If you are considering an au pair, there are many things that you need to consider. It’s important to remember that the person you choose will be living with you and your children for some time. Therefore, you must make sure you are choosing a reliable individual. You also must ensure that you have all the details in writing and that you are open and honest with the person you choose. This will help ensure a positive experience for all parties involved.
Finding a Host Family
Searching for a host family when you find an au pair can be an exciting experience. You can immerse yourself in a new culture, participate in family life, and get valuable insight into the lives of other families. However, you must first decide whether the family is a good match for you.
A good way to find a host family is through the internet. Many host families have websites that allow potential candidates to search for the perfect match. They can filter candidates based on age, country of origin, English proficiency, and other criteria.
Once you’ve found the ideal host family, communicate with them. If you can, make a video call. Most of the time, au pairs can video chat with families through Facetime or Skype. This will allow you to get to know the host family before signing a contract.
Another method is to contact potential host families directly. This can be done through email, phone, or WhatsApp. It’s important to be truthful with your messages. Ideally, you will only respond to people who meet your requirements.
A well-written, detailed Au Pair profile will help you increase your chances of finding a perfect host family. It should include your interests, food preferences, and experience with children. It would help if you also described why you want to be an au pair.
Asking Questions
Asking questions during an interview is a good way to determine whether a candidate is suitable for a job as an Au Pair. It is also a good way to get to know the person better. When preparing a list of questions, remember that each agency has different requirements. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow.
First, ask the family about their expectations for an Au Pair. Ask about their children’s schedules and the number of kids they expect to take care of. They should also discuss the activities they like to do with the children. The host family should also be told about their children’s special diets or diseases.
During the interview, the family should also be asked about the rules and expectations of the au pair. This is important because it can help you understand how you will fit in. For example, they should not expect you to work weekends, or you should not expect to stay with them during holidays.
Being Open and Non-Judgemental
When choosing an au pair, it is important to be open and non-judgmental. This will help the au pair and your child. It will also help you avoid miscommunication and ensure that your au pair is adjusting well.
The au pair needs to be educated on what is expected of them. For example, they should be given rules and guidelines regarding what is acceptable and not acceptable. They should be encouraged to call the family to ask for help when they need it.
In addition, they should be encouraged to make friends with other families. Many host families introduce their au pair to their friend’s children, which can lead to a new social life for the child and the au pair.
Au pairs and host families should work together to make the experience as comfortable as possible for all parties involved. Many resources are available to help, such as Au Pair in America.
A good au pair will know how to communicate effectively. However, it is very common for au pairs to be indirect in their speech. While it may be difficult to get across exactly what you are looking for, you must express yourself clearly and directly.
Getting the Contract in Writing
Getting the contract in writing when choosing an au pair is the best way to ensure a smooth transition for both parties. Both parties should discuss the contract details before the au pair arrives. They should also discuss any expectations and rules to follow.
One of the most important things to include in the contract is the amount of time the au pair will be required to work. This includes hours during which the au pair will be expected to care for the children. It is also a good idea to specify how payment will be handled. Depending on the host family, the au pair may be paid with a weekly stipend or pocket money.
Au pairs should also have a reasonable curfew. For example, if the parents are out of town for a business trip, the au pair should be on duty for a certain number of hours each day.
Au pairs should be warned about the new risks they will face if they go on a vacation with the children. They should be taught safety precautions and should not leave the children alone in the house.
