How Yayas Play a Vital Role in LJ Moreno’s Kids’ Lives
The return home was a sweet one as LJ Moreno’s kids, Calen and Keona, jumped into the arms of their yaya after 4 years of living away.
Yayas play a vital role in Filipino families and although there are some bad eggs, the good ones are those who last a lifetime and become a part of the family. And that seems to be the case for actress/host LJ Moreno and her kids! Upon returning to the Philippines with her two kids, Calen and Keona, LJ caught on video her two little ones running up to their yayas P and Sally for a joyous reunion.
“Even if they haven’t seen them for four years, they still have that connection!” LJ exclaims in her video’s caption. “They have become a part of our family and one of the many reasons I was excited to come home.”
Yayas: The Help Every Mama Needs
Although some moms envy a yaya’s bond with their child, LJ Moreno reveals just how that bond can blossom when it goes beyond the rapport of just employee and employer. P started as LJ Moreno’s nail technician before eventually becoming her personal assistant and then, Calen’s yaya.
Sally, according to LJ, had been a long-time part of the family — being with them ever since LJ’s brother, Rico, was three years old. But it became a full-circle moment when Sally had been tasked to look after Ian and Keona who, according to LJ, were 3 and 5 years old.
Both yayas had constantly accompanied them and LJ gushed just how the two women have made her life easier as a mom. The appreciation runs deep with the two kids, Keona and Calen, jumping into the women’s arms.
Unfortunately, Ian and Jimmy couldn’t accompany them on the trip back to the Philippines. However, LJ remarks that she intends to “bring them along the next time they return to home [the Philippines].”
When the bonds run deep
A lot of us lament that lack of skilled and good-natured household help but when we do find that one, they become a part of the family. Because they’re so familiar with our routines and schedules, it feels like a big mental load has been taken off our shoulders. Especially when the kids are in different chapters of their lives, a yaya’s helping hand is highly appreciated.
Some of the yayas even choose to stay after the kids grow into independent individuals. They found a family in us just as we found a new family member in them. After all, some of these yayas left their families back in the far-flung province to send money to their families. The least we can do is do our best to make their stay a little more comfortable.
Because when we see and treat our yayas beyond household help, some will reciprocate and give our kids the love-filled childhood they deserve. Just like how LJ Moreno’s kids got it from theirs.
More about yayas?
“When Yaya Becomes Family”: Camille Prats Celebrates Yaya Beng’s 50th Birthday
Remembering Flora Gasser: The “Yaya” of Philippine Telenovela
“No Yaya, No Diapers!” Korina Sanchez’s Relief On Her Kids’ First Day at Preschool
