Our most recent Au Pair get together: an evening well spent in Vancouver’s Gastown including good people, good pasta, and good pictures!
Unlike traditional daycare or after-school programs that have fixed hours, Au Pairs can provide a level of flexibility that aligns with your family’s unique schedule. Early morning drop-offs, late-night homework
help, or transportation to after-school activities—an Au Pair can help ensure your children are cared for when you need it most.
Early mornings, lunch packing, and ensuring that homework is completed are all part of the back-to- school routine. By helping with these daily duties, Au Pairs can support children‘s academic success and help them stay organized. In addition to having solid educational backgrounds, many Au Pairs are willing to tutor or help with homework.
It’s not always possible for parents to attend every school function or be home by 3 PM when school lets out due to hectic work schedules. Even when you are busy with work, an Au Pair can be a dependable,
trustworthy presence to make sure your child is supported, watched over, and safe.
When hiring an Au Pair, rather than using different rotating care givers or a large daycare, an Au Pair is
consistently part of your child’s daily routine. It allows them to build strong trusting relationships with
your children, and a stable loving environment where children feel secure and supported.
For families with more than one child, an Au Pair can be a more affordable option than enrolling each child in separate after-school care programs. Since the cost doesn’t increase with additional children,
the financial savings can be significant—while still providing a high level of personalized care.
Many Au Pairs also assist with light household duties related to the children, such as laundry, tidying up play areas, and preparing simple meals. This can free up precious time for parents to focus on work or
enjoy more quality time with their children.
The start of the school year is a time of transition and new routines. Hiring an Au Pair offers not just practical childcare solutions, but also emotional and educational benefits that support the entire family.
If you are seeking a flexible, enriching, and reliable childcare option this school season, welcoming an Au Pair into your home might be the perfect fit.Ready to get started? Contact us at [email protected] to find an Au Pair for your family!
Mutual Respect
Au Pair means “on par” or equal. The Au Pair is considered a member of the family during the temporary period of the Au Pair stay. It refers to a cultural exchange for a young person from a foreign country that lives with a Host family. It’s important the Host family care for their Au Pair the way they want to be cared for as a young adult living in someone else’s home in another country. Remember that the Au Pair is a young adult, their behavior will be appropriate for their age group. Things will be strange or unfamiliar for them so be a good support and guide system for them. The Host family respecting their Au Pair will give their children an example of how to respect them.
Patience and Understanding
Building a strong relationship takes time. Both the Host family and the Au Pair should exercise patience and understanding, particularly during the adjustment period. Recognizing and empathizing with each other’s challenges and experiences can help foster a compassionate and supportive dynamic.
Communication
Building a good relationship with the Au Pair is important. It’s necessary for the Host family to listen to the needs of their Au Pair and state their needs as well. They will both have to compromise from there to help build a successful relationship. The Host family and Au Pair need to keep communicating about their needs until they both feel comfortable and happy with the compromises. Communication is the key to a successful relationship. Both of them will have to cooperate on how they will be explaining the things to the kids. This will make it easier for them to be consistent and prevent conflicts. Children learn things easier when the people living with them explain things in a consistent manner. It’s also important that the Host family sit down with the Au Pair and talk about discipline. Both of them will have to discipline the children in the same way so the children won’t get confused on what they are being taught. With that, It is recommended the Host family keeps a clear schedule and expectations for the Au Pair when it comes to everyday tasks and childcare.
Cultural Exchange
Embracing and valuing cultural exchange enriches the relationship between a Host family and the Au Pair. Both parties can learn from each other’s customs, traditions, and languages. Engaging in cultural activities, sharing experiences, and fostering an inclusive environment contributes to a positive connection.
Check In Meetings
It would be wise for the Host family to set up weekly check in meetings with their Au Pair.
This will be the perfect opportunity for all of them to sit together and discuss any concerns, answer any questions, and how to go on moving forward. Weekly check in meetings will prevent any unresolved feelings or questions.
If the Host Family and Au Pair can incorporate these qualities into the relationship, they will create a bond that could last a lifetime! Remember, every relationship is unique, and successful dynamics can vary. It’s important for both the Host family and the Au Pair to actively contribute to the relationship, nurture mutual understanding, and work together to create a positive and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.