Choosing the right au pair for your family is an important decision. This person will live with you daily for a year, so you want to ensure they are a good match!
Before you start your search, list the most important things to you. This way, you can clearly articulate your Must List and Nice To Have List when interviewing au pairs.
Ask for References
When choosing the right au pair for your family’s needs, it is essential to ask for references. This is an excellent way to get a feel for an au pair’s personality and work ethic.
It would be best to look at the au pair’s online profile. This will give you a sense of their work and lifestyle habits and what kind of language they speak.
Generally, au pairs are young and between 18 and 26. This age range assures that they can handle the physical demands of child care.
Many au pairs will take a post-secondary study program in their host country during their stay. This will be beneficial for them in the future. They may want to study a subject that will help them in their career, or they could enjoy learning something new while living in another country.
In addition to the studies that au pairs must complete in their home countries, there are also various opportunities for au pairs to get to know Americans through cultural activities. For example, many au pairs will visit museums and other cultural landmarks to learn more about the host country.
Many au pairs will travel to different cities during their time in America. This can be a fun and exciting experience for both the au pair and the family. But communicate your expectations about travel and vacations with your potential au pair.
Get to Know Your Au Pair
To find the right au pair for your family, you must get to know them and their needs. This will ensure that you have a smooth transition once they arrive at your home and take care of your kids.
During interviews, it is best to ask plenty of questions about their background, education, experience, and goals for their au pair year. It shows that you are invested in them and are curious about what they have to offer you as a host family.
It also gives you an idea of their personalities and interactions with others. You can also use this opportunity to watch for body language, which will give you an idea of how they will act around the children in your home.
In addition, you should ask about her hobbies and activities. This will help you decide whether she will enjoy spending time with your kids and if they’ll be comfortable having her in their lives.
Finally, don’t forget to ask about important dates in your family’s lives – birthdays, death anniversaries, cultural holidays, and religious holidays. The au pair will be most homesick these days, and a little extra attention could help her feel more connected to your family.
Don’t Be Afraid to Trust Your Gut
The au pair’s job duties will vary depending on the family and country, but in general, an au pair’s primary responsibility should be to look after the children. This includes taking them to and from school, babysitting, playing with them, preparing meals, and cleaning up after them.
When choosing an au pair, it is essential to remember that this person is going to be living with you for a significant amount of time. This means they must be someone you can trust and enjoy spending time with.
In addition, many agencies offer Au pairs, such as Go Au Pair, a unique opportunity for families to enrich their children through cultural exchange and international experiences. They can also provide excellent support for single or multiple children.
Some au pairs have been mistreated by host families, so it is essential to take precautions when choosing an au pair. This includes communicating your expectations, such as salary and dietary restrictions, before signing the contract.
If an au pair does not respect the host family’s wishes and tries to exploit them, it can cause many problems. Fortunately, this does not occur often, but it can happen, so do not be afraid to stand up for yourself when it does.
Another thing to remember is that this differs from living with bad coworkers, where you can escape them by leaving the room or going home. You will live with your new family for a considerable period, so don’t be afraid to let your gut tell you something is wrong with them.
Be Flexible
When it comes to selecting the right au pair for your family, flexibility is critical. Choosing a flexible au pair will help you get the best care for your children while keeping an outstanding work-life balance.
Whether it is a short-term or long-term au pair placement, flexibility is essential because of the time difference and the different needs of each host family. Flexibility allows you to have the child care you need at any time, and it will help you avoid any unnecessary expenses or hassles.
It can also help you maintain a good work-life balance and focus on your career goals. Many parents find a live-in au pair more affordable and flexible than a babysitter or nanny.
You will work with your au pair day in and day out for at least a year, so choose someone who will fit nicely into your lifestyle. This can be challenging, but it’s essential to go with your gut and select an au pair to make you happy and your children feel comfortable.
To start your search, contact au pair agencies that offer au pair placements in the countries you’re interested in. These agencies will be able to provide you with a shortlist of candidates that match your requirements, and they can also invite you to video call with any potential au pairs that catch your eye.
