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Aupair's Arrival
Have your older children prepare a welcome poster. Some families put together a little welcome basket, containing toothpaste, shampoo, soap, a little candle and the like.
Initially, take the TV or music box out of the aupairs room. Reason is that young girls are often very shy in the beginning. Not having a TV in her room will encourage her to spend more time with the host family, this facilitates bonding of host family and Aupair.

Member of the Family

The aupair program is a cultural exchange program. Your Aupair is to be considered as a member of the family. Always invite her to family outings and activities. Just like you would if she would be your little niece or cousin that lives with you as your nanny / babysitter.

Facilitate a Good Relationship
Young girls are often insecure.  Positive feedback is very important. And praise is a good thing for the match. Perks such as her own TV or stereo can serve as rewards during the program year.
It is suggested that you infrequently reward your aupair for a job well done with ie. Starbucks gift certificate, Old Navy gift card, or ticket to the movies, etc.

Comments

avatar Carolina Bhering
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I would also like to say something regarding religion. The family I was an Au Pair for, and whom I still live with whole going to school is Agnostic and I'm a very strong Christian. I felt very discouraged in the beginning of my Au Pair year because my host family didn't seem to understand how important going to church is to me. I gave them the address of a couple of churches I would like to go to and they took me to one of them once - because i wasn't allowed to drive - and told me if I wanted to go again I could ride my bike there - for 5 miles. That saddened me a lot, and besides that I've been looked down and also mocked because of my beliefs. I respect their lack of faith and never tried to input any religious ideas in their children, but they mocked me for my beliefs in front of their children a few times and I felt very disrespected for that. I'd advise families to ask their Au Pair about their religious beliefs and their importance in their lives. If they say they would like to go to church, make an effort to help her chose a place she feels comfortable in and take her a few time until she is allowed to drive or can arrange rides. Also NEVER mock her or look down on her because of her beliefs, especially in front of your children, for her religion might her emotional structure and you might be destroying it.
avatar Lucia
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Going with an established and big agency would have helped as this is part of the application form. You would see they are agnostic and as a strong Christian you could have chosen not to go to this family. I am sorry you had such a negative experience.
avatar HostMom
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I would definitely encourage all girls/guys to make sure strong values like these will be embraced rather then ignored. We try as a HF to help with this kind of thing tho we are not religious. But it is something that needs great disussi discussion on. No one should be mocked for their beliefs! So sorry!
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