Treat people how you want to be treated yourself. First of all they are human beings. If you don't know how to treat a 'househelp' (I hate the word maid) then don't have one, do it yourself. If you can't deposit some trust in somebody you employ in your house and who is going to be in your life then you might as well not emply him/her. There is good and bad everywhere - sure true, but I strongly believe that if there is respect, honesty and understanding it will always work out.