Becoming an au pair is an exciting adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a foreign language while providing valuable childcare. However, before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to ensure that both you and your host family are a good match. Asking the right questions during your initial conversations can help set clear expectations and pave the way for a positive experience. Here are some essential questions to ask your potential host family:
1. What are the children’s routines and responsibilities?
Understanding the daily schedule and specific responsibilities you’ll be handling is crucial. Ask about:
- The children’s school and activity schedules.
- Your role in helping with homework, school runs, and extracurricular activities.
- Household chores related to the children, such as meal preparation, laundry, and cleaning their rooms.
2. What are the house rules and family values?
Every family has its own set of rules and values. Clarify these to ensure you align with their lifestyle:
- Curfew times and visitor policies.
- Rules around screen time and internet usage.
- Expectations regarding your participation in family meals and events.
3. What are your expectations for discipline and childcare philosophy?
It’s important to understand the family’s approach to parenting and discipline to maintain consistency for the children:
- Methods used for disciplining and rewarding the children.
- Approaches to managing challenging behavior.
- Preferred activities and ways to keep the children engaged and entertained.
4. What does a typical week look like for the au pair?
Gain a clear picture of your working hours and free time:
- Your expected weekly schedule and hours.
- Flexibility in your schedule and expectations for evenings and weekends.
- Possibility of occasional overtime and how it will be compensated.
5. What are the living arrangements and amenities?
Comfortable living conditions are essential for your well-being:
- Your living space and level of privacy.
- Access to a car or public transportation.
- Availability of internet, a phone, or other amenities.
6. How will we handle communication and conflict resolution?
Effective communication is key to a harmonious living situation:
- Preferred methods of communication (e.g., regular check-ins, meetings).
- Approach to resolving conflicts or misunderstandings.
- Availability for addressing concerns or feedback.
7. What opportunities are there for cultural exchange and learning?
Some of the perks of being an au pair are the advantages of cultural exchange and language learning. Get to know
- Opportunities for you to learn the local language and culture.
- Family traditions or events they’d like you to participate in.
- Support for any courses or activities you’re interested in pursuing during your stay.
- Registered au pair agencies and their support services, like Optimal Aupair.
8. What support and resources are available?
Ensuring you have support can make your experience smoother:
- Access to au pair networks or local support groups – we have all this information for you should you take Europe as your destination.
- Family’s experience with previous au pairs and what made those relationships successful.
- Resources provided for your integration, such as maps, guides, or local contacts.
Final Thoughts
Asking these questions will help you get a comprehensive understanding of your potential host family and ensure you both have aligned expectations. Remember, this relationship is a two-way street, and it’s just as important for you to feel comfortable and supported as it is for the host family to trust you with their children. Good luck with your au pair journey! Do not forget to contact our office even if it means just for a cup of coffee :-).