Your au pair is like your family’s new big sister. They drop kids off, whip up meals and assist with homework. They also cultivate a worldly perspective right in your living room.
Choosing the perfect match requires careful interviewing and thoughtful consideration. These tips can help you find the best au pair for your family!
When families embark on finding reliable childcare assistance, a common inquiry arises: How to find an au pair? Exploring reputable agencies, considering cultural compatibility, and understanding visa requirements are crucial steps in connecting with a suitable au pair to meet the household’s unique needs.
When searching for an au pair, the process can seem daunting and time-consuming. But if you’re prepared for a long-winded search and know how to weed out bad matches, you can end up with an au pair that fits in perfectly and becomes part of your family tapestry.
During the au pair application process, you’ll review applicants and interview them via email and video chat to ensure they match your needs. It is important to establish your “non-negotiables,” such as language skills, experience with children of a certain age, or even their interests. This way, you can avoid making compromises that you’ll later regret.
Another important aspect to consider is the location of your home. For example, living on a farm in the countryside may sound romantic, but it can be isolating without access to public transit. In addition, you’ll need to ensure your Au Pair has a private bedroom and can be easily reached in an emergency.
It’s also important to consider whether or not you have pets and what kind of schedule your children have. If you have younger kids, for example, your Au Pair will need to be able to handle them and have some flexibility in their work hours.
A good time to begin the search is right after your holiday breaks. Au pairs can apply for the program as far in advance as a year before they’d like to join an American family, so the earlier you start looking, the more options you’ll have. This gives you the best chance of catching a great candidate just as they enter the matching pool.
Once you’ve selected an Au Pair, you’ll finalize their arrival date and discuss the details of their arrangement. They’ll handle booking flights, visa securing, and all other essential arrangements to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Choosing an au pair is not unlike finding a soulmate: it takes some time and patience but can be well worth the investment. By ensuring you’re selecting an au pair who will be a happy fit for your family and help your children thrive, you’ll have a wonderful addition to your household in no time. Good luck!
Know Your Needs and Deal Breakers
Choosing a host family for your au pair is one of your biggest decisions. And while there is no perfect match, finding a happy and harmonious pairing is possible. The key is knowing your deal breakers and finding a family that understands them.
For example, some families have very strict rules about screen time and limiting device usage. Others have specific requests about their au pairs’ responsibilities, working hours and involvement in household chores. Discussing these issues with potential hosts early in the interview process is important.
Other things to clarify include a daily routine, activities the family participates in (such as regular family trips and hobbies), and a home environment. For instance, the comfort of an au pair’s room is crucial for their well-being. Ensure it is comfortable and provides everything they need for a successful au pair year. Ask about the family’s house rules and how they expect their au pair to interact with their children. Also, get clarity about any travel opportunities and whether or not the family will provide an au pair with a separate bedroom.
Get to Know Your Au Pair
During your interview, please get to know your au pair by asking about her interests and values. It’s also good to ask about her work experience and whether she has had any au pairs. Lastly, ask about her family’s schedule and what she will do when not providing child care.
Another great question to ask is how she feels about socializing with others. The answer can give you much insight into her personality and how she will fit into your family.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to interview your au pair’s previous au pairs, especially if they have had a long-term relationship with the host family. This is a fantastic way to gauge whether the au pair is a good fit and can handle the responsibilities of her role. This is also an excellent opportunity to explain the ins and outs of your family’s expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page. Deciphering workload limits, house rules and vacation time from the start can help you and your au pair build a strong foundation for your relationship.
Create a Positive Living Environment
Personalized child care and cultural immersion are reasons many families choose au pairs to help with everyday household tasks. Plus, au pairs usually receive a weekly or monthly stipend and room and board – making them more cost-effective than other childcare solutions.
When finding the perfect au pair, your family’s personality is key. Make sure to communicate openly during the email and video interview process. That way, you can see how their personality aligns with your family’s needs and deal breakers. You can also ask about their previous experiences as an au pair and listen carefully to their answers to determine whether they fit.
It’s also important to provide a supportive living environment. Whether it’s easing their homesickness or helping them navigate cultural nuances, your support is crucial. Plan an orientation period to help them settle in and get to know your family. This will be a great opportunity to set expectations, explain house norms, and show them around the neighborhood.
They love all things cultural exchange. They help working moms juggle their mom, work, and spouse life and fill in the blanks through their books, courses, and coaching programs.
Before making a final decision, ask au pair candidates detailed questions about their experiences and responsibilities. It’s also a good idea to invite them on a video call so you can get a feel for their personality and how they might interact with your family members.
Since au pairs live with their employers, it’s easy for the line between work and personal life to blur. Ensure your candidate understands the nature of the job by asking about their expectations and whether she feels the responsibilities are balanced. From the start, clear communication about working hours, time off, and household rules will set the tone for a smooth transition into your merry little family.