by Fran Drescher). She wore make up every time I left for work and would remove it as soon as she knew I was arriving. When I caught her by surprise one time (I left the office early) and asked her about it. This was our exchange:
"Bakit di ka mag-make up 'pag nandito kami sa bahay?" I asked.
"Nahihiya ako eh," answered the maid (let's call her Leni).
"Ano ka ba? Ok lang sa 'kin no!" I replied.
This was Leni's amusing reply. "Eh pangit naman yun na ayos ako at ikaw, napaka-simple. Magmumukhang ako ang amo!"
So simply and bluntly put by Leni! Short of saying, mukhang basahan ang amo ko!
Di ko malaman kung matutuwa ako or palalayasin ko! I could have fired her on the spot, but being the level-headed person that I am, I explained to her that it was a personal choice of mine not to wear any make up (save for a lip gloss) when I am home. Being out on most days at the office, I prefer to dress casually at home sans make up.
Dressing up like a slut is another matter however, which Leni did to occassionally. I gently reminded her to observe proper decorum in dressing, especially when she was with us. She obliged. This arrangement continued this way until I gave her up over a petty matter. She went back to the province wearing skimpy shorts and spaghetti straps. How funny can you get? No wonder my sweet mother-in-law was constantly warning me to watch over hubby like a hawk!
So, is wearing make up ok? It depends. Do not sacrifice personal freedom over potential hazards that could result from it. If you have valid reasons not to allow it (say, medical reasons), say it. To some bosses, the risks are even higher. In which case, you have to be clear about it and gently inform your househelpers about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment