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Horror stories about being an Au-Pair or engaging an Au-Pair abound! The vast majority of Au-Pair placements are successful and happy and in many cases au pairs and host families become very good friends and stay in touch in the future. The following are likely to help.
When the Au-Pair arrives, give them a little time to settle in, and become used to you and your family. Please let them make a brief call home to let their family know they have arrived safely.
Be patient and don't forget that she is a long way from home. Everything will be new to her including your culture, your food, your home appliances, and even the way that you bring up your own children. She will need to feel welcomed into your home and your family. Treat the Au Pair as you would like someone to treat your own son or daughter, and remember that respect and understanding is a two-way thing for all relationships to work.
Homesickness can be a problem, in honesty the first 4 weeks are a settling in period for the au pair & also a learning period for the family.
Talk to the Au Pair. Remember that she has come to the UK to learn English, so it is important that she has the chance to communicate.
You may need to speak slowly and particularly distinctly but your Au-Pair's understanding will soon increase.
Always be patient if your Au Pair is trying to tell you something that she is having a problem with, as it has probably taken a lot of courage to discuss it with you and she will be nervous. If this should prove to be something that might create a problem, please give her credit for being honest with you and deal with it in a thoughtful and sensible manner.
No one likes to admit that their child can be difficult at times, but if you are aware that yours can be difficult or there is a specific problem, it will be in everyone's interest to point this out to the Au Pair from the start and discuss ways to avoid difficult situations when she is in sole charge. Get as much feedback as possible, as this will help to encourage and maintain a good relationship between you and the Au Pair so that she does not feel out of depth.
DON'T FORGET to give them a list of emergency telephone numbers, including your work number and G.P.
The initial settling-in period is a very important time both for the Au Pair and the family. Here are a few tips for making this work:
It is recognised that these are only guidelines and that the situation differs from family to family. Individual needs can be discussed when you register with the agency and we aim to match these.
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