how do you integrate a maid into the daily household life? this is my first maid, and she will always hide in her room when we gather in the living room.. end up that we need to do some chores ourselves or shout for her.. do I let her watch tv with us, sit in the living room while we play with the baby?

U probably need to get her more involved and talk to her more. She might be shy and don't dare to speak up. If u dont interact, she won't know ur needs, therefore always stay in the room and wait for ur cue. Set ur expectation and lay it out with her so she will know what she needs to do. U need to make her feel comfortable since she is staying with u. Once she feels part of your family, i believe she will start to open up and take initiatives. If she is taking care of bb as priority, all the more she should be more involved to know ur expectations n how to take care accordingly. It is very important to have 2-way communications and interaction to constantly know how she's coping and if she's settling well in ur house. She may watch tv with u if u allow her to and provided she finish her work for a start. Set a work schedule if she is also new else u may just tell her what she needs to do. Just like us, we need time to warm up and be comfortable among strangers, so don't worry.