Both of my girls play the piano, one to a high standard. I am a bit of an OCD freak, so I would always do this when I can or do with the au pair.Īnyway, back to the question…I would whittle down the search by responding to those that asked questions and genuinely seemed interested in the children, their likes and dislikes, hobbies, interests, schooling, music etc etc. Both of my children help the au pair with the hoovering and polishing when they can. But they would never be asked to do anything that I wouldn’t do, or that I wouldn’t give my kids to do. Of course, helping with general household jobs is part of the role. For me an au pair is not about the chores it’s about the engagement. Most au pairs said they loved this and it stood out from people that just listed chores and needs. I always tried to make my profile letter funny and honest. I looked for those that replied, and engaged rather than just sending a notification. I would ‘like’ and message quite a few au pairs that matched my search criteria. Q: How did you decide which au pair to match with? Thanks to the love and dedication of my au pairs, I have two happy, emotionally well balanced and bright young children. We ensured that the time and hours worked by the au pair was made up and paid back. If something serious happens at work, meaning I have to stay on (sometimes this has been for days – I literally have not seen my children for a week at a time, and this happened quite often before I changed departments)…I was always able to relax, knowing they were safe, in routine, homework done, a hot and healthy meal in their tummies and to bed on time. They have only extended my family for the better. ![]() They have told me off, made me see sense, laughed with me, cried with me, drank copious amounts of wine and danced around the house with me. They have been there through some of the worst times of my life, been a pillar of strength, a shoulder to cry on. Personally, they have each made me grow as a person. I also, (as much as I hate to admit it) am not the most maternal of people.Īn au pair for me, offers stability, routine, friendship, a big sister, a confidant, love, fun and support for my girls. To be rushed to breakfast clubs or after school clubs. I never wanted either of my children to be bounced between friends or family. My hours of work can be in excess of 18+ a day. ![]() Q: Why did you use an au pair (instead of daycare, nanny, etc.?) My au pairs have all become so much more than ‘a friend’ – they have become surrogate daughters to both Julian and I. I didn’t want a ‘live in’ maid or ‘servant’ – I wanted an extension on our family and a friend. She went to her room as soon as her chores were complete. ![]() One thing I noticed about the au pair I had originally met, was that she wasn’t really a part of the family. I learnt that an au pair was a person 18-30 looking for a cultural exchange, who in return lived in with you. I recalled the au pair I had met and started to do some research. My position demanded 18+ hour days most of the time, so I knew that conventional nannies or nurseries were never going to work for us. I was worrying about how we would cope with the demands of our jobs and a child. My husband and I live over three hours away from my parents and siblings, and he has no family, so when I got pregnant I panicked a little. I had a nanny as a child, as my mother was single at the time and also worked within the Emergency Services. I didn’t really understand what an au pair was until this point. I stayed overnight with her around 13 years ago and I was introduced to her au pair. I was traveling the UK, lecturing on a specific topic related to work, and met an amazing woman from the World Health Organization.
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